Commenting on the Prime Minister’s speech to the 156th Trades Union Congress in Brighton, UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said:
“This was a serious speech from a serious Prime Minister. It’s reassuring to have grown-ups in charge of the country once again after years of Tory chaos.
“Unions look forward to partnering with ministers and employers to right the many wrongs inflicted by a succession of Conservative governments.
“It won’t all be plain sailing as the Prime Minister made clear. The heartless austerity years did untold damage to services starved of resources and left with too few staff to deliver for the public.
“But as challenging as it’ll be to get the country back on its feet, the change Labour promises will make a real difference. Employees will get a better deal under Labour.
“The vital reform of social care can at last begin with a fair pay agreement to lift wages to levels where the sector can attract and keep the staff it needs.
“This year’s above-inflation pay rises across the public sector have begun to address the Tories’ harm. But essential services can’t be repaired overnight.
“Despite the Prime Minister’s difficult message on pay, only proper investment in services and the workforce can help deliver the growth needed to achieve the real change the country needs desperately.”
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
