Too vital for open market

At conference this morning (September 9) health visitor Joyce Still spoke on behalf of Unite in support of the motion in opposition of the privatisation of children’s services.

She said, “I have been a health visitor for over 25 years, and am trained to identify children who are at risk.

“There is nothing more important than the protection of our children and children’s services need systems based on strong accountability and continuity.

“But we all know private companies are only interested in delivering a profit for their shareholders.

“Child protection is too important to be left to the fecklessness of the open market.”

A number of delegates from other unions spoke in strong opposition to the sell-off of children’s services, arguing that there is no place for the race to the bottom in this complex public service that some of the most vulnerable people in the country depend on.

“Last year alone, approximately 43,000 children were on child protection plans in England,” Joyce said.

“I would like to ask this government: who do they think will be delivering these services to our children?”

Delegates voted and the motion to oppose privatisation of children’s services was unanimously carried.