Retail trade union Usdaw has welcomed Prime Minister Andy Burnham's keynote at Labour's annual conference in Liverpool, including his pledge to establish a National Care Service in the next Parliament that is free at the point of use and will not charge against the basic state pension.
Burnham said the service would be funded by reforming the state pension triple lock, which currently guarantees that pensions rise with inflation, 2.5 per cent or average earnings, whichever is largest. Usdaw, which represents around 370,000 members mainly in retail, also welcomed his focus on hope, honesty and good growth in every postcode.
Thomas: 'Hope born out of honesty'
Usdaw general secretary Joanne Thomas said Burnham showed a different style and a determination to change politics.
"We welcome Andy's first speech as Prime Minister to Labour conference, he showed a different style, a determination to change politics and hope born out of honesty. It was moving to hear Andy speak about his family and how his background has inspired him. He told us he would put Britain back on the right path and we look forward to the publication of 'Our Plan for Britain' later this year. To deliver good growth in every postcode and relief from the cost of living crisis for those struggling to make ends meet."
National Care Service 'long overdue'
Thomas said a National Care Service was long overdue and that too many people had suffered the indignity of a broken care system.
"Andy's emotional explanation of what drives him to tackle this issue was clear for everyone to see and we very much want him to succeed. The funding of this is crucial and he is right to ensure that it will not come from borrowing, but we will want to see the detail of the state pension triple reform and ensure that income pensioners are protected."
Quality jobs for young people
Usdaw also backed Burnham's focus on young people, saying the answer to youth unemployment is quality as well as quantity of work: the adult rate at 18, guaranteed hours for all, and permanent jobs with prospects.
"Andy also rightly highlighted the issues young people face, which is an ever-growing issue. Usdaw is keen to see the Government deliver good jobs that are secure and well paid. That means the adult rate at 18, guaranteed hours contracts for all and permanent jobs with prospects. Solving youth unemployment is about the quality of jobs, not just quantity."
Thomas also welcomed wider cost-of-living pledges on housing, energy affordability, bringing water back under public control and making public transport more affordable.
