William Eichler 03 May 2025

Union hits back after Farage’s ‘alternative careers’ comment

Union hits back after Farage’s ‘alternative careers’ comment  image
© ComposedPix / Shutterstock.com.

A public sector union has criticised Reform UK leader Nigel Farage after he said council workers should seek ‘alternative careers’.

Speaking in County Durham after Reform won control of the county council, Farage said employees of the local authority working on climate change, diversity, equality and inclusion (DEI) initiatives or wishing to work from home ‘better all be seeking alternative careers very, very quickly’.

In response, UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said Farage and his party's new councillors ‘have much to learn about local government.’

‘This is not the US. Thankfully workers in the UK have laws to protect them from bad employers. And soon employees will get even more protection from unscrupulous bosses when the Government’s new employment rights come in.’

McAnea added: ‘Rather than attacking hard-working council staff, Mr Farage should be focusing on his own job representing the people of Clacton. But judging by his voting and speaking record in the House of Commons, he’d clearly rather be making big bucks elsewhere.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Peripatetic Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£16,425.00 to £16,675.22, pro rata. Grade 4.
Do you want to make a difference to someone’s life, giving them choice, control, dignity and respect? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Senior Information Governance Officer (Covid-19 inquiry and IG Compliance)

Wakefield Council
£25,584 - £27,269 Grade 5, £31,067 - £33,366 Grade 7, 37 hours, Temporary
A vacancy exists for a Senior Information Governance Officer Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Tutor/Assessor - Sewing

Wakefield Council
(M) TUL4 - £29,791.00 - £32,818.00 FTE, 29.6 hours, Permanent
We are an OFSTED rated ‘good’ provider and are looking to appoint an ambitious Sewing Tutor Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Street Scene Workforce Support Officer

Wakefield Council
£27,711.00 - £30,559.00, Grade 6, 37 hours, Permanent
An opportunity exists in the Council’s Street Scene Services for a Street Scene Workforce Support Officer Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Director

South Yorkshire Pensions Authority
£131,132 - £135,146 plus benefits, relocation support and 25/26 pay award pending
We are looking forward to recruiting a new Director who will further develop our thinking and help us realise our ambitions Barnsley, South Yorkshire / Hybrid
Recuriter: South Yorkshire Pensions Authority
Linkedin Banner
OSZAR »