British fears over spending cuts

Civic groups in Britain have been responding to the announcement of the country's biggest public spending cuts for decades.



One group, Race for Opportunity, campaigns to improve employment opportunities for ethnic minorities across the UK.



Its director, Sandra Kerr, believes that ethnic minority women will be hit very hard by the spending cuts and the 490,000 public sector jobs to be slashed.



For example, she says nearly half of all black Caribbean women, many of them sole earners in their household, are employed in the public sector.



Meanwhile, Britain's trade union federation says the government's plans are likely to have a desperate impact on communities, families and businesses.



However, the Confederation of British Industry says the cuts are essential for building future prosperity.