Of all the 2.6 million public sector workers who were polled by TUC in regards to the upcoming strike on November 30, approximately 750,000 returned a yes vote. At the moment, the entire UK is scurrying to figure out what the impact will be on both their lives and their finances.
According to the most recent figures released in the Guardian, the strike will have far-reaching impact across four different sectors which include civil service, education, health and local government. The statistics given in the article state that at least, if not more than, 57,000 NHS patients will be affected just in terms of cancelled surgeries, diagnostics and outpatient appointments.
Then there are schools to think about. It is expected that in England and Wales almost 90% of all colleges and schools will be closed as lecturers and teachers plan a mass walk-out to protest pension reforms. David Cameron suggested that perhaps parents could bring their children to work with them, after which parents condemned this as one of the most foolish suggestions the Prime Minister ever made.
As far as civil service is concerned, border control is a huge concern. It is said that Heathrow’s immigration officers plan to join the strike and according to the Guardian, The Border Agency is calling upon former workers. These workers are being offered £450 each shift to cover for striking workers. Many courts will also be affected as senior civil servants voted 4 to 1 in favour of the strike.
Unfortunately, local governments are also going to be affected as more than 1 million workers are set to strike in protest as well. Transport, funeral services, tourist attractions and libraries will be most affected as these employees are set to strike. Even sections of the British Museum in London will close.
At this point there is no indication what the strikes will do to the economy, but the ramifications will be huge. Even the public transport system in North Ireland is joining the strike. So then, how many people will be out of work and how much revenue will government lose? This is anyone’s guess until all is said and done.
