Call to resist budget cuts

Brian Campfield, general secretary of NIPSA, said the spending cuts would attack the most vulnerable in society.

He said: “The coalition government are on the verge of dismantling the NHS and the welfare state. I would urge everyone to get in contact with their union rep and get involved in the campaign to derail this regressive budget.”

Mr Campfield was speaking to a group of community activists and trade unionists at a public meeting in Lurgan Town Hall last week.

He pointed out that small businesses are likely to lose out as a result of the public spending review, which is due to be announced next month.

“Local businesses in towns like Lurgan will be decimated as a result of this budget. More people will be out of work, which means they have less money to spend in the high street. Small business owners need to realise how dangerous this will be to their livelihoods.”

The SDLP’s Dolores Kelly, who was the only representative from any of the main political parties to attend the meeting, said it was important for politicians to listen to the trade union movement.

The Upper Bann MLA said: “The speakers have made many valid points and it’s our duty as politicians to take on board their concerns. The way the government is handling the economic crisis is fundamentally wrong. A number of top economists have warned that cutting the deficit too fast and too deep will lead to a double dip recession.

“There are some difficult decisions to be made. However, we cannot let the axe fall hardest on the poorest and most vulnerable. The trade union movement has fought long and hard for some of our most basic rights and it’s imperative that we take on board any concerns they might have.”