The first events are being held this evening (Wednesday) in Rawtenstall and Bootle.

Public sector pay is a big issue, with the government under pressure to lift the 1% cap on pay for workers who provide our public services.  

Public meetings are being held tonight (Wednesday 20 September) at Rawtenstall Cricket Club at 6.45pm and at Bootle Town Hall at 6pm.  It is a chance to find out more about the effects of the pay cap and what can be done to end it.  All welcome.

Ross Charnock lives in Rawtenstall and works for the NHS.  His job as a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist involves helping people who are suffering with depression and anxiety.  Since 2010, Ross, like other workers in the public sector, has seen his pay frozen and then capped.  Ross said:

“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.  I don’t think it’s right that our pay is effectively being cut year after year, and it’s time that the government ended the cap.”

All the public meetings on pay in the North West are listed below:

• Bootle Town Hall, Oriel Road, Bootle, L20 7AE: Wednesday 20 September, 6pm
• Rawtenstall Cricket Club, Bacup Road, Rawtenstall, BB4 7ND: Wednesday 20 September, 6.45pm
• Unity Wellbeing Centre, Vernon Street, Nelson BB9 9DX: Monday 25 September, 7pm
• Carnegie Hall, Westhoughton, Library Street, Westhoughton BL5 3AW: Wednesday 27 September, 7pm
• Friends Meeting House, 6 Mount Street, Manchester, M2 5NS: Friday 29 September, 6pm
• The Royal Clifton, Windsor Suite, 1 The Promenade, Southport, PR8 1RB: Monday 2 October, 7pm
• Blackpool Catholic Club, 30 Queen Street Blackpool FY1 1PU: Monday 2 October, 6.30pm
• Rolls Royce Leisure, Merlin Suite, Skipton Road, Barnoldswick, BB18 6HJ: Tuesday 3 October, 7pm