The union is actively campaigning against the BNP in the forthcoming local council elections.  Adverts will appear in national and regional press with the message that racial hatred destroys lives and urging people to vote on 4th May to keep the BNP out.  All UNISON members will receive a letter encouraging them to vote and campaign locally against the BNP.

Branches are also working with groups like Searchlight and Unite Against Fascism in local campaigns targeting areas where BNP support is likely to be highest.  "It is no good just to sit at home and be opposed to the BNP" said Zeichner.  "We need to get out there and do something positive.  The more people can do the better but the message is: At the very least Vote!

The call to ghet active comes as the major parties were warned of a predicted surge in BNP support in the local elections.  According to MPs from both sides the parties now face a real danger of losing working class votes to the far right.

A draft report for the Joseph Rowntree Reform trust revealed that nearly a quarter of voters would consider voting for the BNP.  Employment minister Margaret Hodge claimed at the weekend that disillusioned working-class voters were deserting Labour for the BNP.  Hodge said as many as eight out of 10 white families in her Barking constituency in east London admitted that they were tempted to vote BNP in the forthcoming council elections.