Commenting on new figures published today (Wednesday) showing inflation has risen again, to its highest level for four decades, UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said:
“Families already at rock bottom will be aghast that their financial misery is worsening.
“The record gap between wages and price rises mean workers in understaffed public services are either planning their exit route or have long gone. But essential services can’t function without their key resource – people.
“Unless the chasm between pay and household bills narrows soon there won’t be anyone left to look after our health, run schools, provide community services and care for the vulnerable.
“On Thursday the government must act to breathe new life into public services on the verge of collapse. Not deliver the final blow.”
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
