Prospect Vice President defends public sector workers at TUC Congress

At TUC Congress in Brighton, Prospect Vice President Neil Hope-Collins spoke in favour of Motion 32, tabled by the FDA, on public sector productivity. 

The motion called on the TUC to challenge the Government on the myths surrounding productivity and public sector workers, and to ensure that the voices of workers and trade unions are heard on digital and AI implementation. 

In his speech, Neil emphasised the vital work that Prospect members do in the public sector, motivated by delivering the best possible service to society. 

Our specialist members working across the public sector defend, protect, support and enhance our society. They set the landscape for others to act in, providing specialist evidence and advice to public bodies that inform crucial industry, environmental, and infrastructure projects; health and safety inspections; and much more.  

Attempts to ‘measure’ members’ productivity fails to do justice to their work. We cannot let productivity go the same way as ‘efficiency’, and be another excuse for Government cost-cutting without understanding the consequences. 

All too often, cost-cutting of ‘back office’ functions results in our public sector members spending their time and expertise filling in for other roles that have been cut, rather than carrying out the specialised roles they are trained for. The motion was passed unanimously by TUC delegates.