INCREASED SALARIES

Press, Volume XCIII, Issue 27962, 8 May 1956, Page 3

INCREASED SALARIES

Sir, —I was interested to read your sub-leader and your remarks concerning those who will now receive up to £735 per annum. Your article states: “A clerk can now rise to a salary of £735 by the exercise of no more ability and industry than are necessary to prevent his dismissal.” This is a slur on many competent employees in the clerical division, who are doing an excellent job. Unfortunately. a rigid maximum is set for those in the division and a particularly able officer cannot receive more than an average or incompetent one. With over 25 years in the Public Service, I have found that many in the higher groups, now so handsomely recognised, cannot measure up to a practical man on a lower grading, on whom, in many cases, they have to rely to hold their positions.—Yours, etc., GRADE 6. May 7, 1956.

Sir, —The salaries of some 125.000 public servants are to be “increased” up to a maximum of £4lO per annum. Of similar numerical strength, most age and invalid beneficiaries receive £lB2 a year. “As single pensioners living alone in rooms.” the minority now receive £195. From a reconciliation viewpoint, Robert Burns’s quotation. “Man's inhumanity to man makes countless thousands mourn,” is applicable to the Government and public servants alike.—Yours, etc., HUMBLE HARRY. May 7, 1956.