St Helens Council has unanimously backed a Labour motion calling on the government to fund a £10 an hour minimum wage for public sector workers.
The motion at last night’s full council meeting was brought by Labour Councillor Martin Bond, Cabinet Member for Finance. He says: “Public sector workers are superheroes, undertaking all manner of essential jobs to keep our country and our communities moving, protecting lives, and supporting our most vulnerable residents. Almost one million people have lost their jobs in local government since 2010 under the Tories and Lib Dems. Those who haven’t have suffered 22% pay cuts.
St Helens Council is the largest employer in the borough, and so a pay rise for our staff would give thousands of St Helens families a much needed boost after years of cuts and pay freezes.”
Councillor Kate Groucutt, Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, seconded the motion. She says: “I was very pleased to be able to second this motion, and to speak at Council in support of the Unison, GMB and Unite campaign for £10 minimum wage for council staff and decent pay for all public sector workers.
I also highlighted our support for mental health at work, including mental health first aiders.
It’s time to give our public sector superheroes a pay rise.”
You can read a full report of the motion and debate at https://www.sthelensstar.co.uk/news/18008861.st-helens-council-backs-local-government-unions-calls-10-per-cent-pay-rise/