Category: Press Release

GB Energy will boost the economy and bring bills down

Commenting on the introduction of the GB Energy Bill and the creation of the government’s new publicly owned company aimed at making the UK a ‘clean energy superpower’ today (Thursday), UNISON head of environment Donna Rowe- Merriman said:

“It’s high time for the energy sector to move to the next level. GB Energy’s promising goals will generate profits and support the transition to cleaner power.

“The move offers a unique opportunity for workers to develop new skills for a green economy and meet the energy needs of the future.

“The creation of GB Energy’s local power plans will also encourage councils and communities to explore how they can develop renewable energy locally.

“This strong statement of intent will fulfil the new government’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions, boost economic growth and bring energy bills down for all.”

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 GB Energy will boost the economy and bring bills down first appeared on the UNISON National site.

GB Energy will boost the economy and bring bills down

Commenting on the introduction of the GB Energy Bill and the creation of the government’s new publicly owned company aimed at making the UK a ‘clean energy superpower’ today (Thursday), UNISON head of environment Donna Rowe- Merriman said:

“It’s high time for the energy sector to move to the next level. GB Energy’s promising goals will generate profits and support the transition to cleaner power.

“The move offers a unique opportunity for workers to develop new skills for a green economy and meet the energy needs of the future.

“The creation of GB Energy’s local power plans will also encourage councils and communities to explore how they can develop renewable energy locally.

“This strong statement of intent will fulfil the new government’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions, boost economic growth and bring energy bills down for all.”

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 GB Energy will boost the economy and bring bills down first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Filling the skills gap is vital for a prosperous UK economy

Commenting on Keir Starmer’s announcement today (Monday) of a new government focus on training through the establishment of Skills England, UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said:

“The previous government did little to fill the skills gaps and workforce shortages in the UK.

“Improving the life chances of youngsters leaving school or college, as well as those of older workers who left education with no qualifications, with real opportunities could be a game changer for struggling parts of the economy.

“Spotting the gaps and planning ahead for any shortfall in the skills required as technology develops will be crucial too. For too long the government’s relied on overseas workers, while also making them unwelcome and left vulnerable to exploitation.

“It’s good to see the new government getting to grips with a problem that’s long been ignored, and recognising the important role further education colleges will play in this skills revolution.

“Improved wages in care once the new fair-pay agreement has been negotiated, combined with this new focus on skills, could prove to be the solution to the perpetual problem of staffing shortages in this key sector.”

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:
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: press@unison.co.uk

The article Filling the skills gap is vital for a prosperous UK economy first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Filling the skills gap is vital for a prosperous UK economy

Commenting on Keir Starmer’s announcement today (Monday) of a new government focus on training through the establishment of Skills England, UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said:

“The previous government did little to fill the skills gaps and workforce shortages in the UK.

“Improving the life chances of youngsters leaving school or college, as well as those of older workers who left education with no qualifications, with real opportunities could be a game changer for struggling parts of the economy.

“Spotting the gaps and planning ahead for any shortfall in the skills required as technology develops will be crucial too. For too long the government’s relied on overseas workers, while also making them unwelcome and left vulnerable to exploitation.

“It’s good to see the new government getting to grips with a problem that’s long been ignored, and recognising the important role further education colleges will play in this skills revolution.

“Improved wages in care once the new fair-pay agreement has been negotiated, combined with this new focus on skills, could prove to be the solution to the perpetual problem of staffing shortages in this key sector.”

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:
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: press@unison.co.uk

The article Filling the skills gap is vital for a prosperous UK economy 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.

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.