George Osborne, Shadow Chancellor, speech to The Conservative Party Conference 2009

The video discusses a proposed one-year pay freeze for the public sector starting in 2011, excluding those earning less than £18,000 and military personnel. The speaker emphasizes the importance of not burdening the poorest and acknowledges the sacrifices of military personnel, proposing to double their operational allowance. The rationale for the pay freeze is to save 100,000 frontline public sector jobs, presenting it as a necessary measure to protect jobs during challenging economic times.

What is the main reason for excluding public servants earning less than £18,000 from the pay freeze?

• To encourage higher productivity

• To reduce administrative costs

• To avoid balancing the budget on the poorest

• To ensure fairness across all income levels

Why does the speaker propose doubling the operational allowance for those in Afghanistan?

• To acknowledge their bravery and service

• To align with international military standards

• To compensate for the pay freeze

• To attract more recruits to the armed forces

What is the speaker's justification for the public sector pay freeze?

• To improve public sector efficiency

• To reduce inflation

• To save 100,000 frontline public sector jobs

• To increase government revenue

How does the speaker suggest public sector workers view the pay freeze?

• As a means to protect their jobs

• As a temporary inconvenience

• As a way to increase their future earnings

• As a government mandate

What is the speaker's message to public sector workers regarding the pay freeze?

• It is a necessary step for economic recovery

• It is a decision made by the government alone

• It is a way to ensure equal pay for all

• It is a strategy to reduce public sector size