Energy crisis sees trade union call on government to protect third sector workers
Melanie May | 21 October 2021 | News
With energy prices still high, trade union Community has called on the government to intervene to protect third sector workers from the ongoing crisis.
In a statement last week, the union, one of the largest to represent third sector workers, warned of consequences should the sector not be included in any government support prices to deal with high energy prices.
Adrian Axtell, National Secretary at Community, said:
Advertisement
“The energy crisis is impacting sectors across the country, and the charity sector is no different. Whilst it may not be an energy intensive industry, the sector and its workers are still feeling the brunt of the ongoing crisis.
“We know that many in our sector are still working from home, and with increased energy costs particularly as we reach the winter the government’s £6 tax relief will no longer be adequate.
“Recent research has showed us that a fifth of third sector workers are earning below the living wage, meaning that steep cost of living increases will be felt particularly harshly by those in our sector. We’re calling for the government to take urgent action to protect our sector and end this crisis.”
In September, energy prices spiked at £2,500/MWh – a 5,000% increase on April prices. While no longer at their peak, prices remain substantially higher than where they were a few months ago.
About Melanie May
Melanie May is a journalist and copywriter specialising in writing both for and about the charity and marketing services sectors since 2001. She can be reached via thepurplepim.com.