gilly is right, and as most of my family, both working and retired have been in the public sector, policemen ,teachers and nurses, I can say that they are well paid everywhere in the country ( bear that in mind, in areas where housing is fairly cheap, not all live in London.)
Their jobs are far more protected than the private sector and their pensions guaranteed and safe ( yes, they do have to pay quite a lot in) but better that, and a good retirement pot.
Which is why, although they are all wanting salary rises and more money for whichever service they are in, they are actually in better positions than anyone in the private sector on similar wages.
Public spending had to be slimmed down....anyone remember the financial crash? No, thought not.
Things are recovering now and so gradually public spending will increase.