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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.
(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.
(PR/BMcC)
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29 August 2001
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Hundreds of civil servants across the UK are set to receive a substantial increase in their wages of up to a 50 per cent, according to a report in The Times.
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Hundreds of civil servants across the UK are set to receive a substantial increase in their wages of up to a 50 per cent, according to a report in The Times.
14 October 2002
NI civil service age of retirement upped to 65
The age of retirement for staff in the Northern Ireland Civil Service has been extended from 60 to 65 as of October 4.
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The age of retirement for staff in the Northern Ireland Civil Service has been extended from 60 to 65 as of October 4.
06 August 2009
Aer Lingus Win NI Civil Service Contract
The Irish airline, Aer Lingus has clinched a government contract worth an estimated £500,000 per year to fly civil servants between Belfast and London. Over the next two years the airline will be the sole carrier for the Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS) between the two capital cities.
Aer Lingus Win NI Civil Service Contract
The Irish airline, Aer Lingus has clinched a government contract worth an estimated £500,000 per year to fly civil servants between Belfast and London. Over the next two years the airline will be the sole carrier for the Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS) between the two capital cities.
18 March 2004
Union anger at Budget 'day of the long knives'
The three main UK civil service unions are to hold emergency meetings this week on yesterday's televised revelation that up to 40,000 civil service posts will be axed by government.
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06 January 2004
Women still missing out on top posts, says EOC
Women still hold less than 10% of the most senior positions in many areas of British public life, according to a report published today by the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC).
Women still missing out on top posts, says EOC
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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.
