COUNCIL and school support workers across the county are set to join nationwide strike action over pay.

Carers, social workers, refuse collectors, street cleaners and teaching assistants will be striking, with picket lines expected to be out in force at County Hall, Orchard House, Malvern Council House, The Hive, Kidderminster Library and other council locations throughout Worcestershire.

With the strike scheduled for Thursday, July 10, UNISON is urging employers to get back to the negotiating table.

Jim Price, UNISON Worcestershire County Branch Secretary, said: "“Council workers have kept on going in the face of four years of draconian Government cuts to keep local services in Worcestershire running. They care for our elderly and our vulnerable, keep our streets clean and educate and look after our children. They also face the daily threat of privatisation or redundancy. "They deserve better treatment than they have had at the hands of this Government.

“Taking strike action is never easy but our members are sending a clear message to the Government that they have had enough. Low paid women make up the backbone of most local councils and they deserve to be paid a decent wage.

“The employers must get back into talks immediately to avoid a damaging dispute.”