FRAN HEATHCOTE believes that while the the Chancellor outlined some positive steps, the government does not appreciate the scale of the cost-of-living crisis affecting working-class people, whose lives are blighted by endemic low pay
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.
In the current climate, it is vital to bust the myths and put forward the case for a humane and decent social security system that supports people, argues FRAN HEATHCOTE



