Lib Dems would give public sector workers a pay rise

Lib Dem leader Tim Farron with Andy Kelly

The Liberal Democrats say they would end years of pay restraint for public sector workers by lifting the 1% cap on pay and increase wages in line with inflation.

Rochdale Liberal Democrat candidate Andy Kelly commented: “Public sector workers in Rochdale are facing a double blow, with years of pitiful increases to pay combined with a squeeze caused by inflation.

"It's clear that the NHS and schools are already struggling to recruit the staff they need.

"Living standards are falling, prices are rising and nurses are going to food banks.

“A better future is possible. The Liberal Democrats will stand up for our schools and hospitals and give hard-working nurses, teachers and police the pay rise they deserve."

Under Liberal Democrat plans, teachers would get an average pay rise of £941 by 2021, while police would see their pay boosted by £471.

The plans would also lead to an estimated pay rise of £527 for nurses  by 2021.

The announcement comes as a survey by the Royal College of Nursing has revealed nine out of 10 nursing leaders say they are worried about their ability to recruit nurses and that there are an estimated 40,000 nursing vacancies in the NHS.