Strikes threat as UK public sector staff given below-inflation pay rise

Unions warn many workers will quit teaching, nursing and social care rather than take real-terms pay cut

Public sector unions raised the prospect of widespread strikes in schools and hospitals after being told millions of their workers are to receive below-inflation pay rises.

Ministers announced the pay rises on Tuesday, with NHS staff receiving a rise of at least 4.5%, teachers at least 5% and 1,900 for police officers. Health unions angrily denounced the NHS pay rises as a betrayal" and a kick in the teeth", and warned stoppages could be on the horizon.

More than 1 million NHS staff - including nurses, midwives and paramedics -will get a pay rise of 1,400, equivalent to 4%. However, cleaners and porters will get 9.3% while doctors and dentists will receive 4.5%.

Teachers have been awarded 5% - though newly qualified teachers will get 8.9%.

Police officers in England and Wales will receive a consolidated pay award of 1,900, equivalent to a 5% increase overall. Prison officers will receive a 4% base pay increase.

UK armed forces will receive a base pay rise of 3.5%.