Civil servants say they want to be compensated after losing their 'banking time.'

Workers were allowed half an hour per week to cash their pay cheques - until cut backs five years ago brought a stop to the practice.

But now, the Sunday Business Post claims lower paid public sector staff are seeking a once-off award of four-and-a-half holiday days to make up for the loss.

The news follows last week's deal between Government and unions, which will see €2,000 pay rises for civil servants over the next two years.