Unite

Unite’s reaction to the Budget

Unite’s reaction to the Budget

Unite’s joint general secretary, Derek Simpson said:
“Alistair Darling had to deliver the toughest budget in decades but he has positioned Labour as the party for jobs and social justice while exposing the Tories for being the party of cuts and inequality.

“The Chancellor’s announcements on tax, the scrappage scheme and employment puts Labour back on the side of working families. Borrowing to shorten the recession is the right action to protect our economy and our members’ jobs.

“We welcome the government’s action but manufacturing workers need more support now because once those jobs go they will go for good.”

Unite’s joint general secretary, Tony Woodley said:
“We welcome Alistair Darling’s decision to introduce a scrappage scheme but we are urging him to think again on keeping skilled workers in employment. Any scheme to stimulate demand for cars is welcome, but the UK can not afford to lose the workers who build them.

“Those on the right who believe it is the time for cuts are simply wrong. If they are allowed to have their way we will come out of this recession with a manufacturing base not fit for purpose.”

Unite for Jobs
On 16th May 2009, Unite will hold a march through Birmingham. This will be the centrepiece of the ‘Unite for Jobs’ campaign. The March for Jobs will spotlight the need for urgent assistance to defend jobs. To see what the Unite for Jobs demands are or for information on the march visit:

a href=”http://www.action.unitetheunion.com/campaigns/unite_for_jobs.aspx ” target=”_blank”>www.action.unitetheunion.com/campaigns/unite_for_jobs.aspx

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For more information or interviews please contact the Unite press office on:
Ciaran Naidoo: 07768 931 315
Saba Mozakka: 07768 693 953

Saba Mozakka
Communications Officer
Unite
35 King Street
London
WC2E 8JG
Telephone: 020 7420 8916
Fax: 020 7420 8998
Mobile: 07768 693 953