WESTMINSTER'S plans to cut public-sector pay by aligning it with local conditions are damaging and unfair, according to Finance Secretary John Swinney.
He has submitted evidence to the independent UK pay review bodies that challenges the Coalition Government's economic case for regional pay and re-affirmed the Scottish Government has no plans to introduce it.
Mr Swinney has raised concerns the policy could be used as a mechanism to cut spending in parts of the UK, resulting in a negative impact on many areas in Scotland.
He said Westminster's proposals were "damaging, unfair and without any merit".
He said: "I am deeply concerned about the potential impact of the UK Government's proposals on both the Scottish economy and more than 30,000 public servants employed in Scotland by UK Government departments.
"The Scottish Government will not follow this approach for those employees for whom we have responsibility, and we will do everything we can to persuade the UK Government to reconsider its proposals for those UK public servants in Scotland who could be affected."
He said his response submitted to the pay bodies that have been asked to consider Westminster's proposals reinforced the strength of the Scottish Government's opposition to the policy.
The Finance Secretary said: "Our submission highlights the weaknesses of the UK Government's approach, and in particular the lack of strong evidence that these proposals will support economic growth or lead to greater public service efficiency.
"Public-sector pay must be both affordable and fair. That is why this Scottish Government has protected those on the lowest incomes, implemented the Scottish Living Wage and frozen pay at senior levels."
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