The general public has the impression that non-directorate civil service salaries and fringe benefits, particularly housing benefits, are higher than the average private sector equivalents. Employers organisations have remained generally reticent. There has been no suggestion that the civil service pay adjustment this year should be less than the pay trend indicators. A reason behind this mild reaction is perhaps that they do not wish to see a
see a major confrontation between the Government and civil
civil service staff associations over pay matters.
25
Neither option
option (a)
in
nor option (b) referred to paragraph 15 above is likely to cause any strong public reaction, although if option (a) is adopted there may be some remarks that no account has yet been taken by the Administration of the pay level
level survey results. As already indicated, this may be countered by indicating that the matter will need to be further addressed by the Standing Commission. and the Administration.
Publicity
26
An appropriate announcement would be
would be made after the Finance Committee has accepted the financial implications.
Staff consultation
27
Subject to any direction which this Council may give, it is proposed that an offer of a
an offer of a civil service pay award with effect from 1 April 1987 should be put to the Staff Sides of the three central consultative councils. If the offer is accepted or if
if there is no significant disagreement with the Staff Sides, it is proposed that the Finance Committee should be invited to accept the financial implications of the proposed award. If the offer is rejected, further advice from this Council will be sought.
Advice sought
28
(a)
Members will be asked
-
to note the results of the pay level survey, recent developments and the Administration's intention to seek
seek further advice from the Standing Commission on
Salaries
and
Conditions
(paragraphs 4-8 above);
Civil
of
Service
Service