Portsmouth streets stalked by Grim Reaper on Halloween

Of course, it would make sense for him to pick Halloween to appear in the streets of Portsmouth.

But he wasn't here to take anyone away – instead issuing a stark warning about poverty and climate change.

Residents and shoppers passing through Guildhall Square found themselves face-to-face with death personified, carrying a bloodied scythe with the words ‘climate change’ written on it.

Stood with environmental campaigners and trade union representatives, the fear is that the end of the government’s furlough scheme could see many Portsmouth residents face poverty and even homelessness.

However, if the jobless could help to combat the climate crisis, if they were placed into the correct jobs, say campaigners.

Jon Woods, Chairman of Unison’s Portsmouth branch, said: 'Today was the perfect day for the Grim Reaper to appear, even if it is chucking it down with rain.

‘It’s not just Halloween he’s here for, but the end of the furlough scheme – which is also today.

‘From tomorrow, Portsmouth workers could lose around 27 per cent of their wages. We’re facing not only unemployment, but major poverty here in the city, unless the government steps in.’

The news comes ahead of a press conference with prime minister Boris Johnson at 5pm today.

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In the past few weeks, the government has been pushing for people who find themselves out of work to retrain.

Mr Woods believes the redundant workforce could be placed into jobs that are more environmentally-friendly, such as working on renewable energy.

He said: ‘As well as facing the coronavirus crisis, we are having to deal with the climate crisis at the same time.

‘That hasn’t gone away – the two aren’t mutually exclusive.

‘While the government is pushing for people to retrain, I don’t believe they are going far enough with it. People should be actively placed into jobs that are good for the environment, such as public transport or retrofitting houses and buildings.’

The demonstration, held in Guildhall Square earlier today, was attended by around a dozen people, who were socially distancing.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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