Tories Target Public Sector Workers - Lib Dems

6.39.38am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 5th May 2010

Research by the Liberal Democrats shows that the Tories' pay freeze plans will hit 43,575 nurses, 4,107 fire-fighters and 14,548 police officers. All earn less than £40,000 a year.

A Liberal Democrat Government would allow pay increases of up to£400 a year. This means above inflation increases for the low paid, but the very well paid in the public sector will have to make do with less.

Commenting, Scottish Liberal Democrat Campaign Manager Alistair Carmichael said: "The Tories' pay freeze on everyone earning over £18,000 will hit thousands of nurses, police officers and fire-fighters across Scotland.

"These people care for our sick, keep our streets safe and protect our children from danger - often at real risk to themselves. They have dedicated their careers to helping others by working in our front line public services.

"The Tories are targeting their wages to fund tax cuts for millionaires. We have a fairer way. A Liberal Democrat Government would allow pay increases of £400 a year, regardless of income. This means that the brunt of cutting the public sector wage bill falls on the broadest shoulders rather than penalising those on lower wages.

"That's a fair deal from the Liberal Democrats versus a rum deal from the Tories."