Ulster Unionist MLA Michael Copeland has warned that moves by Westminster to introduce regional pay for public sector workers in Britain could have serioos consequences for the Northern Ireland economy.
The East Belfast representative, who is also his Party's spokesperson on Social Development issues, said:
“Both Lord Empey and myself have been predicting and warning of these moves since the Labour Party started the ball rolling on these issues.
Now weekend media reports suggest that the Chancellor indeed plans to end national pay rates for some public sector workers in Britain and this could be the thin end of a very large wedge.
People in Northern Ireland need to be aware that this, if imposed here, would have a significant impact on our economy by removing millions of pounds of earned disposable income from tens of thousands of families and individuals
It could also lead the possibility of regional rates of benefit being considered, all of this without any reduction in the National rates of Duties and Taxes which we pay here and which contribute to our higher cost of fuel, power, transport, insurance and other essentials, costs which hamper our citizens and hinder our industries alike.
This could all be predicated on the notion that Northern Ireland is a cheaper place to live than certain other areas of the United Kingdom.
That notion is wrong.”