Unions have warned the next government – whether it is Labour or Conservative – that they are prepared to wage an intensive war to preserve jobs, pay, pensions and services in the public sector.
Alistair Darling, George Osborne and Vince Cable attempted to outdo each other in a “how low can you go” debate on cuts on Channel 4 on Monday night. The spectre of Margaret Thatcher was raised as the Chancellor and his opposite numbers talked about “savage cuts” in public spending to cut the deficit.
That puts them on a collision course with millions of workers in the civil service, local government, schools and the health service who do not see why they should suffer for the mistakes – and greed – of bankers and brokers in the private sector.
Dave Prentis, general secretary of Unison, said: “Tory controlled councils are using the bankers’ recession as an excuse to push a pay freeze on staff, cut jobs and close valued local services they have never really supported. The consequences for social services departments, home care, youth and community projects, libraries and leisure centres, are huge. Nursery workers, teaching assistants, social workers, refuse collectors and school crossing workers know money is available to pay them fairly, to keep vital services running, and to save jobs.
“Local councils got an above inflation 4 per cent central government grant this year, and have £3 billion stashed away in unallocated reserves. Staff have helped local authorities deliver above and beyond the efficiency savings demanded, but central government, and councils have pocketed the difference. It is time for some fairness, and for staff and the services they provide to be properly valued.”
