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Swinney counts cost as Budget backlash begins

UNIONS reacted with fury to the decision by the Scottish Government to continue with a public sector pay freeze and enforce poorer pension terms.

DEADPAN: John Swinney, right, and Alex Salmond listen to reaction in parliament to their budget plans. Picture: Gordon Terris
DEADPAN: John Swinney, right, and Alex Salmond listen to reaction in parliament to their budget plans. Picture: Gordon Terris
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ROBBIE DINWOODIE CHIEF SCOTTISH POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT Public Sector

The PCS union spoke of “anger as never before” even although in his Budget speech John Swinney expressed hope of a “modest” pay increase in 2013 and regret that the Treasury was forcing the rise in pension contributions.