Public workers 'on breadline'

One third of London's public service workers do not earn enough money for food or children's clothes, says a report.

The survey of 700 workers, for the public service union, Unison, said almost half struggled to find money for rent or mortgages. More than one in five had not had a holiday in over two years and half of those were so broke they had to stay with friends or family.

The union's London secretary, Chris Humphreys, said: 'In one of the world's richest capitals we have increasing poverty. The public sector pay freeze has caused increased hardship, greater inequality and done nothing to boost economic demand and recovery.