When it comes to this year’s civil service pay rises, policymakers would do well to consider public sentiment.

Experts say move to withhold increments from bottom 10 per cent of underperformers will have limited impact, noting over third of staff already reached maximum pay scale.

While an increase in pay is worth supporting in principle, the public perception of the performance of some departments must be taken into account.

When it comes to this year’s civil service pay rises, policymakers would do well to consider public sentiment.

Readers discuss a proposed ranking system for the civil service, opportunities in Central Asia, and the Ebola threat.