Gardeners at The Royal Parks in London have voted to strike in a dispute over pay, with union members rejecting a proposed 70p-an-hour increase for skilled gardeners and team leaders that GMB described as "an insult", according to a BBC report published 14 August 2026. The workers, who are employed by sub-contractor Idverde, backed strike action by 95% on a 75% turnout, the BBC reported.
The disputed pay offer
At the centre of the dispute is a proposed pay rise of 70p an hour for skilled gardeners and team leaders working across the eight Royal Parks in London, the BBC reported. GMB said these workers are currently paid 55p an hour above the London Living Wage, which is set at £14.80. The union accused Idverde of failing to recognise and value the workers' skills and experience, and of treating the London Living Wage as a maximum rather than a minimum.
"Our members create and maintain these amazing spaces and to be offered 70p [extra per hour] is just an insult," said Anna Lee, GMB regional organiser, in the BBC report. "They are skilled, experienced professionals and they know what their labour is worth. We're calling on Idverde to get back round the table and offer our members a fair pay deal."
Positions of The Royal Parks and Idverde
A spokesperson for The Royal Parks said pay was a matter for Idverde, adding: "We recognise that this is a matter of concern for those involved and hope that a constructive resolution can be reached." The BBC said Idverde had been contacted for comment; the report did not include a response from the contractor.
The eight Royal Parks covered by the ballot
The ballot covers gardeners at all eight Royal Parks in London. The parks affected are:
| Park | Location |
|---|---|
| Bushy Park | London |
| Green Park | London |
| Greenwich Park | London |
| Hyde Park | London |
| Kensington Gardens | London |
| Regent's Park-Primrose Hill | London |
| Richmond Park | London |
| St James's Park | London |
Hyde Park, shown in the BBC's report with people walking, running and cycling through parched parkland during drought conditions, is one of the eight sites affected by the ballot.
Strike vote result and next steps
The BBC reported that the strike ballot achieved a 75% turnout, with 95% of participating workers voting in favour of strike action. The result gives GMB a mandate to pursue industrial action over the pay dispute, with the union pressing Idverde to return to negotiations with an improved offer. No strike date was stated in the BBC report.
The dispute underscores the pressure on sub-contractors managing public green spaces in London, with GMB arguing that the London Living Wage should operate as a floor rather than a ceiling for skilled outdoor workers. The Royal Parks, which manages the eight sites, has acknowledged the concern and signalled hope for a constructive resolution, while Idverde has yet to respond publicly as of the report's publication.
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