Usdaw welcomes his announcement of a National Care Service to be established in the next Parliament, free at the point of use and no charges on the basic state pension. Funded by reform of the state pension triple-lock, which currently guarantees that pensions will rise in line with inflation, 2.5% or average earnings, whichever is the largest increase.
Joanne Thomas – Usdaw general secretary says: “We welcome Andy’s first speech as Prime Minister to Labour conference, he showed a different style, a determination to change politics and hope born out of honesty. It was moving to hear Andy speak about his family and how his background has inspired him. He told us he would put Britain back on the right path and we look forward to the publication of ‘Our Plan for Britain’ later this year. To deliver good growth in every postcode and relief from the cost of living crisis for those struggling to make ends meet.
“The announcement of a National Care Service is long overdue, with too many suffering the indignity of a broken care system for too long. Andy’s emotional explanation of what drives him to tackle this issue was clear for everyone to see and we very much want him to succeed. The funding of this is crucial and he is right to ensure that it will not come from borrowing, but we will want to see the detail of the state pension triple reform and ensure that income pensioners are protected.
“Andy also rightly highlighted the issues young people face, which is an ever-growing issue. Usdaw is keen to see the Government deliver good jobs that are secure and well paid. That means the adult rate at 18, guaranteed hours contracts for all and permanent jobs with prospects. Solving youth unemployment is about the quality of jobs, not just quantity.
“Other commitments to make real changes to help with the cost of living are also welcome. Sorting the housing crisis, making energy more affordable, bringing water back under public control and public transport more affordable are all key measures that will make a real difference to our members and put the country on a new course.”
Notes for editors:
Usdaw (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is one of the fastest growing unions in the TUC and the UK's fifth biggest with around 370,000 members. Most Usdaw members work in the retail sector, but the union also represents many workers in transport, distribution, food manufacturing, chemical industry and other trades www.usdaw.org.uk
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