No room to crow

Unite cautioned against complacency over today’s (Wednesday September 14) labour market figures warning that for millions the nature of work was becoming increasingly insecure.

Pointing to a 20 per cent rise in people saying they work on a zero hours contract, Unite also highlighted research showing that nearly half of working families have cut back on food and clothes to pay the rent or mortgage.

Commenting Unite general secretary Len McCluskey said, “Of course it is important that people are finding work but there is genuine concern about the nature of work in this country today.

“With every day there is some new scandal exposing how too many employers are treating their workforce appallingly and getting away with it. The 20 per cent jump in zero hours contract working is also clear evidence that something is very wrong with our economy.

“Work should pay. The government must not crow about record employment while millions cannot make ends meet. It has to get a grip.”