Today's question: are public sector workers paid too much?

The average public sector salary is nearly £4,000 a year more than those in the private sector. Is this fair?

New figures show that the average public sector worker earns nearly £4,000 a year more than their private sector counterparts.

The Office of National Statistics says that the average full-time public sector worker earns £28,802 a year. Meanwhile, the average full-time private sector worker earns £25,000.

These figures have come less than a week before a major strike by public sector workers over changes to their pensions.

The average annual pension in the public sector is worth £7,841, according to a government report.

The government offered revised proposals for public sector pensions in a bid to stave off industrial action. These included guaranteeing that no-one within 10 years of retirement would have to work longer or see their pension pot decrease.

We want to know your thoughts on public sector pay. Is it too high? Or is it justified for the essential services many of these workers provide? Is the strike action planned for next Wednesday justified?

Share your thoughts in the Comments box below.

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