UNITED KINGDOM
UK Public Service unions have called for an urgent meeting with Minister for the Treasury, Liz Truss (pictured) after their joint demand for an end to “pay guidance” limiting annual increases to an average of 1–1.5 per cent was turned down.
In a rare united position across the sector, Mark Serwotka (PSC), Mike Clancy (Prospect) and Dave Penman (FDA) said a fresh consultation was needed due to what they described as a “shambolic and contemptable process”.
However, Minister for the Cabinet Office, David Lidington and Minister for Implementation, Oliver Dowden issued a statement refusing to withdraw the guidance.
The union chiefs issued a joint statement saying the pay policy meant the Public Service was falling significantly behind the rest of the public sector on pay outcomes, also condemning the failure by employers to engage meaningfully with the unions.
“It is evident that those two issues are related,” the statement said.
“As General Secretaries, we have agreed to continue working as closely as possible on these issues for the common good of our members.”
It said while each union will clearly have to determine their own objectives and strategy for delivering them, the unions are committed to an honest and open dialogue to explore where a united approach can be achieved.
Responding to the unions’ statement, a Government spokesperson said PS employees did an outstanding job supporting the delivery of public services right across the country.
“This year’s pay guidance provides greater flexibility for Civil Service pay, striking a balance between rewarding our hardworking staff while ensuring good value for the taxpayer,” the spokesperson said.
The guidance replaces a 1 per cent cap on public sector annual pay rises that has been in place since 2012, following a two-year freeze.
London, 13 July 2018
