THOUSANDS of front-line “hidden workers” who risk their health and their lives by maintaining essential services need more government support, public service union Unison said yesterday.

The union said that key workers such as refuse collectors, social workers and teaching assistants face overwhelming levels of work, found it almost impossible to maintain social distancing, but are not entitled to personal protection equipment.

Unison called for extra funding to local authorities to increase the workers wages and recognise their vital role during the pandemic.

Unison head of local government Jon Richards said: “It’s understandable that throughout the crisis, public attention has been focused on the UK’s health and care workers.”

But he said that other vital workers should not be overlooked.

“Ministers have to make sure the concerns of all essential workers are addressed. It’s also vital they show a commitment to underfunded local services by increasing budgets so local authorities can increase the pay offer they’ve made to council workers,” he said.