Greenwich Unite criticises privatisation of welfare services

Child poverty set to soar, unemployment up - but council wants to privatise Welfare Rights Service

In light of recent figures on unemployment and child poverty, Greenwich Unite has slammed Greenwich council for failing to reconsider the decision to privatise and effectively kill off the Welfare Rights Service.

The Welfare Rights Service raises millions each year for working families trapped in low pay, pensioners, carers and the disabled as well as the unemployed.

According to the Institute of Fiscal Studies the number of children living in poverty will rise by 600,000 to £2.8 million by 2012-13.

This comes at the same time as rising unemployment, with the worst youth unemployment figures for 20 years. There are more people looking for jobs than there are jobs in existence in Greenwich.

Greenwich Unite branch secretary Onay Kasab stated: "What these figures show is that now more than ever the Welfare Rights Service is vital.

"If the Greenwich Labour Party is to stick with its election pledge to fight for economic prosperity across the borough, it cannot do so by killing off this service.

"Without the service millions of pounds in Tax Credits and other benefits will go unclaimed in Greenwich".

From a Greenwich Unite press release

For further information call Onay Kasab on 07958 911662

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