£20m union fund to fight spending cuts

A leading union today set up a £20 million fund to fight "savage" Government cuts in public spending, including money for possible industrial action.

Unison said the money will be spent on national campaigning and on regional rallies, demonstrations and other events.

General secretary Dave Prentis said the £20 million was "serious money for serious times", adding: "We are facing the biggest onslaught against our members, and the services they provide, in our history. We are determined to use this money to help our members on the ground to fight for jobs and services.

"We are sending out a clear message to the coalition Government that we will not stand by and see our public services devastated, without putting up a fight.

"The money will be used to step up campaigning and to help our branches and regions combat savage cuts to jobs and services in their local communities.

"Unison members are angry and frustrated that this Government has refused to look at any of many viable alternatives to cutting public services."