Jobs and fairness must come first: Unite's reaction to the
Pre-Budget Report
9th December 2009
Responding to today's statement from the chancellor, Alistair
Darling, Unite joint general secretary Tony Woodley said: "The tax
on bankers is welcome and must now mark the beginnings of a fairer
tax regime. The recession is not over even if the bankers
that caused the crisis act like it is.
"The chancellor must resist scaremongering from the city over
'brain drain' , with unemployment set to rise, this is a time to
put jobs and families first. Public sector workers should not have
to pay the price for the economic crisis caused by casino
capitalism. We oppose a cap on public sector pay but the
Tories would freeze pay now and make brutal cuts to public
services.
"Measures to keep people in their homes, rebalance our economy
and stimulate job creation are exactly what is needed as we face a
hard year ahead. Those who can afford to contribute more, the
high rollers who are preparing to pop their corks at bonus time,
must play their part in paying down the debts they caused.
"When it comes to a choice at the next election voters will
reflect on who acted to save jobs, protect our services and build a
fairer future for Britain. Labour must stick to its guns and
defend what is just and right for the vast majority, not the
excessively privileged few."
ENDS
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