Union leaders attack ‘slashing’ of services

COUNCILLORS are being urged not to be steamrollered into making savage cuts which will hit the poorest, sick, disabled and elderly the hardest for years to come.

Union leaders have written to every Oldham councillor after it was revealed on Friday that 800 council jobs could be axed to help save £45 million.

They say that the announcement confirms “almost mass hysteria” over job losses and the wholesale slashing of public services.

The largest chunk of job losses — a total of 670 — could hit adult social services.

Local authorities are bracing themselves for cuts when the Government’s spending review is announced on October 20.

But the joint letter from seven trade unions argues that the country has £850 billion in banking assets after the bailout — more than the national debt — while tax evasion has cost the country £120 billion.

It states: “It is the most false of economies to cut jobs. It simply means less tax is paid, fewer National Insurance contributions, higher benefits bills and more pressure on the NHS as people’s health is affected.

“The impact of cutting public services will affect everyone, but far from equally. The most vulnerable of our society and community will be the hardest hit: the poor, the sick, the elderly and the disabled. What sort of civilised society does that?

“We strongly urge you to say no to the cuts and look at alternatives. Your actions now will have a significant and long-term impact on the whole of Oldham and beyond.”

The unions say they are willing to meet councillors to find a solution and add: “Don’t be steamrollered into making savage cuts that will have an adverse affect not only on public services in Oldham, but the wider community as a whole.”