Bring Thames Water into full public ownership and give workers the certainty they deserve, say unions

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) and unions representing workers at Thames Water – GMB, Unison and Unite – have joined forces to call for Thames Water to be brought into full public ownership, given what they call “the rapidly diminishing outlook for the company“.  

The unions say the move would give workers the certainty about their future that they deserve.  

The call comes as the Environment Secretary Steve Reed said the government remains ready for all eventualities, indicating that public ownership could be on the table. 

In the joint statement, the unions said: 

“The chaos at Thames Water has dragged on for too long. The collapse of the most recent private equity investment deal is just the latest chapter in a long-running failure. 

“Sticking-plaster solutions are not the answer. It’s time for the government to step in and bring Thames Water into full public ownership. 

“Returning Thames Water to public ownership is the best way to protect staff, serve customers, and safeguard our environment.” 

Public ownership will give workers the certainty they deserve, the unions add: 

“While the company lurches from crisis to crisis, the workforce has been shut out – forced to learn about key developments from the media.  

“They are the ones keeping the system running, despite years of underinvestment, poor management, and rising abuse from a public that’s lost all faith.  

“Any new investment that doesn’t demand damaging concessions or pile more pressure on workers is looking increasingly unlikely. This is the legacy of failed privatisation. 

“The government must act – taking Thames Water into public hands and giving its staff the certainty and respect they deserve.” 

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