Connexions staff protest over closures

"Prices going up, prices going up, we don't need no education cuts" was the rallying cry at a protest today organised by UNISON.

Crowds gathered waving purple flags at Victoria Square, to protest against the closure of three Birmingham Connexions offices in Kings Heath, Handsworth and Erdington.

Jack Dromey MP and UNISON Assistant General Secretary, Roger McKenzie addressed the crowd, drawing attention to the closure of the Connexions services in Birmingham.

Before the rally, Roger McKenzie said: "The work of Connexions staff supporting young people is first class. That is why we are supporting the fight to stop these plans and safeguard an all age careers service for the schools, young people and parents of Birmingham”

Birmingham City Council is cutting services for young people at a time of spiralling youth unemployment.

At the rally, Keith Heron, a protestor said:"Without the Connexions offices young people are going to struggle to find a job; youth unemployment is a major issue. The local elections are coming up so the local councillors need to listen to what we are saying as it is their responsibility and they are making the cuts."

The rally was held following a planned walk-out by UNISON Connexions members at the three centres in Birmingham.

The sun shone down as the First of May Band from Banner Theatre performed, singing about the cuts with many of the protestors joining in.

The Banner Theatre is one of Britain's longest established community theatre companies working with trade unions and marginalized and disadvantaged communities.