Two-thirds of the public thinks MPs are paid too much, while six in ten Britons think nurses and soldiers are paid too little
Earlier this week, it was announced that the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (Ipsa) would propose a pay rise for MPs of likely around £10,000, but possibly as much as £20,000. MPs currently receive yearly salaries of £65,738.
According to new YouGov research, voters think some public sector British workers are not paid enough – but Members of Parliament are not among them. 68% of people say MPs are paid too much, meaning more Britons think MPs are overpaid than every type of worker mentioned, except television presenters, bankers, CEOs and football players.
In comparison, majorities think two groups of workers are paid too little: nurses (whom 62% say are paid too little) and soldiers (60%), both also on government payrolls. Only 5% think MPs are underpaid.
The Commons voted down a 1% pay rise in 2011 and voted again this year to freeze wages for now. However, in January a survey conducted by YouGov on behalf of Ipsa found that 69% of MPs think they are paid too little, and the average salary suggested by MPs was £86,250 – an increase that would equate to a pay rise of 32%.
Not yet a member of YouGov? Make your opinion count by joining today!
