Welcoming the pledges made by shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves at the Labour Conference to begin a huge programme of insourcing for public services and a major investment in green technology, UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said:
“Years of outsourcing essential public services has been a colossal mistake. It’s created a race to the bottom on workers’ pay, while hundreds of millions of pounds of taxpayers’ money have been snaffled by private firms who value profit above all else.
“Bringing services back in-house will benefit not only hard-working staff in the public sector but all those who rely on the vital services they provide.
“Time is running out to do something meaningful to tackle climate change. Urgent action is needed at a scale that will make a difference. Labour clearly recognises what’s at stake and has a clear plan for investing in a greener future.”
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
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: press@unison.co.uk
