A new UNISON film, featuring former Dynasty actor Stephanie Beacham, takes a tongue-in-cheek look at why the government should give teaching assistants, paramedics, refuse collectors and other public service workers a pay rise.
The two-minute satirical Pat on the Back film highlights the government’s hypocritical attitude to public servants – commending their dedication and hard work, yet refusing to lift the public sector pay cap, says UNISON.
But behind UNISON’s spoof film is a serious message. Low pay not only harms individual employees and their families, it means services are run down as staff desert the public sector in search of higher wages.
Clare Williams, Regional Secretary said “Giving public service workers a pat on the back isn’t going to put food on their table, petrol in their cars or pay their bills.
“Government ministers have been quick to praise public servants, but slow to appreciate the financial strain their harsh pay policies are putting on households up and down the country.
“In the Budget, the Chancellor needs to dig deep and give public service staff a pay rise that more than matches the rising cost of living.”