REFUSE workers at Warrington Borough Council will walk out on strike for a week from Tuesday, after rejecting a real-terms pay cut.

More than 50 staff employed by the council have been forced to take industrial action after they were offered a below-inflation flat rate increase of £1,925.

According to a survey by union Unite, nearly half of its members working for local authorities are struggling to afford heating, electricity and water bills.

Unable to keep up with soaring food costs, 23 per cent reported that they were skipping meals to save money and 6 per cent have resorted to using food banks.  

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Our members play an essential role keeping their community clean.

“They are not going to accept a real-terms pay cut when the workforce already can’t make ends meet.

“Unite never takes a backward step in supporting its members and is dedicated to enhancing their jobs, pay and conditions.”