Gosport MP, Caroline Dinenage, has today welcomed the news that 900 000 public sector workers, from doctors to Armed Forces personnel, will benefit from a pay rise.

Doctors and teachers will see the biggest pay rise, estimated to affect 519 000 workers, but the increase will also benefit police and prison officers, dentists, senior military and senior civil servants, those working in the judiciary and National Crime Agency.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak said:

“These past months have underlined what we always knew – that our public sector workers make a vital contribution to our country and that we can rely on them when we need them.

“It’s right therefore that we follow the recommendations of the independent pay bodies with this set of real-terms pay rises.”

The pay awards will be backdated to April for those in the armed forces, NHS staff work, prison officers and senior civil servants.

NHS staff on the Agenda for Change will already see a 6.5% pay rise for over 1 million workers over three years, with £800 million set aside in 2018/19 to fund the increase. Many nurses and healthcare assistants will enjoy a pay increase of at least 25%. The Government has also introduced a nurses bursary which provides at least £5000 additional support for nursing students.

The three-year Agenda for Change pay deal provides junior doctors already with a minimum 8.2% pay rise over 4 years.

Caroline commented:

“Our public sector workers have gone above and beyond throughout this crisis, and there is no better way for their hard work to be recognised and rewarded.

“Today’s announcement is welcome news, and I am glad that the Chancellor has accepted the recommendation of the independent pay bodies.”