UNISON unveiled the survey at the launch of a new phase of its Positively Public campaign at the beginning of February, which will concentrate on linking more closely with the views and aspirations of the public  and working for a greater role in forging public services policy with government.

"Its not rocket science to realise that the people best placed to suggest ways to improve public services are those people who deliver and use them" said UNISON general secreatry Dave Prentis at the campaign launch in Westminster.

"We seem to be on a merry-go-round of reform but the government is out of step with public opinion.  The public is sophisticated, they understand that it takes time for improvements to feed through.

"Constant change doesn't necessarily lead to improvement, it is impossible to provide effective, quality public services in such an environment.  Prentis urged the government to "take stock" and listen to the opinion of the public and service providers.  "The way forward is not simply more choice amd competition.  Public services have to work together in operation and not complete against each other or with the private sector for business.  In that way, the key issues of service quality and waiting times can be addressed and as our survey shows that is what staff and the public really want.