Brian, it's a whole bizarre other world in the public sector. You have to be in it to truly understand.

The pensions, which I admit now appear relatively generous against the ups and downs of private pensions, are one of the few perks remaining in the public sector. However, it's not as if we don't contribute substantially to those pensions and the LGPS is fully funded.

There is practically zero job security, with all staff being subject to "restructures" on an almost annual basis as budgets are cut to the bone, and those who remain are expected to deliver all their former colleagues' work.

There's also been a pay freeze in effect for two years now, so combined with the effects of inflation, public sector pay, which was never generous, has now slipped well behind.

And finally, Brian, there is no such thing as "promotion". In order to get a higher grade's pay, you have to get a higher graded job, which is only possible if such a job is vacant (less common in these days of cuts and restructures) and then only by competitive interview.

I spent 15 years working in the private sector before moving into the public sector 10 years ago, so I feel I can speak equally for both. They both have their different pros and cons, but I can assure you that pay and pensions are definitely not as generous in the public sector, particularly when you add the other perks often seen in the private sector - BUPA, gym membership etc.