Frances O’Grady and Len McCluskey
Following the announcement on March 20th by the Chancellor Rishi Sunak of measures to direct state money to millions of UK workers in order to fend off economic collapse, the leader of Unite the union has described the measures as ‘historic, bold and very much necessary’.
The general secretary of Unite the union said: “This is the package of measures that trade unions like Unite have been pressing for as the most effective way to stave off mass hardship and the conditions for a depression.
“We recognise that these are huge decisions for any government, and especially for a Conservative government, but they have listened to the calls for action and have acted appropriately. Rishi Sunak’s wage support measures are a historic first for this country, but are bold and very much necessary.
“The key to any wage support programme is that it needs to be simple, straightforward and above all fast. This is the only way to put money into the pockets of the millions who see their livelihoods hanging by a thread.
“The will definitely be some relief amid all the fear in households across the UK this evening. Never before has the country faced a crisis of this nature. People who were only days ago in secure work are now worried sick about putting food in light of the coronavirus pandemic. The chancellor has done the right thing and we look forward to working further with him in the coming days to get this money into the hands of those most in need.”
A similar message was published by Frances O’Grady General Secretary of the TUC who said: Frances O’Grady said:
“This is a breakthrough. The Chancellor has shown real leadership. We’re glad he has listened to unions and taken vital steps to support working families.
“Large-scale wages subsidies are the best way to boost household finances and keep businesses running. And they’ll help our economy bounce back after this crisis.
“Employers across the economy can now be confident that they will be able to pay their wages bills. They must urgently reassure their staff that their jobs and livelihoods are safe. Unions will continue to work with business and government to protect jobs and livelihoods.”
