Medical unions need a healthy dose of reality

Such predictions may be little premature, but the growing grumbles from the public-sector unions are cause for concern. 

Despite this year's inflation-busting pay rises for doctors and nurses, both the British Medical Association and the Royal College of Nursing appear to be on course for another dispute over proposals for a 2.8 per cent pay increase next year.

Both unions could do with a healthy does of reality. With inflation currently at 2.5 per cent, and expected to average 2.6 per cent next year, a rise of 2.8 seems eminently reasonable - particularly on the back of bumper pay rises which workers in the private sector could only dream of.

Meanwhile, if you thought the rail strikes were over, think again. The Rail, Maritime and Transport union has announced three days of walk-outs over Christmas in a dispute with Avanti West Coast - less than three months after receiving a 9.25 per cent pay rise.

It could be said the new government invited these pay demands when it caved in to the strikes in both the NHS and railways within weeks of taking office. Which makes it all the more important ministers now stand firm in the face of any further threats. Any sign of weakness will only open the floodgates to more extravagant claims.

The rising cost of living has hit everybody hard. But most workers in the private sector have just had to accept that their pay will never keep up with rising costs. 

The NHS and rail workers would do well to quit while they are ahead.