Information and communications technology (ICT) workers in local authorities will begin industrial action later this month following a nationwide ballot where Fórsa members voted in favour of taking action over pay, grading, and professional recognition. 

From Wednesday 28th January 2026, Fórsa members working in ICT roles across local authorities will cease all out-of-hours work and withdraw from engagement with third parties, including contractors, vendors and the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA). 

The action follows what the union has described as “years of management inaction” despite repeated engagement efforts and formal processes. 

Fórsa national secretary Richy Carrothers said the decision to escalate came only after ICT staff exhausted every available avenue for resolution. “If management continue with the strategy of frustrate and delay tactics by dragging their heels and inaction, then we’ll meet that with industrial action.   

“For more than five years, we’ve sought meaningful engagement with the LGMA on pay, grading and recognition for ICT roles,” he said. “Despite detailed proposals, reports, and engagement at the Workplace Relations Commission, there has been no tangible progress. Our members’ patience has understandably run out. We’re no longer willing to tolerate this behaviour.” 

The ballot, which opened in late November, covered around 300 ICT staff nationally, and activists in Fórsa say that number has now grown significantly due to a surge in membership during the campaign. 

ICT workers play a central role in the delivery of digital public services, supporting everything from internal council systems to public-facing platforms and cybersecurity. Workloads have expanded significantly in recent years as local authorities pursue digitalisation, while staffing levels, grading structures and pay have failed to keep pace. 

Richy said the mismatch between responsibility and recognition is now affecting service delivery. “Local authorities are struggling to retain ICT workers. Morale is low and the Government’s digitalisation goals are at risk,” he said. 

The union points to the introduction of mandatory third-level qualifications for ICT roles as evidence that the nature of the work has fundamentally changed. “The role has become more complex and more demanding, yet pay and grading remain stuck in the past,” Richy said. 

Chair of Fórsa’s ICT Committee in local authorities, Paul Barker said members feel their goodwill has been taken for granted. “It’s demoralising to see our work undervalued while expectations continue to rise,” he said. “ICT workers are committed to keeping services running for the public, but that commitment has not been matched with fair treatment.” 

The dispute centres on three key union claims: a sector-wide review of ICT grading and pay, benchmarking roles against equivalent professional grades elsewhere in the public sector; the establishment of a National ICT Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Committee to oversee career pathways and skills development; and a nationally agreed framework for out-of-hours work to ensure consistent and fair compensation. 

Paul said the claims are aimed at creating sustainability and proper support for staff: “Our proposals are about ensuring ICT roles are properly resourced and recognised as the backbone of local government digital services,” he said. 

Following the ballot result, Fórsa’s Local Government and Local Services divisional executive committee approved a recommendation from its disputes committee to proceed with industrial action. The union has confirmed that formal notice has been served on individual local authorities and the LGMA. 

Under the initial phase of action, members will withdraw from unpaid or informal labour that has become routine in ICT services, particularly out-of-hours availability and liaison with external bodies. Fórsa has warned that there will be “inevitable impacts” if the dispute is not resolved. 

“There will be an existential threat to local government services if this is not taken seriously,” Richy said.  

“ICT professionals underpin local authorities across the country. If they step back from the additional duties they have been carrying, the effects will be felt internally, publicly and politically.” 

“This is simply about a fair and sustainable future for the ICT workforce and local government’s digital plans,” Paul said. “Now we have the opportunity to fight for proper grading, a clear career path and recognition of the responsibilities they carry. Anyone participating in our industrial action is legally protected. So don’t be afraid of standing up for yourself.  Make an effort to speak to any colleagues who haven’t yet joined. Now is the time to get people on board.” 

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