NEWS RELEASE For immediate Release: 9 April 2003
STUC Budget Response
Commenting on today's (9 April) Budget announcement by the Chancellor of the Exchequer STUC General Secretary, Bill Speirs said,
"In sticking to his commitments to continue to invest in public services the Chancellor has done the right thing. We believe that borrowing to do so is the correct approach.
We particularly welcome the additional money for skills and new incentives for R&D activity. It is important that employers now respond positively in these areas.
We will seek early discussions with the Ministers on the implications for Scotland of the announcements on regional pay in the public sector and about the scope of his intentions regarding de-regulation in the transport and construction sectors, including the involvement of the unions in this initiative.
While we welcome the Chancellor's commitment to increase the humanitarian aid budget for Iraq, we have serious concerns about the balance with additional resources allocated for the prosecution of the war."
Ends
For further information and comment contact:
Bill Speirs, Grahame Smith or Tracey White