The workers’ union, UNISON, have written to Isle of Wight MP, Andrew Turner, calling for action to protect Islanders amid the Government’s ongoing cuts to public funding.
They highlight their concern about the “sheer scale of budget cuts projected for the next three years as result of the Government’s ongoing austerity programme”.
Unemployment a major worry
The level of unemployment, particularly amongst young people, is cited as a major worry, alongside the hundreds of council jobs already lost over recent years.
Figures released by the Office of National Statistics last week revealed a rise in those claiming Job Seekers Allowance on the Island, whilst the national figure dropped.
UNISON argue that ongoing cuts to funding will result in overstretched services saying the poorest and most vulnerable Islanders likely to be hit.
Level of cuts disproportionate
The Letter, penned by UNISON Branch Secretary for the Island, Mark Chiverton, goes on to say,
The level of cuts which has been (and is being) imposed by central government on the Council will have a further severe and detrimental effect on the quality of life for Island residents and is completely disproportionate and inequitable when compared to that proposed for a number of more affluent areas in the South.
It finishes,
In the current bleak circumstances, our members are anxious to know exactly what you have done and are planning to do, in order to personally campaign along these lines and to highlight the devastating effect that a further reduction of £28 million will have on vital Local Government Services and jobs.
