I take it that you agree that public sector reform could deliver more than a putative 5% pay cut ?
Possibly a two year time frame ?
Ok, I'll take the point that it may be more beneficial, but we don't have 2 years. It really is that important.
Plus, the cynic in me thinks "oh now you want to talk about reform". You know what: it's a bit late for that. We both know that reform should have taken place a long time ago, however I'm sure if we're both honest, that there was no chance in hell that it could ever have been brought to the table, even with a crystal ball. Any hint of reform in the past has been met with resistence and threatened industrial action.
The opportunity for reform discussion has gone, that ship has sailed, maybe the PS Unions let it sail, maybe there wasn't the political will to enter into reform negotiations, it's not important any more.
This is with no offence, no disrespect and full sympathy to anyone in the PS or CS, but this country cannot afford you. If we do not do something immediately about public spending, we really are heading into dark times.
I'm sorry, I know that will be tough on a lot of employees and I hope all cuts are proportionate and rational (i.e. based upon where there is a need for cut and those roles are excessive rather than just easy targets). But for the 4 million people who live in this country and not just the proportion who work in the PS/CS we have to cut.
A more productive route would be to look to agree the untouchables and look at where it is more appropriate to make cuts. However, I understand that this is conceding some members will ose their jobs.