[zipy124]

Well, a higher pension contribution means you don't have to save as much of your take home pay for when you get old, allowing you to spend more of what you earn theoretically, but I get your point yes.

The reason they can't offer the higher salary instead is government pensions are un-funded usually, hence their 20-30% contribution is actually just a commitment to pay you much much later, they don't actually put anything into a protected pot for you.