This is a message to members from Unison nationally to members in Camden on the Chalcot Estate evacuation.
Following the evacuation of four tower blocks on the Chalcot Estate on Friday evening, we would like to pay tribute to the scores of members who volunteered their time to support the hundreds of residents who were displaced.
In the wake of Camden council’s decision – following expert advice from the London Fire Brigade that the buildings were simply not saf
e – our members have shown an admirable commitment both to the residents and the ethos of public service in very difficult circumstances.
The scale of cuts imposed on inner London boroughs like Camden by central government over the past seven years has made responding to such emergencies much more difficult. But those who volunteered went above and beyond to make a difficult situation better for everyone involved.
The events of recent weeks have illustrated the need for much more investment in genuinely affordable social housing.
We fully support Camden and other local councils’ demands for full funding from central government to implement a range of fire safety measures.
Alan Weaver
UNISON press office