Finance Minister Caoimhe Archibald announced a new pay offer for civil servants on Monday.
If accepted by union members, it would see a total pay rise of 9% for eligible employees for the period August 2024 to March 2026.
The minister said that she was “committed to ensuring civil servants receive pay which recognises the valuable role they play in public service delivery.”
More: Civil servants in Northern Ireland to get 9% pay rise
How much is the pay rise going to cost?
The new pay offer announced by the Finance Minister is expected to cost around £128m, if accepted.
For those who are eligible, this will consist of a 3% consolidated increase with effect from 1 August 2024 and a 6% consolidated increase with effect from 1 August 2025.
Finance Minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA has announced a 20-month pay offer for civil servants covering the period 1...
Posted by Department of Finance on Monday 20 January 2025
“This 20-month offer is a first step towards longer term pay deals giving certainty to workers,” Ms Archibald said.
“The pay offer made today is a positive one that I hope will be well received by staff and unions.
“Given the current budgetary challenges I regret that I am unable to make a higher pay offer for 2024 that is at the same level as other public sector workers.”
Who is eligible to receive the pay rise?
The pay offer will increase the wages of the lowest paid civil service staff to the Living Wage Foundation rates of £12.60 an hour, equivalent to an annual salary of £24,336.
This will impact those working as administrative assistants and equivalent job grades, including industrial one-level staff.
All other eligible civil servants will receive the consolidated 3% and 6% increases as noted above.
Allowance improvements and extras such as maternity and adoption pay will be detailed later this year.
When will the pay increase be made?
The date of payment will depend on whether or not the pay offer is accepted by the unions and their members.
