Public sector pay is 7.8% higher

Critics of the public sector will be grinding their teeth at the sight of the public-private pay gap widening even further.

This is extra ammunition for those calling for public sector cuts and lower pensions.

However, the bald figures come with a health warning.

After years of contracting out, staff are more likely to be teachers or nurses than cleaners and caterers and many more have degrees.

Statisticians have to try to adjust for that.

Plus, they warn that most private sector bonuses and perks aren't counted in the comparison and nor are self-employed lawyers, businessmen and entrepreneurs.