You might be right, but the UK public sector isn't evidence, private sector almost always pays more, everywhere and no matter what industry. One could make a c

You might be right, but the UK public sector isn't evidence, private sector almost always pays more, everywhere and no matter what industry. One could make a case the other way - that companies won't lower public salaries, because they need to hire people, often desperately. In my experience, the lower the salary, the less response you get to your role, and certainly from people who are in-demand.