From the BBC website discussing the Chancellor's announcement today that a proposed benefit's freeze would save £3bn:
The £3bn saving is part of £12bn in welfare reductions previously floated by the chancellor. He also said there would be £13bn of Whitehall savings, which will include public sector pay restraint.
Given that these £3bn in savings are due to come in in 2016 if the Tories win the next election, can we infer that we should expect an extended period of pay restraint - 1% max p/a, and then possibly targeted - for the foreseeable future?
If so, what will the cumulative effect on pay be since austerity started? On second thoughts, don't tell me, I'll probably only cry.