Prentis on election outcome - no popular support for savage cuts‏

UNISON General Secretary, Dave Prentis, has warned politicians that the election results show there is no public support for savage cuts in public services.

"As the politicians manoeuvre to grab power, they all need reminding that there is no popular support for the savage cuts in public spending, that would have followed an outright Conservative victory. The City and big business, who have poured millions into the Tory coffers, have been denied the decisive result they craved.

“The priority now must be to secure the economic recovery and jobs, whilst protecting our vital public services. UNISON will fight tooth and nail to defend our public services, oppose more privatisation and will strongly resist any attempts by any new government to attack our members’ pay and pensions.

"We are ready to fight for what is right for Britain's public services. We will fight for the hundreds and thousands of jobs that are in imminent danger if the Tories' dangerous and irresponsible plans to cut fast and cut deep are realised. If that happens, the country will not just be plunged into a further recession, but into social dislocation and industrial strife.

"Where our members are forced into taking action to protect services, the union will be right there with them. Where they are fighting for their jobs and pensions, we will give them the backing they need. And where other public sector unions are challenging cuts, we will work side by side to fight with them and save the vital services that the public rely on.

"Public sector workers did not cause the economic crisis and they will not be made to pay the price for bailing out the bankers."