DRUG, alcohol and mental health support workers in Leigh and Wigan are set to vote on taking strike action over "broken pay promises" from contractor Addaction, says their trade union Unison.

The 30 workers, who see more than 100 people with addiction and mental health problems a day, are angry Addaction is "going back" on an agreement last year.

Staff were transferred to Addaction when it took full control of Wigan Council’s substance misuse service in 2018.

Unison says the agreement would have seen some staff who have had their pay frozen for two years, receive up to £2,000.

Its workers would now be earning the same as NHS staff doing similar jobs, according to the trade union.

Unison will ballot its members from Thursday, July 18 to Friday August 2.

Commenting on the ballot, an Addaction worker said: “I agreed to transfer to Addaction because I was assured my NHS pay, leave and pension would be honoured. I feel really let down.

“We work incredibly hard supporting recovering addicts, often in very trying circumstances.

"We love our job but every year it’s getting harder to get by on our wages.

“The promised pay rise would have made a huge difference.

"I’d be able to take my children on holiday and wouldn’t feel so worried about whether I’d have enough money left at the end of the month.”

Unison North West regional organiser Paddy Cleary said: “Staff have been repeatedly told they’d receive a similar three year pay rise as that enjoyed by NHS staff.

"But Addaction has refused point blank to honour that commitment, leaving its hardworking staff without pay rises for two years.

“These staff provide an exceptionally valuable service to the local community in Wigan and Leigh.

"They deserve to be rewarded, not strung along by their employer.

“It’s time Addaction stopped dragging its feet and made good on its promises.

"Staff will be hoping that the ballot will be enough to make their employer think again.”

Addaction confirmed discussions with staff are ongoing.

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An Addaction spokesman said: “We have been talking in detail with our team over recent months and hope to continue discussions with our staff over the coming days.

“Our first priority is to ensure the continued safety and well being of people who rely on our services.”