WELSH public service staff have been urged to vote against Reform UK as it “poses a major threat to public services” in the Senedd elections on Thursday.

Unison Cymru called on NHS, council and care service workers to “reject parties that threaten their future” as it warned Reform leader Nigel Farage’s policies for cuts, reduced public spending and a greater role for the private sector could weaken services and increase pressures on staff.

The union’s regional secretary Jess Turner said: “Reform’s approach would put those services at serious risk. Cuts, privatisation and reduced investment would mean fewer staff, longer waits and reduced support for communities.

“This election will shape who stands up for public services and the people who rely on them. Voting is how communities defend hospitals, councils and care services, and how fair pay and proper investment are secured.

“Wales needs a government that values staff and strengthens public services, not one that risks cuts or putting essential services in the wrong hands.

“On May 7, there’s a chance to choose a stronger, fairer Wales and protect the services everyone depends on.”

Keep Our NHS Public co-chair John Puntis added: “Reform UK poses a major threat to our health services and to public health.

“Its policies, if implemented, would drive the NHS towards a two-tier system, directing public money to investment in the growth of the private sector.

“The social determinants of health which most disadvantage the poor and ethnic minorities are ignored, as are health inequalities.

“It has no convincing answer to current waiting lists, accessing a GP and the crisis in corridor care. Its anti-immigration stance risks precipitating a huge staffing crisis in both the NHS and care services.”