Commenting on the Budget today (Wednesday) UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said:

“This was a Budget to calm the nation and showed the government’s been listening – to a point.

“While a blank cheque to ease the NHS through the virus crisis will reassure health staff and under-pressure hospitals, social care and local councils barely got a mention.

“Workers across the country will be relieved they’ll get sick pay or immediate access to universal credit should they fall ill or have to stay at home.

“But many will still worry how they’ll make ends meet on current statutory sick pay rates.

“It’s just a pity it’s taken a national crisis for the government to see the value of our public services and the need to invest in them properly.

“Government, businesses and unions all need to work together to get the country through the next few difficult weeks and months.”