'Quality public service key to economic recovery'

Mr Grant said: “Everybody is asking that we do more with less — but if quality public services are not provided as a basis, there is nowhere to even start thinking about a recovery.

“We’re asking for investment to try and improve things – if Government doesn’t invest in providing good services, it’s not just about what will happen to individuals, but what will happen to everybody.”

Mr Grant said a healthy economy depended on quality services in areas like health care, development control and education.

He added: “If we’re not making sure that development is assessed properly, people will be building all over the place, which will impact on everyone. Areas like border control also need proper investment and high quality.

“If these things don’t happen, the effects on everyone will be far-reaching for everyone.

“Right now, we’re all being challenged — there are initiatives and more innovative ways to achieve the services which will help get us through these rough times and it’s a dialogue I’d certainly encourage.”

He added that some BPSU members failed to present a good image, through poor timekeeping or inappropriate dress.

Mr Grant said: “These are the sort of things we must promote as part of promoting a quality public service. We have always tried to ensure that our members carry out their responsibilities in a professional manner.

“Making this statement sets the tone for how not only this union but country as a whole can move forward.”

Mr Grant was speaking as he signed the BPSU up to the Council of Global Unions’ Quality Public Services – Action Now campaign, which began yesterday.

He said: “Quality public services available to all enhance the quality of people’s lives and are fundamental to the creation of societies that are equal, prosperous and democratic.”

But he added that the goal could not be achieved without the public sector working with the people they serve, Government and the private sector.

Mr Grant said: “We don’t have all the answers. The purpose of this campaign is to unite public and the private sector trades unions, municipal governments and civil society groups in advancing quality public services as the best means of building equitable, sustainable, peaceful and democratic societies.”

He added: “It’s only through a combined effort that we can try and ensure quality services and that will take the public and the private sector as well.”

Mr Grant added that the union also aimed to forge closer links with international bodies and with other countries, particularly the Caribbean islands, as countries across the world grapple with the effects of global recession.

He said: “The more we involve ourselves and become aware of what’s happening internationally, the better our services will be.

“There are lots of things happening internationally which are happening right here, right now.”