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Third sector no 'cut-price' alternative employer

Friday 5th March 2010

By Mike Jones

Public sector union Unison has warned that the voluntary sector should not be seen as a "cut-price alternative".

The union is calling for the third sector to be properly funded, to end "damaging insecurity".

Last month, Unison carried out a survey and published a report of voluntary sector staff that found insecurity over funding is rife in the sector. The findings strike a chord with the results of this week's survey by union Unite.

Dave Prentis, General Secretary of UNISON said: "The findings of Unite’s survey chime with UNISON’s own last month. They both paint a dark picture of a third sector struggling to weather the economic storm and facing damaging insecurity.

"These surveys show that the charity and voluntary sector is reaching breaking point. The sector is beset with huge problems of funding, job cuts, low pay, unrealistic targets, leading to stress and low morale. It’s hardly surprising that it becomes too much for dedicated staff who can get a better deal working in a supermarket.

"And I find it extremely disturbing that some providers may go bust and private companies, that undercut pay and conditions for staff, are wiping others in home care out.

"This sector provides an important safety net, particularly for vulnerable adults and children and must be properly funded. It is not a cut-price alternative. We want the Government to take action; there should not be a race to the bottom for public services provided by the voluntary sector."

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