UNISON delegates urged the TUC to call a national demonstration in defence of the NHS as conference heard of the “national scandal” in health and social care.

Conference backed calls for an integrated health and social-care model run by the public sector on the basis of need, not profit.

Jane Carolan from the national executive committee warned that the care sector is “not fit for purpose” as she told delegates that “we deserve to grow old in dignity and with respect.” But she warned: “You cannot have integration on the cheap.”