CAMPAIGNERS in Leeds are launching a fightback against poverty pay, austerity and exploitation, inspired by a similar campaign by trade unionists in neighbouring Sheffield, writes Northern reporter Pete Lazenby.

In January, Sheffield Trade Union Council, in co-operation with the Bakers Food and Allied Workers Union (BFAWU), appointed a full-time union and campaign organiser to spearhead a “Sheffield Needs a Pay Rise” campaign.

Sheffield had been described as the “low-pay capital of Britain,” with one in 10 workers paid less than £7.90 a hour.