By Kate Ramsden

Katrina Murray

The STUC will press the UK government to end its practice of setting restrictive targets for public sector pay and return to free collective bargaining.

UNISON Scotland's Katrina Murray told Congress of the impact of those targets on UNISON members in health and local government, pointing out that tying our members into three year pay deals, with no agreement to re-open if inflation continues to rise, will leave many low paid members worse off.

"Below inflation pay rises are pay cuts", said Katrina. "When inflation increases it disproportionately hits the lowest paid, for whom food, fuel and housing costs make up the largest proportion of their monthly spend".