UNIONS have demanded investment in public services ahead of next week's Spring Statement as they warn that there must be “no return” to Tory-style austerity.

The TUC has reflected on how Covid exposed the dangers of under-resourcing public services after years of cuts as this weekend marks the fifth annivesary of the first pandemic lockdown.

Safe staffing levels were undermined by years of pay caps and freezes, which hindered recruitment and led to higher staff turnover, the union body said.