SIR KEIR STARMER declined to say today whether a Labour government would give public-sector workers the inflation-matching pay rises they want.

The Labour leader merely said that the government’s job is to “create the framework for success” in pay negotiations.

He told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “I completely understand why so many working people with stagnant wages and high prices need to see some movement.

“I support the right to strike, but I think the role of government is to facilitate, make sure those negotiations take place to an agreed settlement.

“But what we’re not seeing from this government is a government that’s prepared to lift a finger to make sure we get an outcome.”

Appearing on BBC Breakfast, Sir Keir was asked by John Kay whether he would support an inflation-busting increase for public-sector workers.

Sir Keir said: “It was a matter for the negotiators around the table.

“Each sector is having separate discussions and I think we’ve got to let that process play out. That happens every year.”

His comments coincided with three unions representing council and school staff in England, Wales and Northern Ireland giving their reaction to a £1,925 flat-rate pay offer from local government employers.

Unite acting national officer Clare Keogh said: “Council workers have already suffered over a decade of below-inflation wage rises and this is another pay cut dressed up as a pay increase.”

GMB national secretary Rehana Azam said: “Local government and schools workers kept our vital institutions running during the pandemic.

“Now, like everyone else, they’re being pushed to the brink by the cost-of-living crisis.

“Whilst reals-terms pay cuts risk exacerbating the staffing crisis, we recognise this is an offer that warrants further scrutiny so we can assess its impact on our members. 

“GMB will now meet with reps and members to discuss the next steps.”

Unison head of education and local government Mike Short said: “This offer is better than employees might have expected, given the low pay rises of recent years.

“But it’s not enough to make up for a decade and more of lost wages.”

Last month, Unison, GMB and Unite submitted a joint claim for a pay boost of at least £2,000 for all council and school staff.

Unions will now consult their members over the offer.