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International unions welcomed statements from G20 Labour and Finance Minsters following their first joint meeting in Moscow but warned ministers that failure to act on the global unemployment crisis would be catastrophic for the world economy.



Both labour and finance misters expressed concern at worldwide unemployment levels, which currently stand at around 200 million. With growth forecasts down and austerity measures failing, unions are calling on G20 leaders meeting in St. Petersburg in September to deliver a plan for job creation and investment.



UNI Global Union Secretary General Philip Jennings said:

“These misguided austerity measures have failed. They have failed to end the slump and they have failed to create jobs even though people are desperate to work.



“It’s time to back growth rather than austerity. We need to put money back into the pockets of working families and we call on G20 leaders to create a jobs and investment plan that helps rather than hurts.”



ITUC Secretary General Sharan Burrow said:



“Over 200 million unemployed, growth forecasts down, families struggling to put food on the table with low wages, yet there is no sense of urgency amongst our leaders.



“G20 leaders must acknowledge the urgent need to take action to address rising unemployment and inequality.”