Category: Christina McAnea

UK Covid-19 Inquiry shows austerity was ‘reckless self-sabotage’

Commenting on the publication of the first report by the Covid-19 Inquiry today (Thursday), which highlights ‘significant flaws’ in the UK’s preparedness for a pandemic, UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said:

“This first report shows how austerity was a reckless act of self-sabotage that fatally undermined the UK’s resilience and preparedness for a pandemic.

“Savage spending cuts left key workers and the public vulnerable. Almost everyone knows someone who died or lost a loved one. Others saw their work opportunities vanish or their education suffer.

“Staff in hospitals and care homes witnessed the terrible human cost first hand. Many died because of poor-quality safety kit – or a complete absence of it – in the early days. And all because the then government had sold the UK short.

“The government’s failure to plan meant the NHS went into the pandemic over 100,000 employees down. Ministers had ignored the growing workforce crisis, forcing the NHS to draft in students, retired health workers and volunteers in a desperate attempt to fill the huge staffing void.

“Care workers were effectively abandoned as the virus raged through care homes. They had to beg managers for protective gear and were denied tests. Poverty sick pay rates meant many staff carried on working when they should have been isolating at home.

“The most fitting memorial to everyone who died or who had their lives changed forever would be for proper lessons to be learned. The same mistakes can never be repeated. The UK must be better prepared next time.”

Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.

Media contacts:
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: l.chinchen@unison.co.uk
Fatima Ayad M: 07508 080383 E: f.ayad@unison.co.uk

The article UK Covid-19 Inquiry shows austerity was ‘reckless self-sabotage’ first appeared on the UNISON National site.

UK Covid-19 Inquiry shows austerity was ‘reckless self-sabotage’

Commenting on the publication of the first report by the Covid-19 Inquiry today (Thursday), which highlights ‘significant flaws’ in the UK’s preparedness for a pandemic, UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said:

“This first report shows how austerity was a reckless act of self-sabotage that fatally undermined the UK’s resilience and preparedness for a pandemic.

“Savage spending cuts left key workers and the public vulnerable. Almost everyone knows someone who died or lost a loved one. Others saw their work opportunities vanish or their education suffer.

“Staff in hospitals and care homes witnessed the terrible human cost first hand. Many died because of poor-quality safety kit – or a complete absence of it – in the early days. And all because the then government had sold the UK short.

“The government’s failure to plan meant the NHS went into the pandemic over 100,000 employees down. Ministers had ignored the growing workforce crisis, forcing the NHS to draft in students, retired health workers and volunteers in a desperate attempt to fill the huge staffing void.

“Care workers were effectively abandoned as the virus raged through care homes. They had to beg managers for protective gear and were denied tests. Poverty sick pay rates meant many staff carried on working when they should have been isolating at home.

“The most fitting memorial to everyone who died or who had their lives changed forever would be for proper lessons to be learned. The same mistakes can never be repeated. The UK must be better prepared next time.”

Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.

Media contacts:
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: l.chinchen@unison.co.uk
Fatima Ayad M: 07508 080383 E: f.ayad@unison.co.uk

The article UK Covid-19 Inquiry shows austerity was ‘reckless self-sabotage’ first appeared on the UNISON National site.

King’s Speech sets out plans to start mending broken public services

Commenting on the government’s planned programme of legislation set out in the King’s Speech today (Wednesday), UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said:

“These bills are the start of the long process to mend much of what’s been broken by Conservative governments and generate the growth to get public services thriving once more.

“Labour’s workplace rights package promises to be a game changer. For too long, bad bosses have had it all their own way. The new deal is a chance to reset the dial in favour of good employers and every UK worker and jobseeker.

“Outdated practices like ‘fire and rehire’ and zero-hours are to be consigned to history in a move that’s understandably proved popular with voters from across the political spectrum.

“Social care gets some attention at last too. After years of government neglect, the fair pay agreement is the first sign things are set to change, with a national care service the ultimate prize.

“Once the new pay agreement is in place, wages in care will rise across England, easing the sector’s staffing nightmare and relieving pressure on the NHS.

“The government’s growth agenda is closely linked to devolved regional and local services, yet many councils are teetering on the brink of effective bankruptcy.

“Devolving powers and reforming planning regimes can only help generate growth if local government receives sustainable, long-term funding and is able to retain expert staff.”

Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.

Media contacts:
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: press@unison.co.uk
Fatima Ayad M: 07508 080383 E: f.ayad@unison.co.uk

The article King’s Speech sets out plans to start mending broken public services first appeared on the UNISON National site.

King’s Speech sets out plans to start mending broken public services

Commenting on the government’s planned programme of legislation set out in the King’s Speech today (Wednesday), UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said:

“These bills are the start of the long process to mend much of what’s been broken by Conservative governments and generate the growth to get public services thriving once more.

“Labour’s workplace rights package promises to be a game changer. For too long, bad bosses have had it all their own way. The new deal is a chance to reset the dial in favour of good employers and every UK worker and jobseeker.

“Outdated practices like ‘fire and rehire’ and zero-hours are to be consigned to history in a move that’s understandably proved popular with voters from across the political spectrum.

“Social care gets some attention at last too. After years of government neglect, the fair pay agreement is the first sign things are set to change, with a national care service the ultimate prize.

“Once the new pay agreement is in place, wages in care will rise across England, easing the sector’s staffing nightmare and relieving pressure on the NHS.

“The government’s growth agenda is closely linked to devolved regional and local services, yet many councils are teetering on the brink of effective bankruptcy.

“Devolving powers and reforming planning regimes can only help generate growth if local government receives sustainable, long-term funding and is able to retain expert staff.”

Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.

Media contacts:
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: press@unison.co.uk
Fatima Ayad M: 07508 080383 E: f.ayad@unison.co.uk

The article King’s Speech sets out plans to start mending broken public services first appeared on the UNISON National site.

‘Doom loop’ in health and care must stop

Commenting on research from the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services, which says better funding is needed for social care, UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said:

“The previous government was guilty of neglecting care. That’s why the sector is close to being overwhelmed.

“A lack of capacity in care sees many elderly people admitted to hospital only because there’s nowhere else for them to go. Others are discharged too soon as their beds are needed for sicker patients.

“This doom loop won’t stop unless both health and care get the resources and the staff they need. The new government’s plans to introduce a fair pay agreement in care is the first sign that things are at last set to change.”

Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.

Media contacts:
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: press@unison.co.uk
Fatima Ayad M: 07508 080383 E: f.ayad@unison.co.uk

The article ‘Doom loop’ in health and care must stop first appeared on the UNISON National site.

‘Doom loop’ in health and care must stop

Commenting on research from the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services, which says better funding is needed for social care, UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said:

“The previous government was guilty of neglecting care. That’s why the sector is close to being overwhelmed.

“A lack of capacity in care sees many elderly people admitted to hospital only because there’s nowhere else for them to go. Others are discharged too soon as their beds are needed for sicker patients.

“This doom loop won’t stop unless both health and care get the resources and the staff they need. The new government’s plans to introduce a fair pay agreement in care is the first sign that things are at last set to change.”

Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.

Media contacts:
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: press@unison.co.uk
Fatima Ayad M: 07508 080383 E: f.ayad@unison.co.uk

The article ‘Doom loop’ in health and care must stop first appeared on the UNISON National site.

UNISON’s voice is at the heart of government

UNISON hosted a post-election reception at Parliament last week (Wednesday) to welcome new and returning MPs with links to the union.

The event saw a host of MPs attend, including eight recent UNISON staff and activists who had been newly elected as MPs, the newly appointed deputy prime minister Angela Rayner and the secretary of state for health and social care, Wes Streeting.

Liz Twist, chair of the UNISON group of MPs, welcomed attendees, saying she was “delighted to welcome everyone here with a Labour government in power”.

Christina McAnea speaks at UNISON post-election parliamentry House of Lords reception.

Christina McAnea welcomes attendees. Photo: Jess Hurd

Introducing UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea, she said the party is ready to work with UNISON on policies for public services and on the New Deal for Working People.

Christina continued the speeches, saying: “I’m so excited to be here, this is like a dream come true, the thought of being general secretary while we have a Labour government is just amazing.

“I want to thank everyone who has been involved in the election campaigns – our staff, activists and members, and I particularly want to thank our Labour Link committee and its chair, Linda Hobson.”

Speaking of the formation of the new government she said: “One of the most exciting moments for me was the next morning, watching the TV, bleary eyed, and seeing Angie (Angela Rayner) walk into Downing Street and I thought, ‘yes, yes we’ve done it’.

“I can’t tell you how excited I felt to think that Angie Rayner, who I’ve known for many years, is now the deputy prime minister of this country.”

Introducing Ms Rayner, Christina said: “I can’t tell you how many times I go to UNISON events and people talk about you, because you are the inspiration for so many people – and particularly women – in unions.”

Angela Rayner addressing the reception
Deputy prime minister Angela Rayner tells her UNISON story. Photo: Jess Hurd

The deputy prime minister then spoke and, referencing Labour’s manifesto commitment to give 16 and 17-year-olds the right to vote, she said: “I remember bouncing into my first UNISON young members weekend, where I demanded votes at 16 – isn’t that funny?

“I wasn’t told to stay in my lane, I wasn’t told I was talking too much, I wasn’t told that my opinion didn’t count. UNISON was the place for me where your opinion did count, where respect was given to people and was expected to be given to others.

“UNISON gave me an absolute warm cuddle, they looked after me, guided me and that’s why I call UNISON my family and my home, and without them I wouldn’t be able to stand in front of you today as your deputy prime minister.

“One thing UNISON taught me is that it’s not about yourself, it’s about ‘us’. It’s about who you’re there [in parliament] for. You’re there to fight for the people you represent, to fight for your constituents. Everything I’ve achieved has been an endeavour for ‘us’, for our people, for the people who have elected us.

“I’m incredibly proud that the Labour government will deliver a new deal for working people. We will fix our economy so we can pay for public services. We will respect our fantastic staff that work in our public services. We will make sure that working people get a better deal than they have had. And the reason why we’ll do it is that we’ve all had skin in the game.”

“UNISON is a great union and I’ll always have it in my heart. I always say ‘I was born in Stockport and raised in the movement’ and I know what a force for good it is. I know sometimes it’s tough, sometimes it’s difficult, but it’s never as hard when you know you’re going to make a real difference.

“You [UNISON] are in government with us, I know you’ve got my back, we’re going to smash it and we’re going to change Britain for the better.”

After Ms Rayner, Wes Streeting, secretary of state for health and social care also spoke. He said: “This afternoon I was in the department with Stephen Kinnock (minister of state for social care) and Karin Smyth (minister of state for health).

Wes Streeting MP, UNISON post-election parliamentary House of Lords reception

Secretary of state for health and social care Wes Streeting speaks of his first days in  government. Photo: Jess Hurd

“We were doing a walk around to meet officials and learning a bit about different teams and what they do, and it was a chance for people to ask questions. One of the questions we were asked was, ‘how are you going to make sure that you speak up for the interests of parts of the workforce in health and social care that don’t always manage to grab the microphone or the headlines?’.

“And it was a really easy answer for me because I said, ‘in myself, in Steve and in Karin, you’ve got three UNISON MPs and those [people who don’t grab headlines] are our people’.”

He continued: “UNISON’s voice is now right at the heart of government and right at the heart of the department which will deliver for UNISON members.

“And the truth is, we would not all be here today, and we would not be in government without the political leadership that UNISON has shown, year in year out, from that awful defeat in 2019.

“In UNISON we have an outstanding general secretary, and we’re going to be working really closely together and if ever we steer off track she’s going to keep our feet firmly on the ground.

“But enjoy this moment, there’s a lot of hard work to come and we’re going to do some incredible things, thank you for slogging your guts out to get here and together we’re going to change our country for good.”

The article UNISON’s voice is at the heart of government first appeared on the UNISON National site.

UNISON’s voice is at the heart of government

UNISON hosted a post-election reception at Parliament last week (Wednesday) to welcome new and returning MPs with links to the union.

The event saw a host of MPs attend, including eight recent UNISON staff and activists who had been newly elected as MPs, the newly appointed deputy prime minister Angela Rayner and the secretary of state for health and social care, Wes Streeting.

Liz Twist, chair of the UNISON group of MPs, welcomed attendees, saying she was “delighted to welcome everyone here with a Labour government in power”.

Christina McAnea speaks at UNISON post-election parliamentry House of Lords reception.

Christina McAnea welcomes attendees. Photo: Jess Hurd

Introducing UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea, she said the party is ready to work with UNISON on policies for public services and on the New Deal for Working People.

Christina continued the speeches, saying: “I’m so excited to be here, this is like a dream come true, the thought of being general secretary while we have a Labour government is just amazing.

“I want to thank everyone who has been involved in the election campaigns – our staff, activists and members, and I particularly want to thank our Labour Link committee and its chair, Linda Hobson.”

Speaking of the formation of the new government she said: “One of the most exciting moments for me was the next morning, watching the TV, bleary eyed, and seeing Angie (Angela Rayner) walk into Downing Street and I thought, ‘yes, yes we’ve done it’.

“I can’t tell you how excited I felt to think that Angie Rayner, who I’ve known for many years, is now the deputy prime minister of this country.”

Introducing Ms Rayner, Christina said: “I can’t tell you how many times I go to UNISON events and people talk about you, because you are the inspiration for so many people – and particularly women – in unions.”

Angela Rayner addressing the reception
Deputy prime minister Angela Rayner tells her UNISON story. Photo: Jess Hurd

The deputy prime minister then spoke and, referencing Labour’s manifesto commitment to give 16 and 17-year-olds the right to vote, she said: “I remember bouncing into my first UNISON young members weekend, where I demanded votes at 16 – isn’t that funny?

“I wasn’t told to stay in my lane, I wasn’t told I was talking too much, I wasn’t told that my opinion didn’t count. UNISON was the place for me where your opinion did count, where respect was given to people and was expected to be given to others.

“UNISON gave me an absolute warm cuddle, they looked after me, guided me and that’s why I call UNISON my family and my home, and without them I wouldn’t be able to stand in front of you today as your deputy prime minister.

“One thing UNISON taught me is that it’s not about yourself, it’s about ‘us’. It’s about who you’re there [in parliament] for. You’re there to fight for the people you represent, to fight for your constituents. Everything I’ve achieved has been an endeavour for ‘us’, for our people, for the people who have elected us.

“I’m incredibly proud that the Labour government will deliver a new deal for working people. We will fix our economy so we can pay for public services. We will respect our fantastic staff that work in our public services. We will make sure that working people get a better deal than they have had. And the reason why we’ll do it is that we’ve all had skin in the game.”

“UNISON is a great union and I’ll always have it in my heart. I always say ‘I was born in Stockport and raised in the movement’ and I know what a force for good it is. I know sometimes it’s tough, sometimes it’s difficult, but it’s never as hard when you know you’re going to make a real difference.

“You [UNISON] are in government with us, I know you’ve got my back, we’re going to smash it and we’re going to change Britain for the better.”

After Ms Rayner, Wes Streeting, secretary of state for health and social care also spoke. He said: “This afternoon I was in the department with Stephen Kinnock (minister of state for social care) and Karin Smyth (minister of state for health).

Wes Streeting MP, UNISON post-election parliamentary House of Lords reception

Secretary of state for health and social care Wes Streeting speaks of his first days in  government. Photo: Jess Hurd

“We were doing a walk around to meet officials and learning a bit about different teams and what they do, and it was a chance for people to ask questions. One of the questions we were asked was, ‘how are you going to make sure that you speak up for the interests of parts of the workforce in health and social care that don’t always manage to grab the microphone or the headlines?’.

“And it was a really easy answer for me because I said, ‘in myself, in Steve and in Karin, you’ve got three UNISON MPs and those [people who don’t grab headlines] are our people’.”

He continued: “UNISON’s voice is now right at the heart of government and right at the heart of the department which will deliver for UNISON members.

“And the truth is, we would not all be here today, and we would not be in government without the political leadership that UNISON has shown, year in year out, from that awful defeat in 2019.

“In UNISON we have an outstanding general secretary, and we’re going to be working really closely together and if ever we steer off track she’s going to keep our feet firmly on the ground.

“But enjoy this moment, there’s a lot of hard work to come and we’re going to do some incredible things, thank you for slogging your guts out to get here and together we’re going to change our country for good.”

The article UNISON’s voice is at the heart of government first appeared on the UNISON National site.

A new dawn for public services – a hopeful vision under Labour

After 14 long years of Conservative rule that left our public services in a mess, the UK finally stands at the beginning of a new era.

The recent general election has put an end to a government marked by chaos, infighting, and cronyism. We can all breathe a sigh of relief as we say goodbye and good riddance to an era that has seen our essential public services so terribly mismanaged.

The Conservatives have left a legacy of underfunded and overstretched services. Our NHS is in crisis, social care is woefully inadequate, and local governments are barely coping with community needs.

Fixing these vital services will be a massive task, requiring significant investment and a serious effort to restore public trust in our political system.

Fortunately, with Keir Starmer’s Labour government now at the helm, there’s a beacon of hope. Labour’s resounding victory is a testament to our calls for real change and renewal. Starmer’s historic landslide win isn’t just a political triumph; it’s a clear mandate for a brighter future for all of us.

The priority for the new government must be clear: to invest in and revive our public services. This means ensuring NHS patients get the care they need promptly, building a social care system that supports everyone in need, and restoring local services so that local governments can effectively serve their communities.

These steps aren’t just about fixing services; they’re about reaffirming the social contract that holds us together as communities and as a nation.

Keir Starmer’s first speech as prime minister highlighted his dedication to this mission. Unlike many before him, Starmer isn’t a career politician; he’s a true public servant who understands the critical value of high-quality public services and the crucial role of the workers who deliver them.

His leadership brings a fresh perspective and a much-needed focus on the well-being of the many, not the few.

Investing in public services is more than just a budgetary choice; it’s a moral duty. High-quality public services are the foundation of a fair and just society. They drive economic growth, support the most vulnerable, and foster community spirit.

With Labour in charge, we have the chance to build a more equitable and prosperous future for everyone in the UK.

We won’t always agree with the new government. But UNISON is very clear about what our priorities are – for our members and for working people – and I will be doing everything I can to make sure they are the government’s priorities too.

The road ahead won’t be easy, and the work to repair the damage of the past decade and a half will be tough. But with a Labour government dedicated to public service and led by a prime minister who values integrity and dedication, there’s hope that we can rebuild a country where public services once again serve the people effectively and compassionately.

The dawn of a new era is upon us, and with it, the promise of a better, fairer Britain.

The article A new dawn for public services – a hopeful vision under Labour first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Opinion: A new dawn for public services – a hopeful vision under Labour

By UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea

After 14 long years of Conservative rule that left our public services in a mess, the UK finally stands at the beginning of a new era.

The recent general election has put an end to a government marked by chaos, infighting, and cronyism. We can all breathe a sigh of relief as we say goodbye and good riddance to an era that has seen our essential public services so terribly mismanaged.

The Conservatives have left a legacy of underfunded and overstretched services. Our NHS is in crisis, social care is woefully inadequate, and local governments are barely coping with community needs.

Fixing these vital services will be a massive task, requiring significant investment and a serious effort to restore public trust in our political system.

Fortunately, with Keir Starmer’s Labour government now at the helm, there’s a beacon of hope. Labour’s resounding victory is a testament to our calls for real change and renewal. Starmer’s historic landslide win isn’t just a political triumph; it’s a clear mandate for a brighter future for all of us.

The priority for the new government must be clear: to invest in and revive our public services. This means ensuring NHS patients get the care they need promptly, building a social care system that supports everyone in need, and restoring local services so that local governments can effectively serve their communities.

These steps aren’t just about fixing services; they’re about reaffirming the social contract that holds us together as communities and as a nation.

Keir Starmer’s first speech as prime minister highlighted his dedication to this mission. Unlike many before him, Starmer isn’t a career politician; he’s a true public servant who understands the critical value of high-quality public services and the crucial role of the workers who deliver them.

His leadership brings a fresh perspective and a much-needed focus on the well-being of the many, not the few.

Investing in public services is more than just a budgetary choice; it’s a moral duty. High-quality public services are the foundation of a fair and just society. They drive economic growth, support the most vulnerable, and foster community spirit.

With Labour in charge, we have the chance to build a more equitable and prosperous future for everyone in the UK.

We won’t always agree with the new government. But UNISON is very clear about what our priorities are – for our members and for working people – and I will be doing everything I can to make sure they are the government’s priorities too.

The road ahead won’t be easy, and the work to repair the damage of the past decade and a half will be tough. But with a Labour government dedicated to public service and led by a prime minister who values integrity and dedication, there’s hope that we can rebuild a country where public services once again serve the people effectively and compassionately.

The dawn of a new era is upon us, and with it, the promise of a better, fairer Britain.

The article Opinion: A new dawn for public services – a hopeful vision under Labour first appeared on the UNISON National site.