CITY Labour chiefs have hit out at Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s public sector pay freeze which they claim will have a huge impact on working people in the city.
The Chancellor announced during Wednesday’s Spending Review that the Government will freeze public sector pay next year.
Around one-third of Worcester’s workforce are employed in the public sector, according to Labour.
As a result of the Chancellor’s announcements in the Spending Review, public sector pay rises will be paused next year – except for those earning less than £24,000 who will get a pay rise of at least £250. NHS staff will also be exempt.
Coun Adrian Gregson, leader of Worcester City Labour Group, said: “The Government’s public sector pay freeze will come as a major blow to the many workers in Worcester employed who are in the public sector, who are already under huge strain as a result of the coronavirus crisis.
“Worcester’s key workers have kept our city going throughout this pandemic and have made sure that our communities have been supported as we fight the virus together.
“Whilst NHS staff are exempt from this pay freeze, this is simply not good enough, with so many of our public sector workers not deemed worthy of the pay rise they deserve.
“Whilst the Conservatives are happy to clap for key workers in front of the cameras, it is the Labour Party in Worcester that is on the side of working people and families in our city.”
Speaking in the House of Commons, Anneliese Dodds MP, Labour’s Shadow Chancellor, said: “Earlier this year the Chancellor stood on his doorstep and clapped for key workers. Today, his government institutes a pay freeze for many of them.”
