Public services need a new normal, says UNISON general secretary

Speaking in the debate on preventing unemployment and building a better recovery on the second day of the 152nd Trades Union Congress, UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said: “Outside Congress House stands Jacob Epstein’s incredible monument to war heroes – to trade unionists who gave their lives for our country. “Six months ago, who would have imagined how many more would be doing the same in the devastating battle against Covid-19? “Across the UK, in hospitals, care homes, nurseries, and council departments, NHS staff, refuse collectors, teaching assistants, care staff and other public service workers have shown extraordinary courage, dedication and self-sacrifice. “There are stories of heroes – but, sadly, of tragedies too. Of those who didn’t live long enough to see the rainbow flags in every window or hear the clapping at twilight when a nation applauded its real stars. “Many workers missed the applause as they were too busy mopping hospital floors, feeding patients, holding the hands of those in their last hours or working through the night in the mortuary. “But memories are short. Already there’s talk of going back to normal, but we can never go back to normal. “Normal meant a decade of pain and austerity, pay freezes and cuts. Key public services starved of resources and 700,000 jobs lost. “Normal for public service workers was unsafe, and it meant stress and unfairness. Normal was being underappreciated, underpaid and under...
Source: UNISON Health care news - Category: UK Health Authors: Tags: News Press release dave prentis no going back to normal TUC Source Type: news