We in the public sector face a pay freeze until April 2013, according to previous announcements from the Government. Now, in his autumn statement, Chancellor George Osborne has given us further unwelcome news and said he will impose a 1% cap on pay rises in 2013/4 and 2014/5!
This arbitary pay norm shows that no attention is being paid by him to the problems that workers face, given the significant rate of inflation and the existing pay freeze that has been inflicted on us since 2009. We have a government policy that seems to be intent on picking fights with public sector workers and our unions; rather than in ensuring that public services are improved and maintained and that those who provide them receive a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work.