Tuesday 14 April 2026
For immediate release
Protests by Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea council workers over travel allowance, says UNISON
Council workers at Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea will protest today (Tuesday) over plans to scrap their travel allowance, says UNISON.
Staff will gather outside Kensington Town Hall at 12.30pm to deliver a petition to the council signed by more than 500 employees.
As part of their terms and conditions, council staff currently receive a travel allowance that covers zones 1-2, depending on their hybrid working arrangements.
The move will leave almost 800 staff up to £1,788 a year worse off, at a time when many are already struggling with the rising cost of living, says the union.
UNISON London regional organiser Nathan Burns said: “The travel allowance scheme has been in place for over 30 years. It’s unacceptable for the council to strip it away without any consultation.
“The majority of staff have no choice but to live outside the borough due to high housing costs. The council must rethink this decision before it makes it even harder to recruit and retain the workforce it depends on.”
Notes to editors:
– The protest will take place at 12.30pm outside Kensington Town Hall, Hornton Street, London, W8 7NX.
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union, with more than 1.3 million members delivering public services across local government, the NHS, education, the police service and energy. Members work in the public, voluntary and private sectors.
Media contact:
Emma Davey E: e.davey@unison.co.uk M: 07432 733187
