Prime Minister Andrew Holness says if the government could pay public sector workers more, it would.

He was speaking at the Jamaica Labour Party’s, South East Clarendon constituency conference, on Sunday.

His statement follows public outcry, about the massive salary hike granted to members of the political directorate in comparison to the increases granted to public sector workers, under the restructured compensation system.

Mr. Holness who declined his salary increase following public criticism, acknowledged that the increase for public sector workers could be higher.

He said if they could be paid more, he would allow it.

Meantime, the prime minister also expressed that sometimes he feels like giving back his current salary.