Time to stop government’s ‘economic rollercoaster’, says TUC

10 Nov 2020 01:47 PM

Commenting on the latest employment figures published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) today (Tuesday), which show a record number of 314,000 redundancies between July and September and that 782,000 fewer people were on payrolls in October than in March, TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said:   

“It‘s time to stop the government’s economic rollercoaster. Every day more job losses are announced – and every one is a tragedy for a family. 

“Ministers must use the spending review to set out a plan to create millions of good new jobs. TUC research shows that we could create 1.2 million new jobs in the next two years in green transport and infrastructure, and another 600,000 by unlocking public sector vacancies. 

“Hard-hit sectors like the arts, hospitality and aviation are really struggling. These industries have a long-term future – but ministers must step in and deliver targeted support to help them get through the months ahead. 

“People who have lost their jobs must get the support they need to make ends meet. We need an urgent boost to universal credit or many risk being plunged into poverty.”

Editors Note

• The unemployment statistics are at: www.ons.gov.uk/releases/uklabourmarketnovember2020  
• TUC analysis that we could create 1.2 million jobs in green transport and infrastructure is available here: www.tuc.org.uk/news/tuc-investing-infrastructure-now-could-create-more-million-jobs-over-next-two-years 
• TUC analysis that we could unlock 600,000 job vacancies in the public sector is available at: www.tuc.org.uk/news/cut-unemployment-rate-now-unlocking-600000-public-service-vacancies-and-staff-gaps-says-tuc  
• The TUC has called on the government to raise universal credit to £260 a week: www.tuc.org.uk/news/tuc-calls-emergency-boost-universal-credit-help-people-through-coronavirus-outbreak 
• The Trades Union Congress (TUC) exists to make the working world a better place for everyone. We bring together more than 5.5 million working people who make up our 48 member unions. We support unions to grow and thrive, and we stand up for everyone who works for a living.