A CAMPAIGN is under way to give public sector workers in Kent an extra £2,000 per year to cope with the spiralling costs of south-east living.

Unison, which represents thousands of nurses, teachers and local government workers across the county, has launched a campaign "It's Only Fair".

The union is demanding a new weighting allowance for the south-east similar to that enjoyed in London. Regional weighting campaign chairman Martin Gregory said the aim was to persuade employers and politicians to take quick action on the issue.

He said: "This campaign is well overdue and despite being in its early stages has growing support amongst workers and the sympathy of a growing number of politicians and employers."

Unison regional campaign manager Brendan Nee said home ownership was already beyond the reach of many members.

The average cost of a home in the South East is now 30 per cent more than the average price of a home in England and Wales.

He said: "Workers face excessive costs for housing, transport and dependant care."