The government has recommended offering millions of public sector workers below inflation pay increases.
Judges, police officers, teachers, nurses doctors and dentists across England and Wales will be offered a 3.5% pay increase under proposals.
The recommendations will now be considered by independent pay review bodies.
Public sector workers are holding strike action after rejecting last years pay deal.
Various government departments published their evidence to pay review bodies for the 2023-24 financial year on Tuesday.
Pay review bodies can decide to suggest a higher award but the government will make a final decision.
The government has left room for increases above 3.5% for some workers, if the economic outlook improves, cuts are made elsewhere or borrowing is increased.
Pay proposals at-a-glance:
- Nurses in England would get 3.5% in 2023-24
- Doctors and dentists in England would get 3.5% in 2023-24
- Police officers in England and Wales would get an increase of 3.5% in 2023-24
- Teachers‘ starting salary in England increased to £30,000
- “Experienced teachers“, which covers the majority of the workforce, would see a 3% pay rise in 2023-24
- Judges in England and Wales would be offered 3.5%
- Prison officers in England and Wales to see a £2,000 pay increase for those on the lowest band ranging to £500 for those on highest band
The Royal College of Nursing has called off next week’s 48-hour strike in England to re-start talks with the government following the new pay recommendations.
The government has given the National Education Union an ultimatum to call off teachers strikes next week across the North of England if it wants to negotiate pay.
Latest figures show for inflation was 10.1% in January, down from 10.5% in December 2022.
