NI's civil servants get 'final' offer

Striking civil servants in Northern Ireland were today made a final offer to end their pay row.

As the industrial dispute which has crippled Northern Ireland's agencies entered its 36th week, the authorities issued a take it or leave it deal.

Union bosses at NIPSA are understood to be facing a growing threat of having a pay settlement imposed if they turn down the package.

The North's Finance Minister Ian Pearson urged staff to suspend all action and consider the deal carefully.

He said: “This final offer is the best deal available and includes increasing rates of pay by 2% and ensuring staff who perform well are rewarded.

“Importantly, it also takes account of some of NIPSA’s concerns regarding the 2003 award as well as issues of low pay.”