“The government could draw on the diverse workplace experience of unions like Prospect to improve productivity, drive economic growth and enhance skills,” Clancy will tell the event organised by think-tank Respublica.

“We know from our own membership polling that a quarter of our members voted Conservative at the last election. We also know they have a broad range of views on the big issues of the day such as Brexit.

“It might not chime with common perceptions, but most unions, like Prospect, are independent of any political party and focus purely on promoting their members’ interests.

“For Prospect, that means being evidence-led and prepared to talk to a range of employers and political parties – even if we don’t always agree.

“It is particularly important to have a constructive dialogue with the government of the day. It may be stating the obvious, but the Conservatives are setting the agenda and we want to be able to influence that positively.

“But this government needs to answer two questions: what sort of workplaces does it want its policies to produce and will it give working people and their unions a say in their futures?

“When doing their job well, unions should provide a positive challenge to government: holding it to its key pledges on the economy and public services.

“Whatever our political persuasions, we all want to see the economy and working people thrive,” Clancy concluded.

Respublica’s fringe – Championing aspirations: How will Conservatives help workers to succeed – will take place in Hall 7B, 36-37 Broad Street, Birmingham B1 2DY on Tuesday, October 4, 12:45pm-2pm

 

For further information contact:

Mike Clancy: 020 7902 6704 (w) 07770 304477 (m) [email protected]

Graham Stewart: 020 7902 6605 (w) 07525 403185 (m) [email protected]