Trade unionists in Cornwall have vowed to continue fighting for fair wages in the county following a visit from the general secretary of the TUC.

Cornwall Trades Council hosted Frances O’Grady at a packed out 'town hall' meeting in Truro last Saturday.

Originally planned as an outdoor rally and march through Truro, the venue was changed due to Storm Brian but many people were undeterred and there was standing room only at the packed out Truro City Hall.

Speakers spoke passionately about the experiences of workers in Cornwall enduring a combination of low-pay, insecure working conditions and changes to the welfare system. These factors, added to higher than average living costs in Cornwall, particularly housing, mean that more Cornish families than ever are living on the breadline. Nurses and teachers and support staff are among those feeling the pinch.

Many speakers also identified the introduction of Universal Credit as the factor which could tip families over the edge, joining calls for the roll-out to be scrapped. Frances O’Grady echoed the heartfelt concerns expressed and promised to work at a national level to speak up for Cornish workers.

At a follow up meeting Cornwall Trades Council agreed to hold regular public events and to continue with their programme of street-stalls in the run-up to Christmas.

The meeting also focused on the experiences of young people at work and promised a campaign to tackle the issues they face with a dedicated website planned to help young people access support.

John Dean, the chair of Cornwall Trades Council, said: "The rally was a great success but it is just the beginning, Cornwall Trades Council exists to campaign for a better deal for Cornwall, fair pay and fair treatment at work and a fair deal across society."

The group will be operating a campaigning street stall with information, support and guidance around all these issues in Falmouth on December 16, from 2pm to 4.30pm.