Public sector pay should not be frozen, says Fed chair

20 November 2020

Freezing the pay of public sector workers who have worked so hard to maintain services during the pandemic should not even be considered as a way to help the Government cope with the economic crisis.

That is the view of Pete Musgrave, chair of Humberside Police Federation.

Pete was responding to speculation that Chancellor Rishi Sunak may announce the Government will freeze the pay of more than five million public sector workers in next week’s Comprehensive Spending Review.

“Of course, we appreciate that the Government needs to try to tackle the economic crisis. However, I think it is fundamentally wrong to expect those who have worked so hard to serve their communities during the pandemic to accept a pay freeze. While working on the front-line, they have not only risked their own health but also faced anxiety as they worried about passing on Covid-19 to their families,” says Pete.

John Apter, national Federation chair, has also warned the Government that a pay freeze this would be ‘unforgiveable’ and ‘a betrayal’.

He said: “Given the personal sacrifices made by public sector workers during this pandemic and following years of public sector pay freezes, such a move would be morally bankrupt. My colleagues deserve much more.

“During the pandemic, Government ministers have thanked and celebrated key workers in the public sector, even clapping on doorsteps to show their support. To freeze their pay and penalise these same workers would be complete hypocrisy.

“In real terms over the past decade, police officers have suffered an 18 per cent cut in pay - so speculation that there are more real term cuts to come will not be well received by rank and file police officers, who bravely stepped up and helped to keep the country moving.

“I am not naïve - I know the country is facing a difficult financial future. But cutting the pay of key workers is not the solution.

“I appreciate this is just speculation at this stage, but also know how these stories often come out to test public reaction. Well, let me be clear – a pay freeze is not acceptable, and would be seen as a complete betrayal by this Government.”

Both Pete and John have urged the Chancellor to speak up on behalf of public sector workers and express the Government’s appreciation for their efforts.