However, in the interests of accuracy, while a 1% pay rise is measly, and doesn't compensate for previous years low awards, it does currently represent an "above inflation" (albeit CPI) pay increase.
It's also better than periods of no work, reduced rates and your operating model being continually attacked by revenue-hungry politicians and cash-strapped clients. I've been on a pay cut for the last 5 years.
But that's my choice.