Deletion of spinal column point 2, NJC Green Book, April 2026
Posted on 06 February 2026
From - Helen Dixon – Pay & Reward Specialist - hr.rewards@staffordshire.gov.uk
To - All age groups for the attention of Headteachers
Action - Please communicate the changes to employees and casuals paid on NJC Green Book terms and conditions Grades 1,2,3,4 and 5 using the letter templates provided.
Please liaise directly with your payroll provider to check whether they require any additional information from you.
You will be aware from communications in January 2026 that as part of the national NJC Green Book negotiations for April 2025, it was agreed that spinal column point 2 will be deleted from 1 April 2026.
This is due to the ongoing impact of increases in the National Minimum Wage as the NJC Green Book pay spine must be compliant with National Living Wage rates.
Although the pay spines are agreed nationally, pay structures and pay grades are determined locally by individual councils.
Within the SCC pay structure, Grade 1 consists of a single spine, spinal column point 2, therefore there is a requirement to amend our pay structure to accommodate this change with effect from 1st April 2026.
Changes
Following a collective consultation process with the recognised Green Book trade unions, (Unison, Unite the Union and GMB) a revised pay structure has been agreed (please find attached) from 1 April 2026.
| Grade |
Current SCP |
SCP from 1 April 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Grade 1 | SCP 2 | SCP 3 |
| Grade 2 | SCP 3 | SCP 4 |
| Grade 3 | SCP 4 | SCP 5 |
| Grade 4 | SCP 5 & 6 | SCP 6 & 7 |
| Grade 5 | SCP 6–9 | SCP 7-9 |
The key outcomes considered were:
- Retains Grade 1 to ensure hierarchy is maintained.
- Job evaluation ‘points to pay’ are maintained to ensure the Council remains equal pay compliant.
- Keeps the overall costs to a minimum.
- No financial detriment to employees.
Who does this affect?
These changes only affect employees on NJC Green Book terms & conditions paid grade 1,2,3,4 and 5. It is not relevant to employees on other grades or terms and conditions.
How will this affect employees?
The employee will remain on their current grade and for many employees the spinal column point and salary may increase.
Grade 1
Those employed on grade 1 SCP 2, will move to grade 1 SCP 3 with effect from 1 April 2026. This will result in a pay increase.
Grade 2
Those employed on grade 2, SCP 3 will move to grade 2 SCP 4 with effect from 1 April 2026. This will result in a pay increase.
Grade 3
Those employed on grade 3, SCP 4 will move into grade 3 SCP 5 with effect from 1 April 2026. This will result in a pay increase.
Grade 4
Those currently employed on grade 4, SCP 5 (current grade minimum within the two-spine grade), will move into grade 4 SCP 7 (new grade maximum) with effect from 1 April 2026. This is based on the change to the grade minimum and the normal annual incremental progression within the grade. This will result in a pay increase.
For those currently employed on grade 4 SCP 5 (current grade minimum) and appointed into post between 1 October 2025 and 31 March 2026, they will move into grade 4 SCP 6 (new grade minimum) with effect from 1 April 2026. This is based on the change to the grade minimum. This will result in a pay increase. Then, on the sixth month of being appointed into this post, they will progress to grade 4 SCP 7 (new grade maximum), in line with NJC Green Book Terms and Conditions.
For those currently employed on grade 4, SCP 6 (current grade maximum) they will move into grade 4 SCP 7 (new grade maximum) with effect from 1 April 2026. This is based on the change to the grade maximum This will result in a pay increase.
Grade 5
Those currently employed on grade 5, SCP 6 (current grade minimum), they will move into grade 5, SCP 8 with effect from 1 April 2026. This is based on the change to the grade minimum (to SCP 7) as well as the normal annual incremental progression within the grade. This will result in a pay increase.
For those currently employed on grade 5 SCP 6 (current grade minimum) and appointed into post between 1 October 2025 and 31 March 2026, they will move into grade 5 SCP 7 (new grade minimum) with effect from 1 April 2026. This is based on the change to the grade minimum. This will result in a pay increase. Then, on the sixth month of being appointed into post, they will progress to grade 5 SCP 8, in line with NJC Green Book Terms and Conditions.
For those currently employed at grade 5 SCP 7 or 8, they will progress to the next spinal column point within the grade on 1 April 2026 or on the six-month anniversary if they were appointed into post between 1 October 2025 and 31 March 2026.
For those currently employed at the grade 5 maximum (SCP 9), there will be no change to their spinal column point or salary.
This change is separate to the 2026 national pay award which will be implemented following agreement via the annual pay negotiation process.
What happened next?
You should communicate the changes to directly affected employees/casuals by end March 2026 (see attached template letters).
The Pay & Reward Team have advised your payroll provider of the changes to the pay structure in order for this to be actioned in April 2026 payroll. Please liaise directly with your payroll provider to check whether they require any additional information from you
Should you have any queries please email hr.reward@staffordshire.gov.uk
