Trade union to hold protest against voluntary sector cuts

Finance | Gareth Jones | 18 Jul 2011

Trade union Unite is to hold a demonstration tomorrow (Tuesday) protesting against cuts to the voluntary sector.

Taking place between 6pm and 7pm at Old Palace Yard, which is opposite the Houses of Parliament, is timed to coincide with the first anniversary of the launch of the Big Society.

Ministers David Cameron, Nick Clegg, Eric Pickles, Francis Maude and Nick Hurd have all been invited to attend, in order to hear how the cuts, which Unite estimates come to a total of £4.4bn, are affecting charities.

Sally Kosky, national officer for the not-for-profit sector at Unite, said: “Our members know how hard these cuts are hurting our communities. It is the elderly, our young people and children and some of the most marginalised in society who are being hit hardest by these cuts.”

“The prime minister needs to stop his sham “Big Society” rhetoric and realise that the harder you hit the voluntary sector, the fewer volunteers it can support.

“We are calling on Cameron and his ministers to come out and hear what workers in the sector have to say about how these cuts are devastating the service and the support it gives it our most vulnerable citizens.”

Who's Who: Nick Hurd

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