UNISON Scotland has launched a new report, Austerity Economics Don’t Add Up,as part of the union’s contribution to Challenge Poverty Week.
The report reveals that, “in 2012-13, a total of 480,000 working age adults in Scotland were living in relative poverty, more than half in homes where at least one adult was working (classed as in-work poverty). Nearly one in five children – 180,000 – were in relative poverty, 59% in a home with at least one adult working.”
And it continues: “Meanwhile the wealth of the richest 1,000 people in Britain doubled to £519bn since 2009, about two and a half times the annual deficit.
“Oxfam estimates that the richest three families in Scotland own more wealth than the poorest 20% put together.
“Such inequality hurts the economy and the £6bn cuts in Scotland are also harming services that we all rely on daily.”
The report details how the politics of austerity are ideological and how policies are actually making the situation worse economically as well as socially.
There are ways forward, says UNISON Scotland – and unions are key.
The report points out that “the decade in which the equality gap in Britain was at its narrowest was the decade in which trade union penetration was at its greatest, with more than 80% of British workers covered by a collective agreement.
“Wwithout trade unions, individual workers are under pressure to simply accept the pay and conditions that an employer presents to them or risk missing out on the chance of a job or being dismissed.
“Trade unions are important, not just for improved pay and conditions and equality, but also on issues relating to health, discrimination and security at work as well as encouraging wider political engagement in society.
“They should be at the heart of economic, social and industrial policy.”
It’s a strong reminder of just why recruiting to improve membership density is so important.
Challenge Poverty Week concludes tomorrow with the Glasgow march and rally on Saturday.
And there are also demonstrations and rallies in Belfast and London.
West Midlands regional manager Franco Buonaguro reports that “there are around 17 coaches across the region,” travelling to the Britain Needs a Pay Rise rally in London, while “a number of branches are sending small numbers of people on trains.”
The region has also invited the press to travel down with it.
And Greater London regional secretary Linda Perks declares that “we expect a big turn out”, after brasnches and activists have used the week of action to help promote the march.
If you are a UNISON member or branch taking part in one of the marches or organising transport, let us know why – and how your preparations are going. Email us at infocus@unison.org.uk to share your story.
ICTU Northern Ireland: A pay rise for all
