@volcan01010 I am a software developer. I left the Met Office last year for exactly this reason - a 50% salary increase. I'd have liked to stay in the public sector, but if it doesn't pay the bills (and it doesn't) then that really isn't an option. My ex-colleagues are on strike today and I feel quite conflicted, because I wish I was there fighting with them.
@VoxDei Well done. You have to look after yourself.
The best thing that anyone leaving the public sector can do is share as many details as possible about pay / holidays / pension of their new job with their colleagues / bosses / HR so that they can be used to make the case for pay rises.