CHANCELLOR Alistair Darling has failed to rule out a pay freeze for public sector workers, sparking warnings of possible industrial action from union leaders.
Mr Darling said wage levels, to be announced within weeks, would have to reflect the low level of inflation and be “fair” to private sector workers facing a recession-fuelled pay squeeze.
He was responding to a call from the head of a spending watchdog for £5bn to be shaved from the wage bill to help the economy recover from the downturn.
But the prospect was greeted with fury by unions.
“Any interference is bound to be disruptive and could lead to unnecessary calls for industrial action,” Brian Strutton, national officer of the GMB, said.
And Unison general secretary Dave Prentis argued: “Low-paid public sector workers shouldn’t be expected to pay.
“At the same time, city bonuses are making a come-back with figures most workers can’t dream of earning in a lifetime.”
