DRUG and alcohol support workers have put strike action on hold to protect service users during the coronavirus outbreak.

Staff in Leigh and Wigan, who are members of UNISON, are involved in a long-running pay dispute with their employer We Are With You, formerly Addaction.

Staff recently voted to take further strike action, but they have decided now to delay plans for more strike days in the best interests of people who use the service during this difficult time.

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Paul Almond, a support worker and UNISON rep, said: “We are all still determined to see this through and get the pay rise that was promised to us.

"But our campaign can wait until we get through the current coronavirus situation.

“We are very committed to this service.

"Many of us have been working in it for a long time and we know we are key workers, that is our belief and that of our employers.

"We understand the need to protect the vulnerable service users now more than ever and that has been the rationale behind our decision to suspend further action."

We Are With You is contracted by Wigan Council.