I also know someone who hasn't had a pay rise for years (not even a rise in line with inflation) and actually her pay has decreased (earning less each year) as her pension contributions have been increased. She is in fact one of those dreadful Civil Servants, but lets not let the truth get in the way of a good rumour and bigotry.
Spot on - also, for those with short memories, don't forget that in the times of high inflation Civil Service pay rises were kept well below inflation as part of govt. policy.
Private sector seems quite happy to rush ahead in boom times but soon forgets all about that when times are bad...