PCS: Union responds to unemployment figures and justice cuts

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Wednesday, 15, Oct 2008 12:00

The Public and Commercial Services Union expressed deep concern today over the sharp rise in unemployment and reports that up to 10,000 jobs will be cut in the Ministry of Justice (MoJ).

The union warned that the integrity of the justice system would be undermined if the MoJ proceeded with the cuts outlined in today’s Times newspaper and that job losses and court closures would lead to delays and backlogs.

As the number of people out of work rises by 164,000 to 1.79 million, the union also called on the government to halt its programme to close Jobcentres. With the claimant count rising by 31,800 the union urged the government to reverse its decision to cut another 12,000 jobs in the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) by 2011.

30,000 jobs have already gone in the DWP over the last three years leaving little or no capacity to deal with the increase in unemployment.

The news of the MoJ cuts and the latest unemployment figures comes two days before a ballot on PCS strike action closes. Members are being asked to support a programme of industrial action over the government’s policy to cap public sector pay to below 2%.

Commenting, Mark Serwotka, PCS general secretary, said: “We are seeking an urgent meeting with the Justice Minister, Jack Straw MP, over plans to cut jobs and services in the justice system. The reported cuts would undermine the integrity of the justice system and only add to the uncertainty of justice workers who also face real term pay cuts.

“Cutting jobs and services will add to the economic woes of the country as people become more reliant on public services during this time of economic uncertainty. With the claimant count rising and set to rise further, the government should stop closing jobcentres, reverse its privatisation agenda and plans to slash jobs, to ensure people have the help they need to get back into work. In these unstable times, stability in the public sector and fair pay for public servants is vital for the health of the country. The bailout of the banks shouldn’t be at the expense of public services.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

* For further information, interviews and comment please contact Alex Flynn PCS national press officer on 020 7801 2747 or 07833 978216.

* PCS, the Public and Commercial Services Union is the union representing civil and public servants in central government. It has more than 300,000 members in over 200 departments and agencies. It also represents workers in parts of government transferred to the private sector. PCS is the UK’s sixth largest union and is affiliated to the TUC. The general secretary is Mark Serwotka and the president is Janice Godrich.

Alex Flynn

National Press Officer

Public and Commercial Services Union

160 Falcon Rd

London SW11 2LN

Direct line: 020 7801 2747

Mobile: 07833 978 216

Fax: 020 7924 1847

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