This resolution, submitted by LU Fleet branch, was passd unanimously by the August meeting of the Regional Council.

Branch notes:

That the economic crisis, internationally and domestically, is leading to soaring unemployment, insecurity and devastation of communities.

UK unemployment is well over 2 million and headed sharply upwards. But much worse is to come. Nearly half a million people have now been unemployed for at least 12 months.

Young people are particularly badly affected. There are 820,000 unemployed under the age of 25. Around 600,000 people leave school this summer and many will not find jobs.

Branch believes:

• That the government has found tens of billions to bailout banks and financial institutions, but has done very little to defend workers’ jobs and living standards.

• That instead of saving jobs, the government is pressing ahead with policies that threaten jobs from Royal Mail to local government to the civil service to the NHS.

• That individual unions and the TUC should be leading the fight against job losses by opposing redundancies, resisting closures and demanding a transformation of government policy.

• That individual unions and the TUC should also be demanding a rise in payments to the unemployed including enhanced Jobseekers Allowance and other benefits and the payment of mortgage interest or rent from day one of unemployment.

• That unemployment will increase attacks on the pay and conditions of employed workers, and increase temporary and agency employment without full rights.

• That the Visteon workers in Enfield, Belfast and Basildon, by occupying their plants and continuing their campaign for jobs, have been an inspiration to workers everywhere and have shown how to fight.

• That further victories have come at Linamar and Lindsey in July.

• That the unemployed, especially the young unemployed, and school and college leavers should be involved in demonstrations and protests for jobs.

Branch resolves:

1. To call on our union leaders and the TUC to actively oppose job losses and closures.

2. To support the demonstration at the Labour Party conference in Brighton on Sunday 27 September, called by the UCU and supported by the NUJ, around the theme of combating unemployment and protecting public services. To publicise this event widely among stewards and members, send our branch banner, and set aside a donation for transport.

3. To forward this motion to the Trades Council, the region, the national union, and the regional TUC.