You are in > manchester.com  > News > Govt pushes 3-year pay deals

Finance

Govt pushes 3-year pay deals

08/01/2008

Public sector employees could see their salaries fixed for three years under plans revealed today.

Chancellor Alistair Darling wants to extend the length of pay settlements from the existing 12-month period to boost the search for inflationary stability.

He and Gordon Brown argued it was important to keep public sector pay under control to maintain the health of the entire UK economy.

The prime minister told journalists in his monthly press conference that employees would benefit from the "long-term footing" such a change would bring.

And Mr Darling said the "biggest benefit" would be for public sector workers and their families, allowing them to "plan ahead accordingly".

Union leaders have criticised Mr Darling's proposals, saying they suspect the government may attempt to renege on a three-year deal.