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

Catering Assistant

North Yorkshire Council
£12.65 per hour
Are you passionate about delivering high-quality food service alongside maintaining exceptional customer service? Knaresborough, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Head of Transformation and Digital

Derbyshire County Council
£92,438 to £98,580
You will lead a diverse portfolio including a newly created Transformation team, Business Support, Digital, ICT Bridgend
Recuriter: Derbyshire County Council

Catering Assistant

North Yorkshire Council
£12.65 per hour
Are you passionate about delivering high-quality food service alongside maintaining exceptional customer service? Knaresborough, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Housing Enforcement Manager

West Northamptonshire Council
£49,587 to £52,860
We are seeking to appoint a Housing Enforcement Manager to lead our successful Housing Enforcement Team, working not just on current processes but also being pivotal in redesigning our responses in line with the Renters Rights Act 2025. Whilst your focus Northampton
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

Director of Housing Policy

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£116,286 - £167,606 per annum
Make a visible difference and build a legacy. Richmond & Wandsworth
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
Linkedin Banner