Campaign reply - Ensure fair pay for public services workers

Thank you for contacting my office. I very much appreciate you getting in touch about public sector pay.

I am grateful for the commitment and selflessness of public sector workers who have kept people safe and ensured vital services could continue through the pandemic. Their work has been exemplary. This Government wants to ensure that it continues to attract the best and brightest to work for the Civil Service, and that it rewards hard working staff fairly.

That is why I am glad the Spending Review 2021 announced that public sector workers will see pay rises over the next three years as the recovery in the economy and labour market allows a return to a normal pay-setting process. As I understand it, the Government will be seeking recommendations from Pay Review Bodies (PRB) where applicable. I am assured by colleagues that PRB's will consider a range of evidence when forming their recommendations, including the need to recruit, retain and motivate suitably able and qualified people; the financial circumstances of government; the government’s policies for improving public services; and the government’s inflation target.

For those in roles not covered by Pay Review Bodies, updated Civil Service Pay Remit Guidance for 2022/23 has now been published. This year's guidance sets out that Civil Service organisations are able to make pay awards of up to 3 per cent. They will have freedom to pay average awards up to 2 per cent, with a further 1 per cent to be targeted at specific priorities in their workforce and pay strategies.

Regarding MP’s pay, The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, IPSA, has decided that the annual adjustment to MPs’ basic pay for 2022-23 will be the same as the average increase in pay for public sector employees last year. IPSA's Chair stated that “this is the first increase in pay for MPs in two years and follows the average of increases across the public sector last year."

Once again, thank you for taking the time to write. If you require any further assistance, then please do not hesitate to get in touch.