RE: How much would a public sector pay deal cost?21 Jul 2024 19:50
The estimated cost of pay rises of 5.5% for teachers and certain NHS staff could reach £3bn, according to the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS). That would be significantly more than the 2.5-3% the Treasury had expected.
But Mr Johnson told BBC Radio 4's Today programme on Saturday that the 5.5% figure was "roughly what pay is rising by across the economy".
Traditionally, governments follow the recommendations of the independent bodies - but ministers are not obliged to stick to their suggestions.
Recommendations for other sectors are yet to be received, but the chancellor does plan to announce the settlements before the end of July.
BEEB