“This pay award is testament to the value of continued constructive engagement between Welsh Government Trade Unions, even during these most unprecedented of times.
“I’m sure all staff will welcome this well-deserved pay rise, which goes some way to recognising the continued hard work and commitment of staff in supporting Ministers to deliver for Wales.
“However, I had hoped for greater Ministerial recognition of the work of Welsh Government staff in delivering an ever-growing list of priorities, not least the key role Welsh Government civil servants have played in responding to COVID-19.
“From developing and implementing measures to protect the economy, supporting individuals and businesses, to ensuring the continued provision of quality education, Welsh Government civil servants have been front and centre, working tirelessly to lead the nation through the pandemic.
“At the same time staff are striving to maintain vital public services, responding to Brexit, and have transformed their ways of working overnight.
“After almost ten years of pay freezes and pay caps, Welsh Government staff deserve an award that fully reflects and recognises their contribution to the Welsh economy, Welsh society, and every Welsh citizen.”