Refuse collectors in South Kesteven are set to continue with extra payments to bring their earnings up to what similar staff receive on neighbouring councils.

Earlier this year, the district council awarded them a bonus of £50 a week to recognise their hard work and effort in safely maintaining services during lockdown.

Coun Dr Peter Moseley, the cabinet member for commercial and operations, told a meeting of SKDC's cabinet yesterday that this bonus was due to end in September.

SKDC, he continued, pay its refuse collectors less than neighbouring councils and this was an issue that needed correcting.

Coun Moseley (Con- Aveland) proposed an amendment to revised budget proposals to award a 'market supplement' to refuse collection staff from October until the end of the financial year when a more permanent solution could be found.

"There are plans to correct that issue through the national salary processes," he said.

A 5 per cent supplement would be paid to to loading and operational staff, which would cost the council an extra £93,000.

Council leader Coun Kelham Cooke (Con- Casewick) said he was 'fully supportive' of the move, saying during the pandemic, the council's refuse collectors visited 80,000 homes and businesses every week.

Cabinet member for Finance & Resources Adam Stokes (Con-Springfield) told the meeting he was 'happy' to accept Coun Moseley's amendment to allow the payments.