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Regional secretary with the National Education Union
They praised public sector workers — now they stab us in the back
The government’s claim that cuts are not ideological is a downright lie — the country needs more Civil Service workers not fewer. It's time for us to go on the offensive with a united response from the union movement, argues FRAN HEATHCOTE

IN announcing their plans to cut Civil Service jobs by 91,000 over the next three years in the media, with no consultation or even informing their own departmental heads, this government demonstrated its utter contempt and disregard for a group of workers who made sure the country continued to function during the recent pandemic.

Public services are in a dire state after decades of cuts and privatisation. Public and Commercial Services union (PCS) members are working hard to keep services running in the face of increased demands arising from the pandemic and Brexit.

There is one particular thing that separates Civil Service workers from the government — we actually care about the services we deliver. Despite 40 years of job cuts and attacks on our pay, terms and conditions, including interminable wage freezes, theft of pension rights and more, we are still committed to delivering the best level of services possible to those who need them.

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