‘Failure for workers’

Calling it an ‘abject failure for workers’, a ‘missed golden opportunity to tackle the issues threatening jobs and livelihoods,’ and ‘leaving consumers at the sharp end of the economy’, you could tell that Unite was left far from impressed by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s Autumn Statement, delivered this afternoon (November 22).

Unite added that the Autumn Statement starves public services of the cash they need and fails to deliver to those on low incomes working on the front line.

Unite delivered its verdict after chancellor Jeremy Hunt put the squeeze on public spending and failed to support investment in steel and manufacturing. He also did nothing to tackle the corporate profiteering which has fuelled the cost-of-living crisis.

Public sector workers, who have seen their wages plummet through over a decade of pay freezes and real terms pay cuts, will face further pay squeezes as a result of the sustained downward pressure on investment in services and infrastructure.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said, “The autumn statement was an abject failure for workers. The chancellor had a golden opportunity to tackle the issues threatening jobs and livelihoods and missed the target on every occasion.

“UK workers desperately need a once-in-a-generation investment in the country’s productive capabilities, including in steel and other strategic parts of our manufacturing sector.

“The triple whammy, of still high-inflation, interest rates and rising energy costs, has left consumers at the sharp end of the economy continuing to struggle with the cost-of-living crisis, despite the chancellor’s sunny optimism.

“Unite will continue to press for action to tackle excess corporate profits and to provide proper funding, including for fair pay, across the public services.”

By Unite Live team