WINSFORD Town Council has pledged to become an accredited Living Wage employer.

Councillors approved the new policy at a full council meeting on Monday evening.

Paying the Living Wage is a voluntary decision and involves paying employees £9.50 an hour as opposed to the statutory minimum wage of £8.20.

The council has a total of six permanent employees and a number of casual staff.

All staff will now be paid at least £9.50 per hour.

Contractors will also receive the same amount.

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Cllr Dave Edwards said: "The Living Wage is very important. People shouldn't be forced to live in poverty. Unfortunately, this country has been the victim of government policy forcing people to live in poverty.

"The Living Wage should become the national minimum wage."

Cllr Chris Le said: "I wholeheartedly welcome this affiliation. I would encourage the people of Winsford to support local business during this difficult time. By shopping local during the Christmas period we are pumping vital money into the local economy."

The mayor Cllr Don Beckett said: "I endorse those comments and will always maintain the best for Winsford."

Cheshire West and Chester Council already pays staff the Living Wage.