Responding to the summer economic statement today (Wednesday), UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said:
“The Chancellor has firmly closed the door on the damaging austerity of the past decade.
“But while there’s much for young people, the energy sector and UK businesses to celebrate, there’s next to nothing for public services and the workers who’ve kept the country going through the last few difficult months.
“Proper investment in our public services would help speed the country back to recovery and more prosperous, certain times. It would heal over the deep cracks in care and the NHS exposed by the pandemic.
“With extra funds, national and local public services could provide many more jobs. A much-deserved early pay rise for health workers and council staff would mean money in their pockets to be spent on local high streets.
“Covid-19 has shown how much we all need public services. Funding them properly can help the economy and bring back the support and security to every community that’s long been missing.”
On young people
“Young people are most at risk from the pandemic’s economic hit. The jobs retention bonus and the kickstart scheme will help enormously. Every effort is needed so an entire generation is spared the blight of unemployment.”
On energy efficiency
“Boosting energy efficiency benefits every family and allows even the lowest income households to play their part in making the UK net-zero. If targeted correctly, it’ll mean the struggling energy sector can switch from shedding jobs to retraining and expanding its workforce.”
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