Rising housing costs forcing public service workers out of London, says UNISON

London faces an exodus of public service workers as housing costs become unaffordable, says a new report published today (Tuesday) by UNISON. The report, based on a survey of over 1,000 UNISON members living and working in London, showed that two thirds of workers (63%) spend more than 30% of their income on housing. This figure rises to 82% for private renters. According to the findings, nurses, teaching assistants, social workers and other public service employees are increasingly looking to leave London as a result of exorbitant housing costs. Almost two thirds (62%) of workers want to leave the capital because of the cost of housing. This figure rises to 87% for health workers living in the private rented sector. The departure of staff from the capital would deepen the already serious recruitment and retention problems in public services, with knock-on repercussions for schools, hospitals and other public services, says UNISON. Ahead of the launch of the report in the Houses of Parliament, UNISON’s newly-appointed London regional secretary Maggi Ferncombe said: “The lack of suitable, decent and affordable housing is hurting public service workers. “Employers are also struggling to recruit and retain staff. In London, we are seeing evidence of staff shortages and high turnover of staff, with turnover rates at 30% in some areas.” “The government needs to take real action to resolve the housing crisis. And that doesn’t mean just making changes to Stamp Duty.” ...
Source: UNISON meat hygiene - Category: Food Science Authors: Tags: Press release Greater London housing public services Source Type: news