The coronavirus pandemic has underscored the vital contribution that public sector workers make to our society. Their selfless and resolute determination has placed us firmly on the road towards recovery, for which we are eternally grateful.
This week, the Government has announced that almost 900,000 public sector workers, including doctors, teachers and police officers, will see above-inflation pay rises in recognition of their dedication and hard work throughout this unprecedented crisis.
- Teachers will receive the largest pay rise, with salaries increasing by 3.1 per cent. This pay award is equivalent to a £1,250 increase to average classroom teacher pay.
- Doctors and dentists will receive a pay rise of 2.8 per cent, while, as part of a three-year pay deal reached in 2018, nurses who are still moving up their pay structures will receive an average 4.4 per cent rise this year. Around 69,000 will benefit from this year’s award.
- Police and prison officers will both receive a 2.5 per cent pay rise, while members of the armed forces will receive a 2 per cent increase.
The Government will always stand squarely behind our public sector workers as they continue to keep us safe, better our communities, and look after those who need it.
Significantly, our public services have also received a boost.
- The NHS has been given more than £31.9 billion to continue our fight against the coronavirus, while we are writing off over £13 billion of debt for NHS providers, freeing them up to invest in vital services.
- The Government is providing £4.3 billion to support local councils tackle coronavirus and provide social care, while boosting funding for primary and secondary schools by £14 billion over the next three years, so that every child gets a good education.
- The police will receive a boost in funding worth £1.1 billion this year – the biggest increase in a decade. Additionally, the Government is providing over £280 million to support and modernise our criminal justice system.
Recognising the financial implications of the coronavirus, and wary of the knock-on effects at a community level, the Government has actioned its commitment to helping people with the cost of living.
- By providing the largest ever cash boost to the National Living Wage in April, nearly 3 million workers have been given a pay rise, which equates to a 6.2 per cent boost for low-paid workers.
- 31 million people have benefitted from a tax cut, as the National Insurance threshold has been raised to £9,500 – saving people approximately £100. We are committed to increasing the threshold further, to £12,500.
- We have frozen fuel duty for the tenth year in a row, while committed to freezing duty on beers, spirits, wine and cider to help with the cost of living.
- We will reduce the cost of essential sanitary products for women in the UK, abolishing the tampon tax from 1 January 2021.
Suella Braverman, MP for Fareham, said:
“In the face of adversity, our public sector workers have conducted themselves with great fortitude and selflessness, without which it would have been impossible to turn the tide against the coronavirus. Therefore, I am delighted to hear that the Government has recognised this dedication, by announcing sizeable pay rises for workers across the sector.
It is vital that we continue to support our public services, and by publishing these measures, the Government has ensured that they have the necessary resources to fend off the challenges that lie ahead, and expedite our transition towards normality.”
