Ulster Unionist MLA Mike Nesbitt has called for the UK Government to release the money required for public sector pay rises with immediate effect. This follows the speculation that the DUP will not agree to a restored Stormont ahead of Christmas.

Mike Nesbitt said: "The Northern Ireland Office has made clear that this year's public sector pay rises can be facilitated through a non-repayable draw-down from the Treasury Reserve. So, having conceded the point that the money has to be found to be fair to public sector workers, why should those workers continue to suffer because the DUP are not ready to get back to work?

"This is a case where we need to set aside the old negotiating position that 'nothing is agreed until everything is agreed'. It is both the right thing to do, and the practical thing to do as we watch increasing disruption from industrial action by those who feel they have no choice in order to highlight the injustice of their position."