The government has announced below-inflation pay rises for the public sector, which it says are fair for staff and good for the economy.

The plans have angered workers and unions, some are now believed to be considering industrial action.

The government’s announcement means nurses will get a 1.9% rise, GPs will get none at all. Some armed forces personnel will get 9.2%, but senior civil servants will receive just 1.4%.

Other wage increases announced by the government include: junior doctors 3%; dentists 2%; senior military 2%; senior civil service 1.4%; judiciary 2.4%; prison officers in England and Wales 2.5% and prison officers in Northern Ireland 2%.

The increases are the lowest over the past 10 years.