Why is AO pay so rubbish when we are worked to the bone?
I’ve worked in the Civil Service for just over a decade, and it feels like I’ve been taking a real-terms pay cut almost every single year. I still live with my parents because, despite working full-time, getting onto the property ladder or even renting comfortably feels increasingly out of reach.
At the same time, the job seems to get more demanding every day. Targets increase, workloads grow, and there’s more micromanagement than ever. Is anyone else feeling completely worn down by Workforce Management (WFM) and AUI?
One thing that frustrates me is the public perception that civil servants are well paid with great conditions. The reality for many AOs is very different. I know colleagues who rely on help from family or friends just to get by, and some have had to use food banks or food pantries to make ends meet.
Whenever pay is discussed, the response is often, “Just get another job.” But what about those of us who genuinely want to work in public service? Whether it’s HMRC, DWP, or another department, we believe in serving the public. Wanting to continue doing that shouldn’t mean accepting falling living standards or poor treatment.
Does anyone else feel the same, or has your experience been different?