The suggestion from the Cabinet Secretary that Ministers are working with the unions is untrue

The Cabinet Secretary and Heads of Government Departments have today written to all civil servants about the forthcoming results of the People Survey.

 

They reference the cost-of-living crisis and say that they are in talks with trade unions:

“The higher cost of living has put unprecedented pressure on people and we are working with Ministers and unions as a priority to find ways to improve the situation regarding pay and benefits.”

Mike Clancy, General Secretary of Prospect, responded:

“Despite Prospect consistently arguing for the Cabinet Office to recognise the impact of inflation driving the cost of living crisis facing members, the Remit Guidance remains unchanged. Far from working with unions they have refused to do anything and “capped” pay increases at 2-3%. The worst constraint in the entire public sector.

“Therefore the suggestion from the Cabinet Secretary that Ministers are working with the unions is simply untrue. We have repeatedly demanded substantive proposals and there have been none. There has been silence since the last ministerial meeting in November. Staff are being misled.”