First things first: I would like to wish all our members a happy festive season – and a constructive and successful 2016.
Of course many of you will be working over the Christmas break or the new year holiday – and possibly both.
Because public service is the core of our ethos: it’s what our members do – whether they work for local councils, education, the health service, utilities, police or in the community and voluntary sector, our members are there to support our communities and essential services every hour of every day of the year.
And I want to particularly mention our members who work in social care and care homes. At this time of year, the vital support they provide to our elderly and other vulnerable adults is especially welcome.
That just highlights why its such a scandal that low pay – often below the minimum wage when you take travelling time into account – and poor working conditions are so prevalent across the sector.
As a society, we really do need to value, and pay for, this work properly. That’s why our Save Care Now campaign exists, and I would urge every activist, every branch and every member to support this campaign.
Find out more and how you can help support these often neglected and undervalued members at savecarenow.org.uk.
