- Conference
- 2013 National Black Members' Conference
- Date
- 18 September 2012
- Decision
- Carried
Conference notes that black unemployment is at unacceptable levels and particularly with 44% of the UK’s young black males unemployed (the Guardian, 5 March 2012). According to government statistics (Office for National Statistics), figures show almost 22% youth unemployment for the UK as a whole in March 2012.
‘What is clear is that this recession is hitting ethnic minorities disproportionately hard. And the figures can only get worse. Black people, particularly women, are more likely to work in the public sector. This is partly because in diverse inner-city areas the public sector is the biggest employer. But it is also because large public-sector organisations tend to have better, more transparent policies around equal opportunity. Yet the public sector is bearing the brunt of George Osborne’s cuts.’ (Diane Abbott, MP)
‘Jobs have been cut and benefits have been reduced putting a strain on household budgets and finances. Members are feeling the impact on their household income.’ (UNISON website)
UNISON members can take advantage of confidential advice and support from its charity, ‘there4you’.
Members can make use of the following services:
• Financial assistance
• Debt advice
• Wellbeing breaks
• Support and information
This is a vital service available for members in these difficult times. With high loss of jobs and many black members affected by austerity measures from this coalition government, it is important to support members affected.
Two key facts to note about ‘there4you’ (from UNISON website):
a. Our members have been helped to deal with over £200million of unmanageable debt
b. In the last 10 years we have seen a 64% increase in our case-load and all the signs show that there is more to come
This motion calls on NMBC to:
1)Promote this key support service to black members
2)Monitor numbers of black members using the service and report findings in annual report to conference
3)Produce and provide black stewards and activists information to promote this service to black members.