Thank you for contacting me about public sector pay.
I am grateful for the commitment and selflessness of public sector workers who have kept people safe and ensured vital services could continue through the pandemic. Their work has been exemplary. This Government wants to ensure that it continues to attract the best and brightest to work for the Civil Service, and that it rewards hard working staff fairly.
That is why I am glad the Spending Review 2021 announced that public sector workers will see pay rises over the next three years as the recovery in the economy and labour market allows a return to a normal pay-setting process. As I understand it, the Government will be seeking recommendations from Pay Review Bodies where applicable.
For those in roles not covered by Pay Review Bodies, updated Civil Service Pay Remit Guidance for 2022/23 has now been published. This year's guidance sets out that Civil Service organisations are able to make pay awards of up to 3 per cent. They will have freedom to pay average awards up to 2 per cent, with a further 1 per cent to be targeted at specific priorities in their workforce and pay strategies.
Government guidance on pay awards is clear that awards for civil servants must ensure value for money for taxpayers and be mindful of the prevailing economic conditions. I am glad the Government has committed to increasing public sector pay following a period of more targeted pay rises.
Pay for civil servants below the Senior Civil Service is ultimately the responsibility of individual government departments and I would encourage anyone with concerns or questions to contact Human Resources in their departments for further guidance. Senior Civil Service pay is based on recommendations from the independent Senior Salaries Review Body.
MPs' Pay: The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, IPSA, has decided that the annual adjustment to MPs’ basic pay for 2022-23 will be the same as the average increase in pay for public sector employees last year. IPSA's Chair stated that “this is the first increase in pay for MPs in two years and follows the average of increases across the public sector last year."
NLW: The National Living Wage will rise to £9.50 in April 2022, giving a pay rise to two million of the lowest paid workers ensure someone on the NLW will see an annual salary increase of £1,000.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
Craig Whittaker MP
April 2022