Care workers for children with learning disabilities are to be given a £3,000 pay rise as social services managers attempt to stem recruitment problems.

The move comes after years of children's care workers being underpaid in the county.

Salaries should now be raised to the national average of £17,000.

The rise will be funded by a 13.4 per cent increase in Oxfordshire's council tax, which should raise the social and health care directorate's income by £7m.

Social and health care director Charles Waddicor said: "We have had difficulties recruiting. Oxfordshire has had underpaid carers for some years.

"This has been recognised and addressed.

"A salary increase should attract more people to the job now."

The Children and Families Care Service employs 62 part-time care assistants and behavioural support workers.

They provide more than 2,000 hours of care each month. But more carers are needed.

To find out more about becoming a children's care worker call 01865 374154.