UNISON is calling for oil and gas giants to be taxed properly in order to raise more money for the public purse, after BP announced profits of £4 billion in the first three months of this year.
The union believes this money belongs in the pay packets of public sector workers, rather than the pockets of shareholders.
UNISON has launched a petition calling for chancellor Jeremy Hunt to “make oil and gas giants – not ordinary households – pay the price” by closing loopholes that allow these companies to access special subsidies and tax breaks.
According to a survey run by the union earlier this year, 93% of UNISON members want to see higher taxes on oil and gas companies to reduce energy bills.
With inflation at an all-time high, pay stagnation and persistent levels of inequality, working people are struggling to cope with rising costs. A proper tax on oil and gas profits in the UK could raise billions to help them.
UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said: “BP’s eye-watering £60m-a-day profit is made off the backs of millions of working people. The Tories’ loopholes and tax breaks are allowing oil and gas profits to boom while household budgets dwindle.
“Public sector workers who carried this country through the COVID-19 crisis are being hit the hardest. The government could put them first by bringing in a proper windfall tax on mega profits, to fund investment in public sector pay and the services we all rely on.”
