Current News

Serious problems in the UK's voluntary sector are laid bare in an independent report, released by UNISON today.

At a time when vulnerable Britons need charities more than ever, voluntary sector workers are reporting a huge range of problems, leading to sinking morale throughout the sector.

Findings show many workers are turning their backs on their careers to stack shelves in supermarkets, forced out by poor pay, increased stress and falling standards.

Massive cuts in funding are also affecting the public, as organisations fail to keep up with the demands of the public services they provide and struggle to compete with private sector contractors.

The report shows that the recession has seriously speeded up the problems, which stemmed from the Government's push for low-cost competition.

Findings include cost pressures affecting pay and conditions, with staff saying the charity sector is seen as a cut-price answer to larger economic problems. Due to the short-term nature of funding, insecurity is rife in the voluntary sector...continues...

REPORT download: Government policy, recession and the voluntary sector

Source: UNISON