Alongside PCS and Prospect, the FDA has warned the Minister for the Cabinet Office David Lidington to withdraw the civil service pay guidance or face legal action.

FDA General Secretary Dave Penman, PCS General Secretary Mark Serwotka and Prospect General Secretary Mike Clancy met with Lidington on 27 June to request that, following a shambolic consultation exercise, he withdraw the Civil Service Pay Guidance and begin fresh and meaningful consultation with the unions.

Lidington has since responded and, despite apologising for the nature of the consultation exercise, refused to withdraw the guidance and engage meaningfully with the civil service unions.

After a further letter to the Chief Secretary to the Treasury received no response, we decided to take further action. We have instructed our lawyers to write to Lidington to request that the Government withdraws the civil service pay guidance and undertakes a process of appropriate consultation. In the absence of an appropriate response, we will be issuing proceedings for Judicial Review.

Commenting on the possibility of Judicial Review, FDA General Secretary Dave Penman said: “This is not a decision we have taken lightly. The involvement of the courts in industrial relations practice is usually a sign of failure, that is certainly the case here.

“We have tried every reasonable approach to engage with ministers sensibly but have been rebuffed at every turn.

“They must now recognise that they have one last chance to do what every progressive employer should: engage those that represent their staff in a meaningful way for mutual benefit. If not, we remain ready and willing to act.”

The General Secretaries of FDA, PCS and Prospect have issued a joint statement, which can be viewed below.