MP asks PM to rule out public sector pay freeze

Ai rdr i e ’ s MP has challenged the Prime Minister to “unequivocally rule out” enforcing a public sector pay freeze as part of the UK’s economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.

Neil Gray says this is a move which would “hit frontline workers who have sacrificed so much in tackling the pandemic”.

During Prime Minister’s Questionss, Mr Gray warned Boris Johnson against pursuing Treasury plans reported earlier this year that could see key public sector workers, including nurses, police officers, firefighters and teachers, forced to pay the price as part of the Tories’ economic recovery blueprint during the coming months.

The MP instead called on the Tory leader to commit to fully funding a package to ensure key workers are remunerated to reflect their work in effectively fighting Covid-19, protecting people’s lives and delivering critical support to communities through the crisis.

Mr Gray said: “Reports earlier this year that the Treasury could look to enforce a public sector pay freeze as part of the UK government’s economic recovery from the coronavirus crisis would be nothing less than an unconscionable betrayal of our valued frontline workers.

“They must be protected, not punished.

“The fact the Prime Minister pointed to a two-year-old pay deal and failed to rule out a pay freeze will be deeply concerning for the heroes in frontline roles who have put their lives on the line.

“Rather than punishing nurses, teachers, police officers and other key frontline staff who have sacrificed so much in the fight against Covid-19, the Prime Minister must unequivocally rule out these reported plans and instead commit to fully funding a support package to ensure key workers are remunerated to reflect their brave efforts.”

Betrayal Mr Gray says the pay freeze would “hit frontline workers who have sacrificed so much”