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Issuing press releases is a good way of getting local and even national media to cover your campaign actions. Here are some ideas for content in a typical press release format. Adapt as required.

NEWS Release – UNISON _____________________ Branch
[Masthead – who is issuing this]

_____________UNISON to fight service cuts in ____________.
[Headline - keep it short and to the point]

Embargo:
[date/time that you do not want this release to be published/broadcast before. If you want it covered immediately, put in 'Immediate' as the embargo date]  

Date:
[of issue of press release]

UNISON, the union that represents staff working for __________________ Council warned that budget cuts were leading to cuts in much-valued local services, and announced the start of a campaign to defend these services.

The union says that [some examples of closures, opening hour restrictions, staffing numbers cut] means that core services to people are being cut and that they will be [joining/starting] a campaign to defend them. Despite protestations from the council, staffing cuts are leading to cuts in services to the public. UNISON says budgets are under pressure because:

1. Money from the Scottish Government has been ring-fenced to pay for the council tax freeze
2. The budget deal to cut business rates means less money for local services
3. Income from sales and service charges is dropping due to the recession.

And this is happening at a time when demand for public services is increasing due to that same recession.

___________ ___________ Branch __________ for UNISON ___________ said:

[Pick one or two relevant quotes from the list below, or use a specific local service cut to highlight local campaigning activity.]

            “Leaving vacancies unfilled is not a soft option. It means cuts in services. Local services are already under pressure. That pressure is increasing as people turn to public services to help them cope with the recession.

            “Less staff means more cuts. Increased pressure on services mean less service, longer waiting times, and increased risk of corner-cutting and mistakes.

            “The difference between cuts in ‘Backroom’ and ‘Frontline’ staff is artificial. Cuts in admin staff mean more admin work piled onto ‘frontline’ staff, and less direct public service.

            “Equal pay is being used as a scapegoat. It is the law that men and women should be treated equally. Councils and Government have known they needed to deliver this for at least ten years.”.

This campaign will link with local community campaigns to defend local services and to ensure they are available for the increasing number of people who will be likely to depend on them.

ENDS

For further information please contact:
[one or, better, two Branch Contacts with out-of-hours contact details (mobiles are good).]

Page updated: 5 February 2010