Royal Parks gardeners to strike over pay
Gardeners employed by the landscaping subcontractor Idverde are set to walk out next week after rejecting a proposed 70p‑per‑hour pay rise. The industrial action, announced on Monday, will affect the historic Royal Parks in London, including Hyde Hyde and Kensington Gardens. With the parks open to millions of visitors each year, a prolonged strike could disrupt maintenance, visitor experience and public safety, making the dispute a notable business story.
Key takeaways
- Idverde staff will strike after refusing a modest 70 p per hour wage increase.
- The walkout is scheduled for 12 May 2026 and could last several weeks.
- Royal Parks risk reduced garden upkeep, litter control and path safety.
- Union leaders warn the dispute may spark wider public‑sector pay debates.
Background
The Royal Parks are managed by the Royal Parks Agency, but day‑to‑day horticultural work is contracted out to Idverde, a Spanish‑owned firm operating across the UK. Over the past year, inflation has outpaced wage growth, prompting staff to demand higher earnings. Negotiations between Idverde and the GMB union have stalled, with the union accusing the company of offering a “token” increase that fails to match the cost‑of‑living surge.
What happened
On 5 May 2026, Idverde presented a revised pay offer of an extra 70 p per hour, equivalent to roughly a 3 % raise. Union representatives rejected the proposal, citing recent wage data from the Office for National Statistics that show a 7 % rise in living costs since early 2024. The subsequent ballot resulted in a 78 % majority in favour of industrial action, prompting Idverde to issue a formal strike notice for 12 May.
Why it matters
The Royal Parks attract over 20 million visitors annually, generating significant economic activity for nearby vendors and tourism operators. A strike could lead to overgrown lawns, delayed planting, and compromised safety on footpaths—issues that have previously forced closures in other public spaces. The situation mirrors broader labour tensions, such as the Start of England's community rugby season postponed due to staffing shortages, highlighting how pay disputes can ripple across unrelated sectors. Moreover, the strike underscores the challenges faced by subcontracted workers who often lack the bargaining power of direct public‑sector employees.
What happens next
Idverde has pledged to return to the negotiating table within 48 hours of the strike’s commencement, though no new timetable has been disclosed. If talks fail, the union has warned that further action, including a possible escalation to a full‑scale walkout across all Royal Parks, may follow. The Royal Parks Agency has indicated it will monitor the situation closely and may deploy temporary maintenance crews to mitigate any immediate health‑and‑safety risks. Stakeholders are advised to follow updates on Chronicle News for real‑time coverage.
Frequently asked questions
When is the strike scheduled to begin?
The strike is set to start at 9 a.m. on 12 May 2026 and will initially run for three days, with the possibility of extension depending on negotiations.
How many workers are involved?
Approximately 250 gardeners and horticultural assistants employed by Idverde across the eight Royal Parks are slated to participate in the action.
Will visitors be charged extra for park entry during the strike?
No additional entry fees are planned; however, visitors may experience reduced services such as fewer guided tours and limited garden maintenance.
Bottom line
Royal Parks gardeners will strike after rejecting a 70 p hourly pay rise, threatening the upkeep of London’s most visited green spaces. The outcome could set a precedent for subcontracted public‑sector workers across the UK. Reporting by BBC News.
