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.
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 three per cent. They will have freedom to pay average awards up to two per cent, with a further one per cent to be targeted at specific priorities in their workforce and pay strategies.
Many key workers including delivery drivers, supermarket assistants and those working in the social care sector work for private companies. The Government has little influence over the remuneration set by these firms, but I am glad that ministers have committed to raising the National Living Wage to £9.50. This will raise the pay of two million of the lowest-paid workers and ensure someone on the NLW will see an annual salary increase of £1,000.
The National Living Wage will rise to £9.50 in April 2022, giving a pay rise to two million of the lowest-paid workers ensuring someone on the NLW will see an annual salary increase of £1,000.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.