Britain is ‘on the brink’, unions warn

The UK could be on the brink of a return to 1980s-style mass unemployment, the TUC and leaders of Britain’s four biggest unions have warned. In a joint statement aimed at chancellor Rishi Sunak ahead of his speech on Wednesday, they called for urgent action to support workers and businesses.

The message, signed by the heads of the GMB, TUC, UNISON, Unite and Usdaw, stated: “The UK is staring at the biggest economic crisis for generations. Without bold action from the government we face the very real prospect of mass unemployment on a scale not seen since the 1980s.

"The job retention scheme – called for by unions – has shown what active government can do during a crisis. It rescued companies and saved millions from the dole queue. Now is the time to build on that spirit, not shrink away from the challenges ahead.

"There are three things Rishi Sunak must do: First, extend the job retention scheme beyond October for businesses who have a viable future but need longer to build back. 

"Second, invest in green infrastructure projects now, with guarantees to create jobs across the economy and boost growth and tax revenues.

"Third, we cannot afford a repeat of the 1980s. Let's do everything we can to prevent another ‘lost generation’ of young people and to support our most vulnerable communities."

https://www.tuc.org.uk/news/union-leaders-warn-return-80s-mass-unemployment-if-bold-action-not-taken-save-jobs