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

Technical Architect

Essex County Council
£63001 - £74118 per annum
Interviews will be held W/C 20th and 27th October 2025.*Experience the best of both worlds with our flexible hybrid working arrangements. Enjoy the f England, Essex, Chelmsford
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Solutions Architect

Essex County Council
£49819 - £58610 per annum
Interviews will be held W/C 20th October 2025.*Experience the best of both worlds with our flexible hybrid working arrangements. Enjoy the freedom to England, Essex, Chelmsford
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Assistant Director, People and Change

Essex County Council
Up to £350 per day
Assistant Director, People and Change - Basildon Borough CouncilBasildon Borough CouncilTemporary, Full Time£350 per day, Dependant on ExperienceLocat England, Essex, Basildon
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Educational Psychologist - Main Grade

Essex County Council
£43483.0000 - £63394.0000 per annum
Educational Psychologist - Main GradePermanent, Full TimeSoulbury Psychologists Scale A from 3 to 8 plus SPA opportunityLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Senior Practitioner - Fostering Recruitment

Oxfordshire County Council
£46142 - £49282
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a full time Senior Practitioner to join the Countywide Fostering Recruitment Team. We are seeking an experienced, passionate, and dedicated Social Worker to be part of a dynamic team, driving the recruitment of foste Kidlington
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council
Linkedin Banner