Garry Graham, Prospect deputy general secretary, said:

“Ensuring that civil servants get at least the same 2.7% pay increase MPs got from 1 April would cost only slightly more than the £160 million now being awarded to consultants. Despite this we are being told that budgets are tight and there is no new money for pay.

“This government’s appreciation of, and commitment to, the hardworking members of its civil service looks increasingly hollow.”