Capita sacrificing services to protect profits- UNISON response

UNISON, the UK’s largest public sector union, today (19 November) accused the government of helping Capita, a public sector contractor, to cut services in a bid to protect company profits.The union warned that the government’s plans to increase privatisation of public services could spark a race to the bottom, as private companies seek to protect profits at all costs. Dave Prentis, UNISON General Secretary, said: “Here we have the government hand in glove with a private company, plotting how to cut services to protect profits. UNISON has long been warning that profits come before people when vital local services are privatised, but now the government is making it even easier for their friends in private industry to sacrifice services to line their own pockets. “As public spending cuts bite, margins will be ever tighter. This could spark a dangerous race to the bottom on services, and pay and conditions for staff. Coupled with the government drive to boost private involvement in public services, this is a recipe for disaster. It is the elderly, the sick and the vulnerable who rely on local services who will pay the ultimate price.”