Public sector’s pay increments under threat as part of savings

Public service employees’ incremental pay rises could be under attack as part of the Government’s plan to take €3.8bn out of the country’s pay bill next year.

Invitations were being sent out to the trade unions last night to begin talks on changes to the Croke Park agreement next week. The talks are expected to focus on increments and other ancillary payments.

Finance Minister Michael Noonan said that the pay savings made would be built into the budget that he will present next month.