Just two months ago, public sector workers were in uproar over plans to freeze their pay announced by both Labour and the Conservatives. I had little sympathy for them then, and even less now.

You see, I work in the private sector and this year my pay has been frozen and my (already minimal) bonus shrunk. So why should people who work in the public sector and thus get insulated from the recession, alongside their standard perks of job security and gold-plated pensions?! We in the public sector and paying for them through our taxes.

The public sector as a whole needs to accept that pay freezes are acceptable and inevitable – at least for those earning £30k or more per year. Either accept it or get a job in the real world.

This also applies to any bank which we the taxpayer have had to save from bankruptcy. They do not deserve bonuses. They’re lucky to have a job at all! If that means the board of RBS or any other bank resigns, then that is what must happen.

Anyone who works for the state directly or for a company bailed out during this recession simply has to take it on the chin. No bonuses or pay rises until the country can afford it or you have paid back every penny we have had to lend you. Plus interest.

UPDATE: And this applies doubly for those 300 public sector workers earning more than the Prime Minister!