Jobs summit must focus on co-operation to support jobs and the
economy
9 January 2009
Derek Simpson, joint leader of Unite, is calling on the leaders
attending the government's jobs summit this coming Monday (13
January), to leave laissez-faire policies at the door and begin a
new era of co-operation between government, business and unions,
which focuses on strategic intervention to support jobs and the
economy.
Derek Simpson, Unite's joint general secretary said, "It has
been an extremely bleak beginning to the new year and there's no
doubt that 2009 is going to very tough for working families across
the country. For the staff at companies like Nissan, M&S and
Woolworths its been a devastating week.
“Its time to put the laissez-faire policies of the last three
decades behind us. Gordon Brown is focused on doing what it takes
to support jobs and the economy. Unite believes its time to begin a
new era of co-operation between government, business and unions
which focuses on strategic intervention to support the growth of
jobs and the economy.
"Monday's jobs summit is a historic opportunity to begin to work
together to support British jobs and British skills. We need a
strategic support package from Government, similar to the support
provided by the German, French and Swedish governments to their
manufacturing sector, otherwise viable businesses will go to the
wall because they can't access credit. We can't afford to let a
short term problem deprive Britain of the skills we will depend on
to compete in the world economy in the long term."
Workers who do lose their jobs must be given access to develop
their skills or to re-train .The union has also welcomed the
government's announcement to expand apprenticeships.
Mr Simpson continued: "It is imperative that we protect our
skills base otherwise Britain will emerge from the recession
considerably weaker."
At the end of 2008, Unite the union presented Gordon Brown and
Alistair Darling with ten key priorities as part of government
action to spend its way out of the credit crunch and kick-start the
faltering economy. The Government has already announced protection
for homeowners, investments in public infrastructure and increased
spending, a cut in VAT and a new 45% higher income tax rate.
Unite is pressing for a £13 billion strategic support package
from Government, similar to the support provided by the German,
French and Swedish governments to their manufacturing sector.
Ends
Contact: Ciaran Naidoo on 07768 931 315
