Women in recession

Women are being hit hardest by the recession warned Dave Prentis, general secretary of public services union UNISON, speaking at last month’s national women’s conference. With women relying most on public services and making up two-thirds of the public sector workforce, cuts to jobs and services coupled with a pay freeze will be a double blow.

“One in five act as carers for adult family members, so when day centres are closed, home visits reduced and respite services withdrawn, women bear the brunt,” said Prentis. “When money is tight, incidents of domestic violence increase, but funding for women’s refuges and services is often top of the list for cuts. Councils should face up to their responsibilities and not go for the easy options of tax freezes and service cuts.”