Cowen: Public sector pay data wrong

DATA showing public sector pay increased over the last year is incorrect, Taoiseach Brian Cowen has stressed.

The figures from the Central Statistics Office showed average weekly earnings in the public service — excluding the health service — rose by 3.2% in the year to June.

In money terms, the increase meant the average public sector worker’s pay rose from €942.81 a week to €973.09.