Government must do all it can to defend jobs and stave off mass unemployment, says UNISON

NHS and care sector must be in best possible state

Commenting on Labour’s call for the government to defend jobs and think again about winding down the furlough scheme, UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said today (Thursday):

“The economic turmoil of the pandemic is far from over. Workers need all the financial support they can get to avoid the spectre of mass unemployment in the next few months.

“The government must pull back from the brink and continue giving a helping hand.

“But ministers must also make sure that our services are in a fit state to cope with a second coronavirus wave. That means giving NHS workers an early and significant pay rise and give the care sector the overhaul it so badly needs.”

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:
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk
Sophie Goodchild M: 07767 325595 E: s.goodchild@unison.co.uk