Menu
10/08/2009
'No Bonuses' For Public Sector Bosses
Senior Northern Ireland civil servants will not receive bonuses this year, The Stormont Finance Minister Sammy Wilson has said.
Mr Wilson said he had considered all "relevant factors" - including public debate over public sector pay - and decided to cut the award scheme to top level workers.
"In light of the significant pressures on public finances and the very real difficulties facing the wider economy, I believe it would not be appropriate to include bonus payments in this year's pay award to senior civil servants," he said.
The move will save the taxpayer £1.1m, the Minister claimed.
The top 220 civil servants in NI will nevertheless receive a 3.5% increase in basic salary.
But, senior civil service pay bands will also be frozen at their 2008 levels, with no cost of living increase at the bottom or top ends.
This will cover the 220 most senior civil servants in Northern Ireland in the Assistant Secretary, Deputy Secretary and Permanent Secretary grades.
"At an overall cost increase of 3.5%, the award to senior civil servants is also slightly below recent awards for the rest of the civil service, but nevertheless allows me to reward senior civil servants for the vital work that they do in supporting Ministers in the Executive and in delivering public services," said Mr Wilson.
"It has also allowed me to make inroads into addressing some of the structural problems with the senior civil service pay system by dealing with poor pay progression."
For several years senior civil servants have received a combination of basis (a set wage) and performance related pay (bonuses).
This saw basic wages fall, while bonuses increased. The scheme is used UK wide, however, Northern Ireland will now be the only region not to implement the bonus system.
Mr Wilson acknowledged his decision would be unpopular with civil service chiefs, but said it does not mean their "commitment and dedication" is not valued.
"Rather it reflects the very difficult economic climate we find ourselves in where we must all make sacrifices for the greater good.
"This decision affects only senior civil servants but I intend raising with my Executive colleagues at an early opportunity the subject of bonus payments in the wider public sector," he added.
SDLP Finance Spokesperson Declan O'Loan MLA said the decision of Finance Minister Sammy Wilson not to pay bonuses to top civil servants this year marks a welcome move towards more rational pay structures.
However, he also said that the actual savings in this decision are "negligible" because "effectively the bonuses are being converted into a flat-rate increase".
"In the long run much more action needs to be taken, including salary levels of senior staff across the whole public service," he insisted.
(PR/BMcC)
Mr Wilson said he had considered all "relevant factors" - including public debate over public sector pay - and decided to cut the award scheme to top level workers.
"In light of the significant pressures on public finances and the very real difficulties facing the wider economy, I believe it would not be appropriate to include bonus payments in this year's pay award to senior civil servants," he said.
The move will save the taxpayer £1.1m, the Minister claimed.
The top 220 civil servants in NI will nevertheless receive a 3.5% increase in basic salary.
But, senior civil service pay bands will also be frozen at their 2008 levels, with no cost of living increase at the bottom or top ends.
This will cover the 220 most senior civil servants in Northern Ireland in the Assistant Secretary, Deputy Secretary and Permanent Secretary grades.
"At an overall cost increase of 3.5%, the award to senior civil servants is also slightly below recent awards for the rest of the civil service, but nevertheless allows me to reward senior civil servants for the vital work that they do in supporting Ministers in the Executive and in delivering public services," said Mr Wilson.
"It has also allowed me to make inroads into addressing some of the structural problems with the senior civil service pay system by dealing with poor pay progression."
For several years senior civil servants have received a combination of basis (a set wage) and performance related pay (bonuses).
This saw basic wages fall, while bonuses increased. The scheme is used UK wide, however, Northern Ireland will now be the only region not to implement the bonus system.
Mr Wilson acknowledged his decision would be unpopular with civil service chiefs, but said it does not mean their "commitment and dedication" is not valued.
"Rather it reflects the very difficult economic climate we find ourselves in where we must all make sacrifices for the greater good.
"This decision affects only senior civil servants but I intend raising with my Executive colleagues at an early opportunity the subject of bonus payments in the wider public sector," he added.
SDLP Finance Spokesperson Declan O'Loan MLA said the decision of Finance Minister Sammy Wilson not to pay bonuses to top civil servants this year marks a welcome move towards more rational pay structures.
However, he also said that the actual savings in this decision are "negligible" because "effectively the bonuses are being converted into a flat-rate increase".
"In the long run much more action needs to be taken, including salary levels of senior staff across the whole public service," he insisted.
(PR/BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 November 2024
Health Minister Seeks Urgent Talks On Pay
The Health Minister has confirmed that he has requested an early meeting with health service trade unions to discuss next steps on pay offers for 2024/25. Due to Northern Ireland's budgetary constraints, the Minister is unable to deliver the desired pay settlements for this year.
Health Minister Seeks Urgent Talks On Pay
The Health Minister has confirmed that he has requested an early meeting with health service trade unions to discuss next steps on pay offers for 2024/25. Due to Northern Ireland's budgetary constraints, the Minister is unable to deliver the desired pay settlements for this year.
19 November 2024
Other News In Brief
Boutcher Welcomes Justice Minister's New Budget Plan PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher has welcomed the announcement of Justice Minister Naomi Long's new Budget Plan.
Other News In Brief
Boutcher Welcomes Justice Minister's New Budget Plan PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher has welcomed the announcement of Justice Minister Naomi Long's new Budget Plan.
14 November 2024
Minister Reacts To Teachers' Union Ballot Threat
Education Minister Paul Givan has responded to the announcement by several teachers' unions that they plan to ballot their members for industrial action over 2024/25 pay. Earlier this year, the Minister provided funding to successfully resolve the long-running industrial dispute over teachers' pay for 2021-24.
Minister Reacts To Teachers' Union Ballot Threat
Education Minister Paul Givan has responded to the announcement by several teachers' unions that they plan to ballot their members for industrial action over 2024/25 pay. Earlier this year, the Minister provided funding to successfully resolve the long-running industrial dispute over teachers' pay for 2021-24.
25 November 2024
Other News In Brief
DfC Launch Public Consultation On Gender Pay Gap A consultation on proposed changes to Section 19 of the Employment Act (Northern Ireland) relating to the requirements for employers to publish information on the pay of male and female employees has been launched by the Department for Communities.
Other News In Brief
DfC Launch Public Consultation On Gender Pay Gap A consultation on proposed changes to Section 19 of the Employment Act (Northern Ireland) relating to the requirements for employers to publish information on the pay of male and female employees has been launched by the Department for Communities.
29 May 2018
NI Business Group Call For Action From Karen Bradley
A group of Northern Ireland-based businesses have issued a number of "proposed practical solutions to ensure decisions crucial to the prosperity of the region can continue to be taken".
NI Business Group Call For Action From Karen Bradley
A group of Northern Ireland-based businesses have issued a number of "proposed practical solutions to ensure decisions crucial to the prosperity of the region can continue to be taken".
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
