Council workers will join a nation-wide strike on Thursday.

Carers, social workers, refuse collectors, street cleaners and teaching assistants will picket major buildings before gathering for a rally at Wood Green Civic Centre at 11.30am.

The UNISON union has said that local government pay has been frozen for the last three years, with pay rising below the rate of inflation for eight of the last 17 years.

It added that council workers in Haringey have been left struggling to get by, with some relying on foodbanks, second or third jobs and in-work benefits to make ends meet.

Haringey UNISON branch secretary Sean Fox said: “Council workers have kept on going in the face of four years of draconian Government cuts to keep local services in Haringey running.

“They care for our elderly and our vulnerable, keep our streets clean and educate and look after our children.”

He added: “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.”