Working People ask the Government: ‘Are You Listening?’

LONDON - Ahead of the national demonstration by working people this Saturday (28th
March 2009), calling on the G20 leaders to ‘Put People First’, Unite members
are calling on the government to listen to the concerns of working people to
support jobs and close tax loopholes for the rich.

Unite, UK’s biggest union, conducted a snap shot poll of members, with
the majority stating they are concerned about their job. In addition 91% of
the respondents support a co-ordinated global action to close tax loopholes.

Ahead of the G20 summit thousands of Unite members, travelling from
across the UK, are coming to London this Saturday to join the ‘March for
Jobs, Justice and Climate’.

A massive 69% of respondents were worried about losing their jobs. When
respondents were asked to rate a number of issues they were most concerned
about, support for skilled manufacturing jobs was rated the most important
concern, with 30% of respondents rating it their top priority. The need for
improved redundancy terms and concern about the impact of rising fuel prices
came second equal with 18% of respondents rating the two issues their number
two priority.

75% of respondents reported that they did not feel they knew enough about
what the government is doing to support working people through this time of
economic uncertainty. The result indicates that the government are failing to
properly communicate the benefits of the action they have taken so far
including; the massive bail-out of the banking system which was necessary to
support working families and the wider economy, Gordon Brown’s leadership on
the world economy, the cut in VAT, help for home owners facing repossession
and an increase in the top rate of tax.

Given the importance that the respondents placed on support for British
manufacturing, action to provide significant support through a GBP13bn
strategic fund from the government would be met with considerable support.

Unite’s joint general Secretary, Tony Woodley. said: “Our members from
every corner of this country will convene in London to send a clear message
to world leaders that they want decent jobs.

“Support for the UK’s manufacturing base is our members’ prime concern
but it’s not just a UK issue, it is a global issue, many of our key
manufacturing companies are owned overseas. Supporting skills and employment
in this country supports skills and workers in Europe and further afield.”

Unite’s joint general secretary, Derek Simpson, said: “There can be no
going back to business as usual, the world has changed. Our future depends on
creating an economy based on the fair distribution of wealth and that means
closing the tax loopholes that allow corporations and super rich individuals
to avoid paying their fair share of tax. Unite members support global action
to close tax loopholes.

“It is time for the leaders of the G20 to act and end the culture of
greed, which has led to the worst economic crisis of our times.”

Notes to Editors

For information on the participation of Unite in the ‘March for Jobs,
Justice and Climate’ please visit: www.unitetheunion.com/g20demo

The march will be addressed by Tony Woodley, Unite joint general
secretary and Leo Gerard, USW President.

Source: Unite the Union

For more information please contact: Saba Mozakka, Unite press office on: +44(0)7768-693-953 or +44(0)20-7420-8916