As a result of years of spending cuts, libraries, museums, galleries, theatres, and other cultural centres have seen their budgets cut, causing closures, restricted opening times, job losses and a limited access to the arts for the public, say unions.

Now UNISON, with support from PCS and UNITE are calling on the public to join public sector workers in a march for the arts. Starting at the British Library on the Euston Road, the march will go past London cultural landmarks to finish with a rally in Parliament Square.

When: 11am on Saturday 3 November 2018

Where: British Library car park, Midland Road, NW1

What: A march and a rally in Parliament Square

UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said: “Libraries play a central role in many areas of community life. They are places where people of all ages, professions and cultural interests meet and gather. Without them many would be isolated and with no access to books, films, music or activities.

‘But sadly cash-trapped councils across the country have had no choice but to cut back on culture and libraries spending in a desperate attempt to save core services like adult and children’s social care. That’s why we hope to see lots of people to send the government a strong message that austerity is far from over.”

Notes to editors:

– UNISON is the UK’s largest union, with more than 1.3 million members providing public services – in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in both the public and private sectors.

Media contacts:

UNISON

Fatima Ayad T: 0207 121 5255 M: 07508 080383 E: f.ayad@unison.co.uk



UNITE

Shaun Noble T: 020 3371 2060 M:07768 693940 E: Shaun.Noble@unitetheunion.org

PCS

John Millington M: 07833 978216 E: johnmi@pcs.org.uk