Public sector pay crushed by years of Govt austerity

James Gray MP wrote on your letters page defending the government over forthcoming strikes.

His letter was notable for its failure to give the full context.

Firstly, he will know that independent pay review bodies are not what many would deem fully independent.

They offer their recommendations based upon fiscal limitations imposed at the start of their review by central government.

Secondly he fails to acknowledge that his government has suppressed public sector pay and working conditions over twelve years through crushing austerity.

Thirdly, his words “we owe every nurse a great debt of gratitude” will frankly sound exceptionally hollow to those working in our NHS who have to use food banks whilst also struggling to heat their homes and feed their family.

Suffice it to say his government has merely given them greater debts and little meaningful gratitude.

It is unfair that Broken Britain is repaired by hammering the workforce.

This is particularly so when one contrasts this with the government’s lacklustre approach to excessive profiteering, lavish shareholder dividends, and obscene boardroom pay/bonuses.

I will not turn against the railway workers, nurses, postal staff or any other group forced to strike as a last resort.

Nor will I be hoodwinked by ministers whose fiscal ineptness and inability to negotiate, as the Welsh and Scottish governments have, has worsened a tough situation.

Peter Crockett

Glebe Road

Royal Wootton Bassett

Railway ticket office closures impact on safety

I’m annoyed to learn that the Government and rail industry are looking to close almost 1,000 ticket offices at stations across the country (again).

Bradford on Avon has a great Brunel era station that is a welcoming gateway for tourist and invaluable resource for users of the railway (good advice on best ticket option).

Losing staff at stations is crucial for access to information, to waiting rooms, to facilities – and has a big impact on safety.

Despite the massive implications for passengers, the Government says that it will not consult.

I believe that ticket offices and station staffing need to be protected.

I hope that the Government will see sense.

Paul Durrant

By email

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