I REFER to the two articles (February 23 and 28) about senior officer pay at Dorset County Council.

As a public sector employee of rather more lowly status than those you have chosen to vilify, I nevertheless find your position difficult to fathom. Last week the government froze public sector pay for the third year running. Less than half of the people who work for English councils earn more than £18,000. In Dorset the figure is much lower, and many earn considerably less. Coupled with high inflation, such people are increasingly struggling. This is the real scandal of public sector pay, not the handful who, after long and successful careers, have achieved a comfortable salary. David Jenkins has led the county council very ably through some extremely turbulent times. His impending retirement should be an opportunity for you to pay tribute to that.

Last year, he voluntarily surrendered 10 per cent of his salary. That he did so without a fanfare of press publicity is testament to his modesty.

John Alexander Swyre Dorchester