How much are trade unions costing taxpayers in NI? A subsidy row rages over public sector unions

Sep 28, 2015, 08:48 AM

Taxpayers are getting hit for a multi million pound bill to subsidise Trade Unions. That's the claim from the taxpayers alliance. It says research it's done shows trade union activity in the workplace costs the public 4.7 million pounds a year. The campaign group says taxpayers are footing the bill for what's known as "facility time". It allows civil servants time off to carry out union business. But is that fair? Stephen got the views of Bumper Graham from NIPSA and business man and commentator Jeffrey Peel