Scotland’s finance secretary has dampened hopes of a substantial pay rise for public sector workers, claiming he needed more money from the UK government. Nicola Sturgeon’s government has repeatedly promised to end the 1% public sector pay cap, particularly after she endured difficult exchanges with nurses and teachers who complained about their financial problems during the general election campaign. Trade union leaders are pressing for an above inflation pay rise. But the cabinet secretary for finance has recognised that Westminster is just one factor that determines public pay. She is also expected to offer to fund the residency fees for any EU national working for a Scottish public sector employee if they want to stay after Brexit.

Source: The Guardian October 09, 2017 17:25 UTC