NUT on Autumn Statement: “This is completely inappropriate in a civilised society”
Commenting on the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement, Christine Blower, General Secretary of the National Union of Teachers, the largest teachers’ union said:
“Attacking pay and employment rights whilst allowing the banks off so lightly will damage growth and do nothing to tackle youth unemployment. The Chancellor’s bank levy will raise only a fraction of what the Robin Hood Tax could raise.
“The announcement of an average 1% increase in public sector pay for the two years after the pay freeze is an added insult to public sector workers. Cutting pay and standards of living further, at a time when the Government is asking them to pay 50% more for their pensions, will have a devastating impact.
“Nowhere does the Hutton Report say that pensions are unaffordable. The Chancellor is only too well aware of this. This is a Government that is determined to press ahead with reform regardless of need. The Chancellor’s appeal to call off strikes could never have come at a more inappropriate time.
“Attacking workers’ rights under TUPE and cuts to health and safety protection make work even more precarious. This is completely inappropriate in a civilised society.
“Today’s announcement on schools funding does nothing for the vast majority of schools and sixth form colleges facing significant cuts to their budgets.
“To take half of a much needed £1.2 billion for capital funding for just 100 free schools is totally inappropriate. Free schools do not solve shortages of places, but simply take funding from existing schools. This news on capital funding doesn’t make up for the shortfall resulting from cuts the Government has previously announced.
“We need additional public sector investment, not only to fund additional school places but also to protect the funding levels per pupil and student that the Government is cutting. First class education requires proper investment. Government cutting funding per pupil is a betrayal of the futures of our children and young people.”
END pr152-2011
For further details contact Caroline Cowie on 0207 380 4706 or 076879480061
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