Bath & North East Somerset Council is introducing apprenticeship opportunities for recycling workers affected by recent pay grade changes under its “Being Our Best” (BOB) restructuring programme. This initiative aims to support staff—many with decades of service—transitioning to lower pay grades without an actual loss of income, thanks to a pay protection policy.
The restructuring impacts 233 employees within the passenger transport and waste and recycling departments. Apprenticeships will provide a pathway for these workers to regain higher pay grades by completing a level II qualification, with training offered through Bath College or onsite at the Keynsham Recycling Centre on Pixash Lane.
Council director of people and change, Cherry Bennett, reported that 133 staff members expressed interest in participating. However, she acknowledged that some employees nearing retirement—within three to four years—might be hesitant to commit to the 18-month apprenticeship duration.
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Existing employees recovering through apprenticeships will maintain their current salary during training and be eligible to advance upon completion. New hires start at level I and will have equal opportunities to participate after probation. The employment committee unanimously approved the regrading plan, noting no objections from trade unions.
The BOB restructuring marks a significant overhaul, reducing nearly a thousand job descriptions to 375 streamlined role profiles. Despite achieving organizational clarity, committee chair Ian Halsall commented that the process had not met expected cost efficiencies.
This move follows prior protests in 2025, when pay grade changes affected six driver and recycling operative roles, leading the council to enhance its pay protection policy to safeguard staff salaries.