Unions are urging the government to take emergency financial measures to support the Ukrainian people, and respond to the impact of the conflict on the cost-of-living crisis in the UK.
In a letter to the Chancellor Rishi Sunak, the TUC said he should a consider a 100% windfall tax on the profits of companies still invested in Russian state enterprises. Unions are also calling for safe routes to the UK for those fleeing the conflict and moves to protect families against further energy price rises as a result of the crisis.
TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady said: “Trade unions condemn the illegal invasion of Ukraine. We know that working people in Ukraine, Russia and across Europe want peace. The UK government must pursue all diplomatic efforts to achieve that goal.
“The Chancellor must use his spring statement to act, too. That means ensuring that sanctions are more effective, with funding to crack down on money laundering in the UK.
“And he should fund greater humanitarian assistance for Ukrainians, including safe passage for those fleeing the war.
“Working people in the UK will need protection from even steeper hikes in gas bills from the conflict.
“The Chancellor should introduce grants to help with energy prices, roll out an emergency programme of home insulation, and fund it with a windfall tax on excess energy profits.”
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