Wales' Minister for Social Services and Public Health sends support to Boot Out Austerity walkers

Wales' Minister for Social Services and Public Health Rebecca Evans has issued a statement in support of the social workers protesting against the policies of austerity being pursued by the UK Government.

Speaking at the start of their 100 mile march, Rebecca Evans said: "We know that austerity hits disabled people, women, and people living in poorer communities hardest - and our social workers are on the front line seeing the devastating impact of this day in day out.

"Social workers don't have a political axe to grind. They are hard-working professionals who are concerned about the impact of austerity on the lives of the people they support. I share their concern because I know that the burden of austerity falls disproportionately on the shoulders of some of the most vulnerable people in our society.

"In Wales, we have prioritised social care as a sector of national strategic importance. As part of that, I am committed to working with and supporting the whole of our social services workforce. I pay tribute to them for the invaluable work that they do, and the huge contribution they make to Welsh life."

Mae Gweinidog Iechyd y Cyhoedd a Gwasanaethau Cymdeithasol Llywodraeth Cymru wedi cyhoeddi datganiad i gefnogi'r gweithwyr cymdeithasol sy'n protestio yn erbyn polisïau cyni Llywodraeth y DU.

Ar ddechrau'r orymdaith 100 milltir, dywedodd Rebecca Evans: "Ry'n ni'n gwybod bod cyni'n cael yr effaith fwyaf ar bobl anabl, menywod a phobl sy'n byw yn y cymunedau tlotaf - ac mae ein gweithwyr cymdeithasol ar y rheng flaen yn gweld effaith dorcalonnus hyn o ddydd i ddydd.

"Does gan weithwyr cymdeithasol ddim agenda wleidyddol. Maen nhw'n bobl broffesiynol sy'n gweithio'n galed ac yn pryderu am effaith cyni ar fywydau'r bobl y maen nhw'n eu helpu. Rwy'n rhannu eu pryder gan fy mod yn gwybod bod cyni'n cael effaith anghymesur ar rai o'r bobl mwyaf agored i niwed yn ein cymdeithas.

"Yng Nghymru, ry'n ni wedi rhoi blaenoriaeth i ofal cymdeithasol fel sector sydd o bwys strategol cenedlaethol. Fel rhan o hynny, rwyf wedi ymrwymo i gefnogi a chydweithio â gweithlu cyfan y gwasanaethau cymdeithasol. Hoffwn dalu teyrnged iddyn nhw am eu gwaith amhrisiadwy a'u cyfraniad sylweddol i fywyd yng Nghymru."

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