UK unions: pay better wages or expect a mass exodus of essential workers

Inflation and the cost of living crisis will drive employees in key sectors to look elsewhere for higher salaries

Hospitals, schools and the civil service will suffer a mass exodus" of key staff unless millions of public sector employees receive pay rises that at least match the spiralling rate of inflation, union leaders warn on Sunday.

After the chancellor Rishi Sunak's spring statement offered no more money to public services last week, the prospect of long and bitter battles over pay look certain as the cost of living crisis grows.