Civil servants were offered a 1.25 percent pay rise yesterday but didn't accept it when they were told it would mean temporary staff being let go.They agreed to defer a decision until after next month's Budget after the Finance Ministry painted a grim picture of Government's debt levels in a meeting at the New Testament Church of God.Sources say civil servants were given two options as they were updated on salary negotiations between Government and the Bermuda Public Services Union (BPSU).The first was a 1.25 percent pay rise which would mean temporary staff being let go when their contracts came to an end. The alternative was a wage freeze.Some civil servants are said to have spoken out saying they'd take the freeze to protect others' jobs; however, a proposal to wait until after the Budget was eventually accepted.Finance officials are also said to have told staff of the need for greater accountability and efficiency, and the importance of pulling their weight.BPSU general secretary Edward Ball said a “huge showing” of about 400 to 500 members attended yesterday's meeting.He would not comment specifically on what was discussed as he said pay talks with Government were ongoing.But he pointed out that the downturn in the economy would require every worker on the Island to increase productivity and improve performance, not just civil servants.“I think every worker in Bermuda is very mindful of the world economy, as well as Bermuda's economy,” he said.The union boss said employers, unions and Government would need to meet regularly in the coming months to assess unemployment figures and “try to come up with a way to keep the economy flowing”.“It means that all of us are going to have to work together as a team. We may do things or things may be done that are unpopular. But as long as it is done fairly and we are taking care of Bermudian workers, I think we can get through this.”