Public sector workers offered pay rises of around 6%

Millions of public sector workers are set to be offered pay rises of around 6%, after the prime minister accepted recommendations from independent pay review bodies.

The increases each public sector will get are:

• armed forces – 5% and a one-off payment of £1,000
• NHS workers – 6%
• junior doctors – 6% and a one-off payment of £1,250
• teachers - 6.5%
• police – 7%
• prison officers – 7%

According to the government, the pay rises will be funded using existing departmental budgets. This has led to fears about potential cuts to services.

The general secretaries of four education unions have said they will recommend their members accept the deal and call off strike action.