FILM-MAKER Ken Loach launched a blistering attack on low pay yesterday as he called for the labour movement to back striking cinema workers.

Staff at the Ritzy Cinema in south London have staged 11 day-long walkouts in demand of the £8.80-an-hour London living wage.

A march from their workplace yesterday saw Ritzy staff joined by other low-paid London cinema workers — and even a delegation from a Cineworld in Manchester.

Mr Loach slammed ministers for talking of a “recovery” when workers are still struggling on poverty pay.

“When this happens, we say the system is failing,” he said.

“But it’s doing exactly what it’s suppose to when we see zero-hour contracts, low pay and food banks.

“It’s working very well for those at the top.

“If we want a fair system we need to start again.”

He told the Morning Star that politicians must compel companies to pay the living wage as the “dinosaurs will be back before they do it voluntarily.”

His comments were echoed by London Assembly Member Fiona Twycross, who told the rally the living wage should be the legal minimum.

Ritzy worker Catherine told the Morning Star she had made a “large financial sacrifice” to come out on strike.

“The commitment it has taken has meant a large impact on my social life too,” she added.

Staff will picket the cinema on Sunday evening as it attempts to break the strike for the first time.