LABOUR councillors in the city have criticised the Government's plans to freeze pay for some public sector workers.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced on Wednesday (November 25) that millions of public sector workers would have their pay frozen next year as part of the Spending Review.

Worcester's Labour councillors have hit out at the freeze which they say will have a “huge impact” on around a third of the city's workers.

Labour councillor Adrian Gregson, deputy leader of Worcester City Council, “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."

Councils will have access to an extra £1 billion to help them fund social care and address coronavirus pressures next year, it was also announced.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak said investment in public services will allow councils to increase core spending by 4.5 per cent, and they will have extra flexibility to increase council tax and social care precepts.

Local authorities will be able to increase council tax bills by two per cent without needing a referendum.

The Government also expects to provide local authorities with more than £3 billion to address Covid-19 pressures, including in adult social care.