Responding to the publication of government accounts today (Thursday) that highlight the billions of pounds wasted on personal protective equipment (PPE) that was unusable or soon to expire, UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said:
“For the government to squander billions on worthless or wasted safety kit is a scandal. This money would have been better spent on health, care and many other vital public services.
“The cash could have funded a proper pay rise for NHS staff who risked their lives to keep patients safe during the pandemic. Or allowed councils to keep libraries and youth clubs running.
“Ministers have yet to learn any lessons from Covid. An open and transparent system of awarding contracts is needed to avoid costly blunders when the next pandemic hits.”
Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.
Media contacts:
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: press@unison.co.uk
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk