Dear members,

As you are aware Fórsa members who work in information and communication technology (ICT) roles in local authorities recently voted in favour of taking industrial action.

Yesterday, Tuesday 13th January, the Local Government and Local Services divisional executive committee (DEC) met and approved a recommendation from the disputes committee that will oversee this industrial action.

From Wednesday 28th January 2026, Fórsa ICT members working in local authorities will:

• Cease all out-of-hours work
• Cease all engagement with third parties, including contractors, vendors, the LGMA, and others.

Union members are protected while on industrial action. Now, is the time to prepare your colleagues for the action ahead and tell your colleagues who aren’t yet members of the union to join. 

Fórsa will serve notice to individual local authorities and the LGMA. 

ICT professionals in local authorities are essential workers, who ensure the smooth delivery of digital public services. Their work underpins local authorities across this country. We need to ensure their work is properly recognised, that they have proper career pathways, and fair working conditions.

We are finalising a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) document that will issue over the coming days, as will further updates. 

Finally, I have made clear to the LGMA that we remain available for solution focussed meaningful discussions. 

Yours in solidarity,

Richy Carrothers
National Secretary