The results from the equality impact assessment of last year’s public sector pay policy are clear. The assessment states that

“pay proposals”

should

“be progressive and protect lower paid staff.”

There is higher representation of women, disabled people, those from a minority ethnic group and those from the younger age group among lower earners. Will the cabinet secretary consider recommending in future pay policies specific measures such as set pay ratios and targeted benefits to support on-going work to reduce the gender pay gap and overall income inequality and therefore better support people to cope with current and future economic crises?