Tory plans would mean 40,000 jobs axed, say experts.
10.04.10 - John, Unions Together
Tory plans would mean 40,000 jobs axed, say experts. From the Financial Times: "David Cameron’s efficiency chief has told him to cut the public payroll by up to £2bn within a year of the general election… The projected saving implies that at least 20,000 to 40,000 public sector jobs would go during the next 12 months, said experts."
Of course, the Tories are trying to wriggle out of taking responsibility for what their cuts would mean for the families affected. They’re claiming they could cut the payroll bill without having make people redundant. So, how does one cut the public payroll without firing anybody? Well, they say you simply reduce the usage of contract and agency staff, and don't refill vacant posts (a process known as 'natural wastage') That way, no one actually gets sacked... Or, so they say.
But, they would say that wouldn’t they. The problem with their argument, however, is that many so-called 'natural wastage' savings have already been made. So, where else could the money come from? The only other way to make payroll cuts, especially at such a short timescale (only 12 months) is to cut jobs. That means 40,000 job losses in the public sector. And that's just the first year. We still know nothing of their plans for the public sector over the long-term. We do know what they did to the public sector last time though…
And, of course, these 40,000 are only the beginning. Slashing public spending doesn’t just threaten those who work directly for the public sector – it will threaten those who work in the private sector fulfilling government contracts. Slashing spending on government projects means less jobs in the private sector too.
Last time, the Tories told us unemployment was a “price worth paying”. Tell that to thousands of families who will be affected if tens of thousands of jobs are scrapped!
Join the campaign to make sure the Tories don't get their hands on the public payroll!
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