PUBLIC SECTOR PAY: STAFFING BLACK HOLE WILL BECOMING GAPING CHASM WITH ANOTHER REAL-TERMS PAY CUT

It can’t be right that public sector workers have been rewarded for their pandemic efforts by yet more pay cuts, says GMB Union

Today’s announcement on public sector pay in England, which for NHS workers comes four months late, is another kick in the teeth, said GMB.

With RPI inflation standing at 11.7 per cent, the offer represents another real-terms cut for public sector workers.

The offer would also represent a cut against the Government’s preferred CPI measure, which stands at 9.1 per cent.

GMB will now consult members on the pay offer.

Laurence Turner, GMB Head of Research and Policy, said:

“An offer below inflation is a cut by another name. Recruitment and retention problems are now severe across the public sector and Ministers are failing to invest in the services that the economic recovery needs.

“Real NHS wages have fallen by 15% since 2010 and workers are risking their lives to protect patients. Key workers have been driven to loans and food banks to make ends meet – they deserve so much better than this.

“GMB will now ballot our members on the offer, but there should be no doubt – everyone has their breaking point, and without a fundamental change we will not be able to deliver the public services that the country needs.”