To ask the Minister of Finance whether he intends to meet with industrial and non-industrial unions to discuss (i) their claim for an above-inflation pay increase on both pay and allowances; (ii) pay restoration to address the pay loss since 2010 and; (iii) further scale shortening for all grades from AA to Grade 6.

NICS pay awards in the past decade were determined in a challenging financial environment. The non-ring fenced Resource DEL block grant has reduced in real terms by £530 million from 2010-11. Affordability continues to be an important consideration in negotiating a pay award for 2019/20. I met with officials from the Northern Ireland Public Service Alliance on 22 January. A meeting has not yet been requested by or arranged with the industrial trades unions. I will be working closely with Departmental officials to progress and resolve the NICS 2019/20 pay award for all Civil Service staff as soon as possible.