How might the inclusion of outsourced workers be encouraged?

The relevant issues to consider include whether it is either possible or desirable for government to try to exercise such tight central control over public sector pay over such a long period of time, particularly when similar controls are not in place for the private sector. What, if any, incentives can be offered to attract staff as skill shortages in key areas start to emerge? Should pay be more closely related to performance, and how can one reliably define and measure what is meant by performance in the public sector anyway? Is annual incremental pay progression really just a second, ‘hidden’ pay rise, or is it an important way to retain the accumulated skill and expertise over time of staff? How realistic do you think it is for government to try to limit centrally the amount of pay increases in the public sector over a period of several years? What are the main objections that could be raised to this and what do you think could be the main unintended consequences of such a policy?