Emergency workers in the South West are earning less this Christmas than they did five years ago, says the South West TUC. 

The research, which looks at those working in hospitals and emergency services during Christmas, found that compared with real annual salaries in 2011:

Nurses’ pay is down £2,600;

Midwives’ pay down £3,300;

Police officers’ pay is down £1,300;

Ambulance drivers’ pay is down £2,200;

Firefighters’ pay is down £3,200.

South West TUC Regional Secretary Nigel Costley said: ’Many of those keeping our streets safe and providing emergency care have seen their pay fall sharply over the past five years.

’Ministers should show some seasonal goodwill and end the real-terms pay cuts. The government’s Scrooge-like public sector pay cap has to go, to ensure that wages at least keep up with prices.’