Real inflation is running at more like 20%. As you all know the Government massage this figure by gradually removing everything that really matters (fuel costs, housing etc). I suspect that it won't be long before they remove the cost of food from the equation. How they calcualte our pay and the "X Factor" must change to take these real rises into effect. Another 2.5% rise would be a total piss take and the gap between wages and real cost of living+being in the military+stealth taxes+massaged methods of taking away from our allowances = Clucking big Gap.
I'm off on a career break as of 4 April anyway, still much increased wages for 4 days would be very handy!
NGB