Unison say thousand public sector workers going without meals in Wales

The survey represents tens of thousands of public sector worker in Wales.

The union is preparing to host a rally against the crisis in the centre of Cardiff and are launching a ballot of health workers for industrial action following a derisory pay award.

Vanessa, a kitchen assistant in Torfaen, said: “My son is disabled with cerebral palsy on benefits and lives in a bungalow on his own.

“His gas and electric have gone up from £85pm to £185pm and he’s asked me when he should put the heating on.

The cost of living is rising across the country (Image: Newsquest)

The cost of living is rising across the country

“I am worrying how I will keep subsidising him on the money I earn. It’s not feasible.

“If it wasn’t for Universal Credit, I wouldn’t be able to live in my flat, but I am contemplating moving in with him.

“The government doesn’t understand the cost-of-living crisis. They don’t seem to care and are deceitful.

“It is heart-breaking to see my son in this position.”

UNISON held a cost of living crisis rally at the Raddisson Blu Hotel, Cardiff, on Thursday.

Dominic MacAskill, UNISON Cymru/Wales regional secretary said: “Our latest survey has tragically revealed the threat of homelessness, hunger and in-work poverty is now an every-day reality for public service workers and their families in Wales.

“Thousands of UNISON-organised workers across all public services in Wales are feeling undervalued, underpaid and overwhelmed.

“We are living under a Tory Westminster government whose ‘mini’ budget overtly benefits the richest members of society at the same time as undermining the needs of the vast majority of people.

“There is now a stark division between them and us and a pressing need for a broader trade union and labour movement led socialist response.”