Civil Service Pay Deal On Way?

There have been reports that a pay deal aimed at settling a long-running civil service dispute over equal pay may be on the horizon.

The BBC has claimed that sources at Stormont say the NI Executive has given approval for an offer to be made to the civil service union NIPSA to settle the long-running dispute, involving around 13,000 low-paid, mainly female, employees, over equal pay.

It is reported to involve back payment of around £150 million and annual increase in salaries costing between £20 million and £25 million.

The Finance Department told the BBC's Political Editor Mark Devenport that they were still in discussions with the union and that it would be "inappropriate" to comment further.

A statement issued by NIPSA's General Secretary John Corey to union members also said: "It is being reported in the media that the Executive Ministers have given approval for an offer to be made to NIPSA on the equal pay claims.

"However NIPSA was advised that the Department of Finance and Personnel would not be issuing any statement on the matter and NIPSA has not therefore issued any press statement.

"It is correctly reported that discussions with the trade union side are continuing and as soon as a formal offer is received it will be published to members."

The SDLP Finance Spokesperson Declan O'Loan has said he hopes the reported £150 million offer from the Executive relating to civil service back-pay would be realistic and adequate for the employees.

"It's welcome news that at last we have some movement and hopefully an end to this long-running issue will be in sight.

"I hope this issue is coming to a real decision and that the offer from the Executive will be realistic and adequate in terms of both back-pay and future salaries," he said, noting that "there is yet to be clarity from the department on how this money will be paid without impacting on front-line services".

(KMcA/BMcC)