PCS is calling for the government to invest in jobs and public services after official figures showed the economy is slowing down.

Today’s announcement revealed the economy growing by just 0. 2% - down on the last quarter.

The union has consistently called for the government to stop the cuts and instead create employment in socially useful projects like transport, housing and the environment.

PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said: “The government should be creating jobs so people have money to spend.

“Instead of building confidence the government is spreading misery and anxiety and spending money on making people redundant rather than providing quality public services.

“Spending in the wider economy is also hit because millions of public sector workers are enduring a pay freeze - while inflation is high and the cost of household necessities, like energy, are soaring.

“Today’s figures show that there has to be an alternative to the atmosphere of recession and gloom.

“The government must end the pay freeze, stop job cuts and invest in services - then people will be spending money and paying taxes.”

Notes

• For information and interview requests please ontact Miles Barter, who is standing in this week for PCS national press officer Richard Simcox, on 020 7801 2744.
• The Public and Commercial Services union represents civil and public servants in central government. It has more than 300, 000 members in over 200 departments and agencies, and in parts of government transferred to the private sector. PCS is the UK’s sixth largest union and is affiliated to the TUC. The general secretary is Mark Serwotka and the president is Janice Godrich - on Twitter @janicegodrich
• Follow PCS on Twitter @pcs_union