Commenting today (Wednesday) on Liberal Democrat public sector pay proposals, UNISON General Secretary Dave Prentis said:
“Public sector workers have paid a high price under austerity and the harsh economic policies imposed by a government of which the Liberal Democrats were part. No-one could blame them for viewing these latest promises somewhat cynically.
“With inflation currently flat-lining, it’s easy for the Deputy Prime Minister to make pay promises. What he’s really offering NHS staff and council employees is two more years of their wages standing still.
“With the election just weeks away, Nick Clegg is now trying to show that he understands the financial hardship experienced by public servants.
“Five years of wage freezes and capped pay have meant tough times across the civil service, local government and the NHS. It’s time to make good the damage done to household budgets by years of falling real pay.
“Public servants deserve a decent pay rise – one that helps their wages catch up with living standards after the years of pay misery.”