A CAMPAIGN calling for all public sector workers to be paid a fair wage has won the backing of Halton Council.

A motion calling on the government to remove the pay cap imposed since 2010 received unanimous support from the full council on Wednesday.

The authority is now writing to Chancellor Phillip Hammond asking him to ensure pay increases are negotiated in line with any joint union pay claims and fund any agreed increases direct from government expenditure.

Unison members mounted a lobby outside Runcorn Town Hall as councillors arrived.

Halton Council leader Clr Rob Polhill said: “Our public sector workers do a fantastic job and go above and beyond the call of duty.

“Nurses, cleaners, careworkers and local government staff are all being hit by this very unfair pay cap.

“We would be lost without them yet many are struggling so much they have to use foodbanks.

“People who are working damn hard just to survive, that cannot be right.”

Cllr Dave Thompson proposed the motion and it was seconded by Clr Chris Loftus.

Since 2010 the government’s pay cap has seen either no annual increase of a limited pay rise for public sector workers meaning NHS staff, emergency services and local government workers in Halton have faced diminishing incomes.

Halton Council Unison branch secretary Paula Barker said: “We welcome this support.

“Public sector pay has declined in real terms by 21 per cent over the last seven years.

“We provide services from the cradle to the grave, registering births, helping children cross the road, teaching assistants, planning applications, benefits and burials.

“We have seen our pay structure and job valuations have been squeezed and distorted.

“Our members do an incredible job. The government must deliver pay rises for all public servants above inflation.”