07 March 2003
The next 12 months could make or break the government's public services reform agenda, the new leader of the union movement has warned.
In an interview with Public Finance, Brendan Barber, who will take over from John Monks as general secretary of the Trades Union Congress in May, warned ministers they must invest in capacity-building if they are to deliver on their commitments.
Barber claimed that some policies – such as the roll-out of foundation hospitals across the NHS, teachers' pay and the extension of freedoms and flexibilities to councils – remain potential sources of conflict with trade unions.
Consequently, he said, ministers must engage in consultation with public servants if they are to achieve lasting reforms.
'This government has invested much of its political credibility in achieving an overhaul of public services. It now stands at something of a crossroads: it has achieved some major successes, but there has been a lack of conviction in other key policies – in health, education and transport in particular – and that has been disappointing.
'It is fair to say the next year or two will be crucial. I would hate to see those gains made since Labour came to power lost through, for example, the Treasury slashing its spending commitments.'
Chancellor Gordon Brown has come under pressure to cut back on his spending plans in next month's Budget because of the economic slowdown, although he has indicated he has little appetite for cuts.
Indeed, Barber believes the government is beginning to listen to public servants when developing policy.
He cites the recent 'two-tier' settlement across local government – which ensured new staff joining contracted-out services would receive equivalent terms to those transferred from the public sector – as an example.
He added: 'But we want to see that settlement extended across the public services. These considerations are what we mean when we talk about ministerial commitment – the reform agenda will not work unless it's supported by everyone.'
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