PUBLIC sector workers in Rossendale are to step up their campaign for and end the one per cent cop on their pay rises.

They met in Rawtenstall on Wednesday to plan action aimed at putting pressure on the government over the issue

Workers from schools, the NHS and local councils shared experiences of having their living standards cut.

One was Ross Charnock from Rawtenstall, who works for the NHS as a cognitive behavioural therapist helping people who are suffering with depression and anxiety

He said: "Since 2010, my pay hasn’t gone up to match increases in fuel and food prices.

"I’m short of money at the end of every month and it’s frustrating that I can’t save for a deposit on a house.

“If my pay had gone up with the cost of living I’d be £5,250 better off this year."

A group from Rossendale will attend the march in Manchester on Sunday October 1 which marks the opening of the Conservative Party’s national conference in the city.

On Tuesday October 17 public sector workers from the Rossendale and Darwen constituency will join a Parliamentary lobby, where they hope to be able to put their to local MP and government 'Northern Powerhouse' Minister Jake Berry.

Lynne Morris, Regional Manager for UNISON North West, said: “In the run up to the budget on November 22nd the government needs to get the message that all public sector workers should have a pay rise.”