Public sector workers are set to receive "substantial" pay rises this year in a drive to boost recruitment, according to a new report.

Many workers in public services have been paid bigger rises than other employees over the past year, and the trend is likely to continue, said pay analysts Incomes Data Services (IDS).

Pay increases averaged 3.7 per cent last year for many public sector workers, but some groups enjoyed much bigger rises.

Many deals have helped lower paid workers or been targeted at boosting recruitment and retention, said the report.

Longer-term deals of up to three years are being encouraged, with increases of up to 23 per cent on offer, according to the research.