Government must act now to save jobs, says TUC

Commenting on the latest employment figures published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) today (Tuesday), which show the largest annual rise in unemployment for eight years, the largest fall in jobs on record for 18 to 24 year olds, and sharp falls in employment across many industries, TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said:   

“These are deeply worrying figures. With state support coming to an end the threat of mass unemployment is very real. Ministers must act now to protect and create jobs. 

“That means building on the furlough scheme by setting up a new job retention and upskilling deal, to keep people employed at firms that have a viable future.  

“And it means creating good new jobs too. Recent TUC analysis shows the government could create 1.85 million jobs in two years by fast-tracking green infrastructure investment and unlocking 600,000 public sector vacancies. 

“When the crisis began, the Chancellor said he would do ‘whatever it takes’. He must keep that promise.” 

Turning point  

Commenting on recent TUC analysis that shows BME workers have been asked to “shoulder more risk” during the pandemic, TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said: “Coronavirus has exposed the huge inequalities BME women and men face at work – with many forced to shoulder greater risk during this crisis.  

“BME workers are hugely overrepresented in undervalued, low-paid and casualised jobs, with fewer rights and no sick pay. During the pandemic many BME people have paid for these poor working conditions with their lives.  

“This crisis has to be a turning point. The government must challenge the systemic racism and inequality that holds BME people back at work, and beyond.”