PUBLIC SECTOR
IDS publishes annual state-of-play for public sector, 2002
The government's pay modernisation programme is continuing to move forward across the public sector, albeit at a very slow pace in local government and the health service, according to a major new report by Incomes Date Services.
What you will find in this report
The 290-page report, the ninth in an annual series, offers an unrivalled resource for managers, trade unions and policy makers in the public sector, providing fascinating insights into recent pay developments, as well as valuable benchmarking data.
Written by a team of pay analysts with an impressive mastery of the subject, the study is supported by detailed research into recent government reward initiatives and an in-depth analysis of prospects for 2002.
IDS assesses the progress to date on talks for a new pay system in the NHS and examines the state of play in negotiations on "single status" in local government. It also looks at the move to team bonuses and clearly defined progression in central government.
The report is packed with details of current pay structures of the main employee groups — from health care assistants to social workers and from midwives to high court judges.
| Common themes of pay modernisation in the public sector |
| Simplified pay structures |
| Pay linked to job weight |
| Equal pay |
| Target rates for the job |
| More attractive careers |
Source: Incomes Data Services.
| Key findings of IDS public sector research |
| Performance pay |
| Merit pay is being "sidelined" across large parts of the civil service. Agencies and departments are looking for simpler and faster progression to a market rate for the job and to replace discriminatory pay systems. |
| Equal pay |
| "Equal pay has risen to the top of the bargaining agenda right across the public sector." |
| Long-term agreements |
| There has been a "proliferation" of long-term deals over the past 18 months. Most are linked to pay modernisation. |
| Pay progression |
| Pay progression has dominated the bargaining agenda in civil service departments and agencies. "Scales have been shortened and many new systems offer a structured progression to the rate for the job. Broadbanding is being abandoned." |
| Single status in local government |
| Progress towards single-status terms and conditions is proving "extremely slow" among cash-strapped councils. |
Source: Incomes Data Services.
Want to know more?
Title: Pay in the Public Services 2001/02, published by Incomes Data Services.
Methodology: The information on pay settlements is based on data gathered by IDS researchers covering over 200 bargaining groups, together accounting for 4.5 million public sector employees. Pay trends in the "not-for-profit" sector are also analysed.
Availability: Contact customer services at IDS in London, tel: 020 7324 2599, or email sales@incomesdata.co.uk
IDS is an independent research organisation providing information and analysis on pay and conditions, pensions, employment law and personnel policy and practice in the UK and the rest of Europe.
For more information about this report, jump to . . .