The general secretaries of Prospect, PCS and the FDA, the three main civil service trade unions, are seeking an urgent meeting with Liz Truss Chief Secretary to the Treasury.

Truss is also the minister responsible at the Treasury for the pay guidance.

The three unions have issued a joint statement on pay in a demonstration of unity.

This follows government pay remit guidance being issued without any meaningful consultation. The guidance singles out the public servants it covers for particularly harsh treatment with an ongoing cap on pay allowing for average increases of between 1-1.5%.

Prospect deputy general secretary Garry Graham said: “We have seen movement and agreement reached in the NHS, local government and with the government in Scotland.

“The hallmark to these agreements has been effective engagement with employer bodies, supported by politicians, and a common desire to bring the public sector pay cap to an end. Those covered by the remit guidance feel not only the poor relation but also that they are held in contempt by the politicians they serve.”

Read the full joint statement here.

Prospect has previously held discussions with David Lidington, Minister for the Cabinet Office on the issue. Read more about the meeting here.