OTLEY'S MP has accused the Government of hypocrisy in its treatment of public sector workers.

Alex Sobel (Lab, Leeds North West) made the claim during a Parliamentary debate on the public sector pay cap last week.

The policy has sought to limit pay rises in the sector to one per cent each year - something Mr Sobel said had resulted in a real-terms wage cut for many.

He told the House of Commons: "In 2010 when the coalition Government was formed the country was told it needed to make sacrifices to reduce the national debt.

"Seven long years later, debt is still rising. The date for the eradication of debt, has been pushed further and further back; and all our public sector is in crisis, because of the harsh austerity economics of those two Governments.

"All in all, the cost of living has risen by about 22 per cent while public sector pay has not just stagnated but fallen back, in real terms.

"Is it not entirely reasonable for public sector staff to ask what their sacrifice has been for?"

He concluded by taking Conservative MPs to task over their position.

He said: "I have a simple question for Conservative Members - those who are left: who will you turn to when there is no one to put out the fire in your house, when no one keeps criminals off your streets, and there is no one to care for you when you are sick, old or unable to care for yourself?

"The hypocrisy of the Government is staggering. Praise is lavished upon public sector workers, but is not reflected in their pay packet.

"Praise does not pay the rent, feed a family, or heat a home."