Lifting the 1% public sector pay cap is a key demand of the anti-cuts marchers in London on 1 July, with millions of workers suffering from years of pay restraint. And PCS members have shared their struggles to make ends meet

We are asking members to support the major anti-cuts demonstration in central London on 1 July. The event, organised by the People’s Assembly and supported by all major trade unions, including PCS, calls for an end to the 1% public sector pay cap, and demands a decent health service, education system, housing, jobs and living standards for all.

A 3-year pay freeze was imposed on the public sector from 2010, followed by the present 1% public sector pay cap, which the Tories plan to keep in place until 2020. This means it’s a struggle to make ends for many workers and their families, including nurses who have seen their real-term pay cut by more than £2,000 since 2010 and civil servants whose average pay will have fallen in value by over 20%.

For workers in the public sector real earnings will be down £52 a week by 2022 from their pre-financial crisis (2008) level.

Our members are struggling to survive. Indeed many PCS members have been forced to visit foodbanks or take second jobs.

We are arguing that the value of civil service pay should be restored and the 1% pay cap should be lifted, and civil servants should receive a rise of 5% or £1,200, whichever is the greater.

Members’ pay stories

 

Lyra (not her real name) is a single mum who works for HMRC and works 2 jobs to make ends meet.

She said: “I have clocked up nearly 39 years loyally serving queen and country but I now have to work two jobs to make ends meets. I work for HMRC Monday to Friday and then do another 11 hours each weekend at my second job, just to survive.”

Steven (not his real name) from the Land Registry is registered disabled, he said: “I live on my own and work 20 hours a week. Not having a pay rise has resulted in me accruing debts just to be able to live. I now can’t afford to pay my debts off, resulting in me having to declare myself bankrupt.”

Families under pressure

 

Helen (not her real name) who works for HMRC is a university graduate who is married with a young child. Her husband is on a zero-hours contract.

“How can I save for the future when I can’t afford today? Family holidays are impossible, even family days out are impossible. We have to budget for absolutely everything,” she said.

“We are what you could consider ‘just about managing’, but on our current wages and with rising inflation, I can see our little family going under very soon.”

For Bryn (not his real name) who works for the Welsh Government it is a constant struggle to get by.

“I agree with the union on our pay. My wages last 3 weeks on average and we get paid every 4 weeks. I am usually down and out financially – literally to my last few pounds – in the final week before pay day,” he said.

“Just one unforeseen bill – car MOT, dishwasher repair or fix a leak in my roof – any demand for an extra £50 or so during a month leaves me skint. I live in dread of a big bill or sudden expenditure arriving.

“If I could find a better paid job somewhere, using the skills and experience I have after nearly 20 years in this place, I would be gone.”

Join PCS on 1 July to call for an end to austerity and to back an alternative which transforms the lives of our worst-off people. Tell us why you’re marching, email editor@pcs.org.uk

If you’re a PCS member contact your regional office to find out about transport to the event. Work in the civil service but not a PCS member? Apply to join online today.