LEADERS of Labour-affiliated trade unions have appealed to the government to stand firm on workers’ rights and deliver on the promises contained in the party’s general election manifesto.

Figures show that businesses have been slashing jobs at the fastest rate in more than four years.

An open letter, signed by the leaders of Aslef, Community, the Communication Workers Union, the Fire Brigades Union, GMB, the Musicians Union, National Union of Mineworkers, the Transport Salaried Staffs Association, Unison and Unite, notes that, following years of austerity and falling living standards, the country had voted for change.