Jeremy Corbyn has backed union calls for a 5% increase in public sector pay after the Tory Government backed a cap which is less than inflation.

The Labour leader hit out at plans for an average 2% pay rise for nurses, teachers and other workers without proper funding saying that this would likely lead to further cuts in the already struggling NHS and education sector.

Speaking in Birmingham Mr Corbyn promised that a Labour Government would back wage rises of 5% as suggested by unions.

He said: "On the public sector pay cap, the government has said it's going to lift the pay cap the reality is that they're lifting the pay cap it's going to be an increase that's below the rate of inflation and it's going to be about 0.8% below it and the unions have said 5% is what is needed for it and we support that.

"But we also from what we understand there's no increase in funding for that so by increasing pay by 0.8% less than inflation that can only be paid for by cuts to public services."

Public sector workers saw their pay frozen from 2010 and then capped at 1% - far below inflation.

It comes as the NHS reports a crisis in nursing recruitment and schools are struggling to hire and retain teachers.

Speaking at EEF Technology's apprenticeship college in Aston, Mr Corbyn said: "I think public sector workers have been very badly treated since austerity came in in 2010."

He promised to fund a pay rise through overall tax changes and an increase in corporation tax.

Most of public sector workers will see their salaries rise under the rate of inflation, measured at 2.4% under the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

Armed forces personnel will get a 2% increase, with a one-off payment this September of 0.9%.

Prison officers will get the same rise, with an additional cash boost worth 0.75% of their salaries.

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Medics, including junior doctors and GPs, and police officers will also get a 2% increase.

Most teachers' annual earnings will rise by 3.5%, with those on the upper pay range and in leadership positions getting a 2% increase and 1.5% respectively.