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Almost 70 per cent of local government workers considered leaving their jobs in the past year, according to a survey of 4,500 staff, writes Sally Gillen.

The NOP survey , commissioned by public sector Unison to look at attitudes to pay and working conditions, also found that 71 per cent felt that compared to this time last year workload and pressure had increased.

The survey's findings, which highlight poor pay as a key reason for workers' dissatisfaction, came as Unison started balloting local government staff this week to support a national strike over pay on July 17.

The union is one of three - with GMB and TGWU - which are asking for a 6 per cent rise.

Staff in London councils took strike action recently in a campaign over London weighting, which Unison wants to see raised to a flat rate of £4,000 for inner and outer London.

Heather Wakefield, Unison national secretary for local government, said: "The employers can show they are serious about the recruitment and retention crisis by making a realistic pay offer, and demonstrating just how much they value their employees."

But executive director of the Employers Organisation Charles Nolda said that the current 3 per cent offer would not be bettered.

"Councils cannot afford more. Going out on strike will not reopen negotiations or find extra money," he said.