Public pay commission won’t replace direct talks

The Government have insisted that a new pay commission will not take the place of direct negotiations with trade unions but will instead lay groundwork for the next pay deal with workers.

Announcing the new Public Service Pay Commission (PSPC) yesterday, officials also confirmed the commission would only produce its first report towards the middle of next year.

Trade union leaders have welcomed the setting up of the new commission, which will be chaired by former Labour Court chairman Kevin Duffy.