Unions welcome ‘Summer Savings’ plan but want it to go further

Trade unions have offered a guarded welcome to the government’s ‘Summer Savings’ plans. These include several measures which aim to ease summer holiday expense for families with children.

Labour affiliated transport union TSSA has welcomed as an ‘important first step’ the government’s introduction of free bus travel for under-16s in England across August.

This was part a series of measures that chancellor Rachel Reeves outlined, called ‘Great British Summer Savings’. It also includes a temporary reduction in VAT across Scotland, England and Wales from June to September. The reduction applies to admission tickets for family shows and attractions and children’s menu meals.

In April, TSSA called on ministers to tackle the cost of living crisis by making public transport free for a year.

Commenting, TSSA general secretary Maryam Eslamdoust said:

It’s good to see the government taking this important first step by providing free bus travel for young people for the summer months, along with other assistance.

We have been clear that action needed to be taken quickly to help the many people who are struggling simply to pay for the basics in life.

Undoubtedly measures like those which have been announced can make a real difference and this is what a Labour government should be doing.

However, the chancellor should now look at extending support as part of a wider package of help, well beyond the summer months. Not only would doing so assist those most in need, it will help the wider economy.

Performers should share in Summer Savings boost

Meanwhile, performing arts and entertainment trade union Equity has welcomed the announcement of government help for family days out over the summer school holidays. It wants to ensure that any increased revenue from the ‘Summer Savings’ scheme passes on to performers and creatives.

Equity points out that the industries in scope are responsible for employing or engaging large numbers of performers and creatives. It says many of them are in precarious, insecure and low-paid work. So, while a boost to ticket sales would be welcome, the union wants workers to share in the uplift.

An Equity spokesperson said:

We welcome government measures to boost the live performance, theatre and cinema sectors and promotions to help families become audiences at these events.

We want to see workers share in the uplift in sales and expect Society Of London Theatres, UK Theatre, theme park operators and others engaging performers and creatives to ensure increased sales and profits are passed on to the performers and creative workforce who are the heart of this industry.

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