Unions cautious about benchmarking report

Unions are remaining cautious this morning ahead of the publication of the much-awaited benchmarking report into pay for public servants.

The report recommends an average pay rise of 9%, according to details leaked to the media, with teachers securing around 13%, nurses 8% and gardai 5%.

The specialist unions representing these sectors are refusing to comment until the report is published at midday, but many are expected to be unhappy with its findings.

SIPTU, which represents thousands of public servants, said those affected need to consider the report carefully before deciding their next course of action.

The union’s general secretary, Des Geraghty, said: "There’s a lot of talking to be done about the basis of implementation: 25% is due already and then there’s discussions to take place with the Government on the implementation of the rest.

"All the unions will have to discuss it on Wednesday at the public service committee and evaluate their feelings about it and really I don’t think there should be any conclusions drawn until that is done."

IMPACT spokesman Bernard Harbour gave a cautious welcome to the report and vowed to concentrate on having its recommendations implemented as soon as possible.

"What we said is that it’s important that the benchmarking body does its work in a fair way. What we’re looking for is a fair outcome," he said.

"We'll be concentrating on two things this afternoon. One is to make sure that we're satisfied that the outcome is a fair outcome and secondly, we'll be interested in getting into talks as quickly as possible with the Government to see that the pay recommendations are implemented as quickly as possible."