Debate begins over Spending Review with £1.6bn for Wales but criticism over public sector pay plan

A decision to freeze the pay of public sector workers as “disgraceful” by the North Wales Police Federation, as the debate over today’s Spending Review begins.

This afternoon UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak announced that there would be no increase to wages for most public sector workers as part of his spending plans, which he insisted would result in more money for health, education and the police.

In his speech Mr Sunak said there would “a pay rise to over a million nurses, doctors and others working in the NHS” – with 2.1 million public sector workers who earn below the median wage of £24,000, “guaranteed a pay rise of at least £250.”

But today’s announcement has been criticised by the North Wales Police Federation, which has called for the UK Government to “put money where its mouth is and value the brave men and women who protect and serve us all.”

Mark Jones, general secretary of the North Wales Police Federation said: “Government ministers have been happy to stand on the doorsteps of Downing Street and clap away to thank key workers; they are more than prepared to gush with praise when police officers have run into danger when others run away yet with today’s announcement by the Chancellor the true feelings towards police officers are laid bare.

“Throughout the Coronavirus pandemic, police officers have had no choice but to continue to respond to 999 calls, to continue to protect the most vulnerable in society.

“Every single day they have risked their own health, safety and wellbeing plus that of their loved ones to protect our communities. Police officers have contracted COVID-19 and every day they go to work they risk bringing a silent, unseen killer in to their homes.

“Empty, hollow platitudes from Government mean nothing. Police officers are still recovering after years of austerity and a real terms pay cut of 18%.

“We await the finer detail but on first glance this is not a good day for police officers. Government literally need to put their money where their mouth is and value the brave men and women who protect and serve us all.”

Pictured: Mark Jones, General Secretary of the North Wales Police Federation

Unison has claimed the freeze represents a return to austerity – an accusation which Mr Sunak denied.

General secretary Dave Prentis said: “This is austerity plain and simple. A decade of spending cuts left public services exposed when Covid came calling. The government is making the same disastrous mistake again.

“Going after the pay of millions will be a bitter pill for key workers getting the UK through the pandemic and out the other side.

“The Chancellor wants to pause the pay of care, school, council and other public service workers who’ve been on fast forward all year.”

Mr Sunak today warned that UK unemployment figures could jump to 2.6 million by the middle of next year.

His Spending Review was announced with the Chancellor stating that the nation’s economic emergency had “only just begun”.

It comes after government spending has dramatically increased in light of the Covid-19 pandemic, despite tax income reducing.

Mr Sunak said he would find it difficult to justify a widespread public sector pay increase when private sector wages were falling.

He said: “Today’s statistics remind us of something else: coronavirus has deepened the disparity between public and private sector wages.

“In the six months to September, private sector wages fell by nearly 1% compared to last year. Over the same period, public sector wages rose by nearly 4%.

“And unlike workers in the private sector, who have lost jobs, been furloughed, seen wages cut, and hours reduced, the public sector has not.

“In such a difficult context for the private sector – especially for those people working in sectors like retail, hospitality, and leisure I cannot justify a significant, across-the-board pay increase for all public sector workers.

“Instead, we are targeting our resources at those who need it most.”

Wrexham MP Sarah Atherton

Wrexham’s MP Sarah Atherton welcomed today’s Spending Review, which includes an additional £1.3 billion for Wales.

Commenting, Sarah Atherton MP said: “While the health emergency facing our country is not yet over, the economic emergency has only just begun.

“The Chancellor’s Spending Review tackles this unprecedented situation head on – ensuring lives and livelihoods in Wrexham are protected and supported in the weeks and months ahead.

“At the same time, I was elected at last year’s General Election on a commitment to level up communities like ours, and I am thrilled that this Conservative Government is now making good on that promise – by delivering a once-in-a-generation investment in infrastructure that will create jobs, grow the economy and increase pride in the place we call home.”