Almost 3,000 public sector workers rely on benefit pay

ALMOST 3,000 public sector workers are so poorly paid they have to rely on Family Income Supplement (FIS).

The news contrasts sharply with a recent study by the National Competitiveness Council which revealed how some state workers are among the highest paid in the world, with hospital consultants earning twice the salary of German counterparts.

According to the Department of Social Protection’s own figures, however, there are 2,855 public servants availing of the FIS scheme, representing 11% of 27,000 overall beneficiaries. Public servants in receipt of the income supplement include road workers, fire fighters and those employed by the Health Service Executive.