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If Labour wants to succeed, it must champion workers – starting with its own
There is no stronger economy without the stronger wages that provide extra disposable income, which is why workers – including civil servants – must have their pay boosted in real terms, along with restored union rights and insourcing, says FRAN HEATHCOTE

THIS is the first TUC Congress with a Labour government for 15 years. Every union will be glad to see the back of the last government, which attacked trade union rights and drove down workers’ wages.

But we cannot be complacent. The new government has promised a “painful” Budget in just a few weeks’ time and warned of “tough choices” — which has historically proven to be code for misery to be heaped on working-class people.

The Budget, and the Comprehensive Spending Review that follows, will tell us a lot about the true nature of this Labour government. So far the signs have been mixed.

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