Hutton report ‘a smokescreen’ for hiding glaring UK pay
inequalities, says Unite
1 December 2010
The Hutton report on ‘fat cat’ public sector pay is ‘a
smokescreen for some nasty rough justice’ being meted out to low
paid workers, Unite, the largest union in the country, said today
(Wednesday 1 December).
Top pay in the public sector should not normally be more than 20
times that of the lowest paid worker in any public body, according
to Will Hutton, executive vice chair of the Work Foundation who was
asked by the coalition to investigate this issue.
Unite’s assistant general secretary for public services, Gail
Cartmail, said: ”This interim report is just the tip of the iceberg
when it comes to looking at pay inequalities in Britain today,
which will widen and become worse because of the coalition’s ‘cuts
at any cost’ austerity programme.
”There is a case for wage ratios; societies with lower income
inequality than the high levels prevalent in the UK are measurably
happier and healthier. This is something that David Cameron may
take note of as he ponders his so-called ‘happiness index’
proposal.
”The remit of the Hutton review ruled out the highest paid
public servants, such as the BBC and publicly-owned banks. The
remit that Hutton was given seemed designed to take the glare of
publicity away from the real ‘fat cat’ villains lurking in the City
and boardrooms of large FT 100 companies.
”And if fair pay is a good idea why not stretch the principle
across the whole economy? The truth is that - despite Will Hutton's
personal integrity and impeccable reputation in analysing the
long-term flaws in the British economy - there is a severe
danger that his report will serve as a smokescreen to the real
problem that blights many public sector workers, especially women -
many of whom work part-time.
”The emergency budget in June; the comprehensive spending review
in October with its £81 billion of cuts; blanket pay freezes; and
changes to pension benefits and retirement ages for public sector
workers penalise those on lowest incomes hardest – some nasty,
rough justice is being meted out here on the issue of pay
equality.
”Greater economic inequality is the hallmark of the coalition
government and will have a long and destructive legacy affecting
many thousands of families across the UK.”
Will Hutton's final recommendations will be published in March
2011.
ENDS
Notes to news editors: For further information, please contact:
Shaun Noble, Unite communications officer, on 07768 693940
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