Ron Bumstead's letter advising people not to work for the public sector makes him sound as if he is overworked (Public image, letters.computing.co.uk).

The team numbers he quotes seem about right, if not extravagant - especially in the real world of the
private sector.

There are many reasons why Ron and others in the public sector are on low pay:The public sector works fewer hours; needs to employ more people to screw  in the proverbial light bulb because of more absenteeism and less work completed per person; and workers receive grossly over-subsidised pensions.

Count your blessings - after 35 years you will receive a good pension. If you were in the real world and contracting - yes, contractors get good pay, more than double your salary - you would need to invest a good deal of your income and pray it provides good returns for a pension.

Mine has not, and I am sure many more contractors have seen their investments dwindle while watching public pensions thrive.

Dave Walker