Wednesday, June 23, 2010

BBC London News – A public sector worker's view on the budget

 Yesterday lunchtime I was interviewed by BBC London news about the budget.  Parts of which was broadcast on “London News” at 6.30pm last night. You can see it here (first few minutes) for the next 12 hours and I think you can download on BBC iPlayer for the next 7 days.

My chief concern was about what will happen to public sector workers who are already struggling after years of below inflation pay rises, who now have to cope with the prospect of pay freezes (which means a 5.1% pay cut in real terms for this year alone) and tax rises.

I’ve also just (07.15) had an interview with Nick Ferrari on LBC Radio. I was asked to speak about the impact on public sector workers who like me earn over £21k per year. Especially in London (one of the most expensive places to live in the world) this means people like front office reception staff, nursery nurses and Police Community support officers. I tried to argue that there is an alternative to these “savage cuts” and if we are “all in this together” then for real fairness - the better off and the wealthy should be paying their fair share towards reducing the deficit.

(Pictured outside Broderick House which I use to manage several years ago which is now run by Tower Hamlets Homes)

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am sure Robin Wales will be watching and be rewarding you with a big pay rise....

Anonymous said...

"years of below inflation pay rises"? Wouldn't that be the fault of the previous Government?

Anonymous said...

no, Tory banker thieves. now we get 5.1% cut in wages.