Sunday, December 15, 2024

 UK

PCS tells Starmer – boost workers’ pay!

The Prime Minister won’t achieve his aim of boosting people’s living standards without boosting workers’ pay.”

Fran Heathcote, PCS General Secretary

From the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS)

PCS has described as not a “good sign if this is the shape of things to come” tonight’s UK Government recommendation of a pay rise of 2.8% for millions of public sector workers including teachers, NHS staff and senior civil servants next year.

The BBC reported that the government said departments would have to fund 2025-26 and future pay increases from their own budgets and unlike in recent years there would be no additional money if recommended pay awards exceed what departments can afford.

It added that officials would have to consider whether additional costs could be covered through other savings or improvements in productivity. The recommendations will now be considered by independent pay review bodies.

PCS General Secretary Fran Heathcote said: “Although our members aren’t directly covered by the pay review body, this is not a good sign if it is the shape of things to come.

The Prime Minister won’t achieve his aim of boosting people’s living standards without boosting workers’ pay. Years of pay freezes and pay caps, which have seen real incomes tumble throughout the public sector, were a major contributor to flatlining growth.

The Prime Minister says that economic growth is the number one mission of his government. Pay restoration is part of the solution.


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