A COALITION of nine trade unions and campaign groups have called for an update to the Equality Act aimed at making austerity unlawful.

The Make Equality Real campaign demanded all political parties commit to introducing a socio-economic duty to reduce poverty into the Act in their general election manifestos.

In a petition to Westminster party leaders, they say that “the socio-economic duty should be written into the Equality Act 2010 as part of a campaign to end austerity and make equality real … ensuring that everyone in Britain can live secure and fulfilling lives.” 

Association of Educational Psychologists general secretary Dr Cath Lowther said: “Our members have seen first-hand the damaging impact that 14 years of austerity have done to our vital public and community services, this campaign is about ensuring this cannot happen again in future.” 

Social Workers Union general secretary John McGowan added: “Whether it be the increase of those living in poor conditions of housing, a rise in fuel poverty and child poverty, austerity has been a hugely damaging political choice of successive governments.” 

The Equality Trust’s co-executive director Priya Sahani-Nicholas said: “Reducing inequality and reducing the impacts of inequality should be a dedicated and primary focus of all governments.

“The UK is the fifth-richest country in the world, so we know money is available.

“We are calling on our elected representatives to prioritise greater equality.”

The campaign is also supported by Artists Union England, Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union, Community, National Association of Head Teachers and the National Association of Probation Officers and has been co-ordinated by the General Federation of Trade Unions.