NHM management decided to take a cautious approach to the 2014 pay offer, despite record visitor numbers and successful exhibitions.  Yet again, staff were fobbed off with promises of “jam tomorrow” – with a review of pay & reward at the planning stage.

However other National Museums have exploited flexibilities agreed with DCMS over pay, borrowing and procurement.  There have already been several settlements of 1.5% in the sector, including South Kensington neighbours: the Science Museum and the V&A.

At a pay meeting, members were angry that management have failed to maximise the possible pay offer.  Members are having to cope with big increases in pension contributions, travel costs & energy bills. In a consultative ballot, with a strong turnout, there was unanimous rejection of the offer and very strong support for a campaign to improve the offer.