‘There is an alternative to austerity’

Speaking on the austerity and public services motion at the Labour party conference in Brighton today (Monday), UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said: “Millions of working people didn’t cause the recession. But they are now paying a heavy price, and will go on paying a heavy price throughout this parliament. “So far the Tories have been able to convince many people that austerity is the only way, that there is no alternative. “Our public services have been cut, closed down and privatised. Savage spending cuts have seen thousands of jobs axed, with those left behind fearful they will be next, and even more fearful for the survival of the essential services they provide. “Cuts so severe that many local councils worry that soon they will only be able to provide those services required by law. “This vicious government must be held to account as it slashes and burns all we hold dear. “Our NHS is under siege, and there’s a pay cap for another four years, on top of the five we’ve already had. And billions more will be cut from public finances in the spending review later this year. “Tax credit cuts will penalise the poor and low-paid. A teaching assistant earning £16,300 with one child will see her net pay fall by £1,800 a year, and millions of other working families will see their incomes hit hard. “For too long, working people have made do with half-baked promises from our own politicians. Yes, promising fewer cuts than the Tories, less privatisation t...
Source: UNISON Health care news - Category: UK Health Authors: Tags: News Press release cuts dave prentis general secretary labour conference pay pay freeze privatisation Source Type: news