A future Labour government should do all it can to bring outsourced contracts in health, education, police and councils back in-house, says a new report from UNISON today (Friday).
Any decisions by public bodies to privatise essential services should have to pass a key public interest test, according to the research.
This means the running of important local services should only be offered up to private contractors if there is deemed genuinely to be a public benefit.
The test that contracts should have to pass would include the following points:
Value for money
The quality of the service that would be delivered
The effects on workers’ job conditions such as pay and holiday entitlements
Any implications for other public services and their budgets
The impact on the local economy and its job market
The ability of the contractor to meet climate targets and equality considerations.
UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said: “Local services are always best provided by publicly accountable organisations that are based in the local communities they serve.
“But central government has put the squeeze on health, care and school budgets, causing local councils and hospitals to put key contracts out to tender to reduce costs.
“This isn’t good for anyone. Essential public services should be run for the public, not to make a profit for shareholders.”
Notes to editors:
– The report was presented at a fringe event at UNISON’s national conference, which has been taking place at the ACC Liverpool throughout this week. Further details of the conference can be found here.
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.
Media contacts:
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk
The article Avoid outsourcing services unless there’s a clear public benefit, says UNISON first appeared on the UNISON National site.
Comments are closed.