Civil servants are being given pay rises of up to 2.5 per cent, it has emerged.
As millions of people face unemployment following the coronavirus pandemic, more than 400,000 government workers are in line for raises.
Cabinet Office guidance published this month approved rises of between 1.5 per cent and 2.5 per cent – but some departments will be able to offer more if they can make savings.
It is thought an average rise of 2.5 per cent would cost taxpayers £278million.
The TaxPayers’ Alliance said the move would “rankle” with the many people facing uncertain futures.
But the PCS union, which represents many public sector workers, said the rise equated to a cut in real terms as retail price index inflation recently stood at 2.6 per cent.
PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said: “It is an outrageous swindle ministers have embarked upon by offering members a pay cut in return for their Herculean efforts during the pandemic.”
A Government spokesman said: “In order to deliver public services which are vital for the nation, it’s important that pay remains competitive.”
Surveys have revealed that 40 per cent of UK businesses expect to lay staff off, while the DWP has said that the number of people on universal credit has risen by 40 per cent as a result of the pandemic.
