Local government dispute
ends with pay warning
(30/10/07) Local government workers across England, Wales and Northern Ireland have slammed this year’s below-inflation annual pay award, but stopped short of outright industrial action at this stage, putting employers and the government in the ‘last chance saloon’ over pay."Members have told employers that this critically important issue won’t go away," UNISON head of local government Heather Wakefield said after a narrow majority of members voted in favour of action in a ballot which saw a 24.4% turn-out.The ballot closed last Friday, 26 October, and saw 144,719 valid ballot papers returned, with 74,631 members (or 51.6%) voting for action and 70,088 (48.4%) voting against. The ballot result was considered by the union's NJC committee and local government service group executive today. The NJC committee welcomed the majority vote in the ballot by members for strike action in the current pay dispute.Read Pay ballot 2007 resultsBut it overwhelmingly voted for a statement which read: "However, in all the circumstances, including the narrowness of the majority and the size of the poll, this result does not constitute the basis for viable industrial action to break the government’s pay policy."The NJC committee therefore agreed to:
conclude the 2007/8 pay deal as soon as possible based on the offer made on 24 August;
co-ordinate with other public-service unions regarding over the 2008 pay round ;
to start a campaign for 2008 based on securing fair pay and conditions improvements for and defeating plans to attack national conditions and negotiating machinery. Read full LG Service Group Executive report"Members have told employers that this critically important issue won’t go away," said Ms Wakefield.More than 69% of those affected by the award earn just £15,825 or less a year - around £8,000 less than the national average. These include home care workers, teaching assistants, environmental health officers, park and street wardens, housing officers, librarians, refuse collectors, school cooks and many other unsung workers. And these poorly paid staff face steep living cost rises that have far outweighed their annual pay awards of well under 3% during the past three years. "This is effectively our members’ fourth consecutive annual pay cut and they have decisively put government and local authority employers into the 'last chance saloon'. "Since 2003 local council workers across the UK have seen their pay packets falling further behind the rise in living costs, and thousands of low-paid staff suffer chronic financial hardship. "Our members are not the faceless pen pushers some would have you believe. They are our community champions – the legions of people that deliver vital services to our neighbourhoods, often in high pressure and even hazardous circumstances. "Now they have resoundingly warned employers’ to value them more."We will shortly be submitting our claim for the 2008 pay round. Next year, we expect the employers to end their bargain-basement treatment of our members once and for all."Scottish local government workers are in the final year of a pay deal which runs until the end of March 2008. A claim for 2008, which will be submitted to employers at a meeting of the Scottish Joint Council on 14 November.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Monday, October 29, 2007
TUC comment on Directors'
pay survey
Commenting on the IDS Directors' Pay Report 2007 published today (Monday), which found that the average total earnings of FTSE 100 chief executives have doubled over the last five years to a new record of £3.2 million, TUC General Secretary, Brendan Barber, said,
'Britain's top directors clearly have no shame. Year in, year out they have been paying themselves far bigger rises than they are prepared to pay their staff while lecturing the rest of us on the need for low taxes. It beggars belief that they are somehow working twice as hard as five years ago.
'It is time the rest of us gave a big raspberry to all their hand-wringing excuses of needing the incentives and matching the international going rate. It would at least be honest if they say they paid themselves these rises because they can.
'This is not just morally offensive greed, it is bad for the rest of society too. The growth of a new class of the super-rich, semi-detached from the rest of society, hits social cohesion, feeds into house price inflation and harms staff loyalty and commitment.'
This makes the Local Government pay offer of between 2.475 and 3.4% a joke only nobody is laughing !
pay survey
Commenting on the IDS Directors' Pay Report 2007 published today (Monday), which found that the average total earnings of FTSE 100 chief executives have doubled over the last five years to a new record of £3.2 million, TUC General Secretary, Brendan Barber, said,
'Britain's top directors clearly have no shame. Year in, year out they have been paying themselves far bigger rises than they are prepared to pay their staff while lecturing the rest of us on the need for low taxes. It beggars belief that they are somehow working twice as hard as five years ago.
'It is time the rest of us gave a big raspberry to all their hand-wringing excuses of needing the incentives and matching the international going rate. It would at least be honest if they say they paid themselves these rises because they can.
'This is not just morally offensive greed, it is bad for the rest of society too. The growth of a new class of the super-rich, semi-detached from the rest of society, hits social cohesion, feeds into house price inflation and harms staff loyalty and commitment.'
This makes the Local Government pay offer of between 2.475 and 3.4% a joke only nobody is laughing !
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Celebs rally to
champion the NHS
(27/10/07) The I love the NHS march and rally on 3 November is attracting widespread celebrity support to bolster the thousands of health workers expected to turn out on the day.Among those championing the event are explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes, who said: "I love the NHS because they saved me from certain death following a massive heart attack."Also, when my wife of 36 years was terminally ill with cancer, the NHS, Exeter, looked after her diligently and with expertise and patience."Tamsin Greig, star of Channel 4's award-winning medical comedy Green Wing and Black Books, said she loved the NHS because it was "a unique and invaluable organisation that puts life first. "It is a national treasure and should be valued and honoured as such," she added.On 3 November NHS staff and supporters will gather at the Embankment and march to Trafalgar Square, where there will be music, comedy and speeches. The demonstration is to celebrate the successes of the NHS, which is 60 next year, and to send a hard-hitting political message to the government that there is no place for markets and competition in our health service.It is being organised by NHS Together, an alliance of 14 health unions and organisations, including UNISON. UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said: "The NHS treats over one million people every 36 hours. That is a tremendous achievement and that success is down to the dedication, professionalism and sheer hard graft of the staff who work in it."He continued: "I know that I am only alive today because of the skill and expertise of those NHS staff. I didn't have to pay for that treatment and, like millions of people every day, I am grateful for that."The NHS is worth fighting for and I believe that 3 November is a unique opportunity for health workers and patients to show their support."Remember, remember 3 November
champion the NHS
(27/10/07) The I love the NHS march and rally on 3 November is attracting widespread celebrity support to bolster the thousands of health workers expected to turn out on the day.Among those championing the event are explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes, who said: "I love the NHS because they saved me from certain death following a massive heart attack."Also, when my wife of 36 years was terminally ill with cancer, the NHS, Exeter, looked after her diligently and with expertise and patience."Tamsin Greig, star of Channel 4's award-winning medical comedy Green Wing and Black Books, said she loved the NHS because it was "a unique and invaluable organisation that puts life first. "It is a national treasure and should be valued and honoured as such," she added.On 3 November NHS staff and supporters will gather at the Embankment and march to Trafalgar Square, where there will be music, comedy and speeches. The demonstration is to celebrate the successes of the NHS, which is 60 next year, and to send a hard-hitting political message to the government that there is no place for markets and competition in our health service.It is being organised by NHS Together, an alliance of 14 health unions and organisations, including UNISON. UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said: "The NHS treats over one million people every 36 hours. That is a tremendous achievement and that success is down to the dedication, professionalism and sheer hard graft of the staff who work in it."He continued: "I know that I am only alive today because of the skill and expertise of those NHS staff. I didn't have to pay for that treatment and, like millions of people every day, I am grateful for that."The NHS is worth fighting for and I believe that 3 November is a unique opportunity for health workers and patients to show their support."Remember, remember 3 November
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Freeing information
(24/10/07) UNISON has welcomed the decision of the Scottish information commissioner to order the release of Edinburgh Royal Infirmary's private management contract.The union said that this would be an important precedent for other contract information.Earlier this month a UNISON report revealed that using private firms to build and run schools and hospitals in Scotland was wasting billions of pounds.It showed how these financial figures were kept from the public due to claimed commercial confidentiality.Dave Watson, UNISON's scottish organiser, said: "This decision is good news and could be the first step to a return to transparency in public finances."We have consistently said that such bogus commercial confidentiality is being used to hide the rigged calculations used to justify PFI and PPP schemes. All the figures should be provided for public scrutiny." UNISON has a number of appeals to the information commissioner challenging attempts by public bodies to keep information about private finance initiative and public-private partnerships secret by citing demands by contractors."While this decision will help, it also shows how important it is to bring companies involved in PFI/PPP contracts under the scope of freedom of information legislation," Mr Watson said.UNISON's report At what cost? also lists immediate steps the Scottish government could take to prevent further billions being wasted.Mr Watson added: "We want to see all existing contracts reviewed and no new PPP contracts approved. Scottish government grants should be made available for all new capital projects on a proper level playing field basis, regardless of the method of procurement." More on UNISON's campaign for quality public servicesSee earlier story: PFI projects wasting billions, says UNISONDownload the report here: At what cost? [PDF]
(24/10/07) UNISON has welcomed the decision of the Scottish information commissioner to order the release of Edinburgh Royal Infirmary's private management contract.The union said that this would be an important precedent for other contract information.Earlier this month a UNISON report revealed that using private firms to build and run schools and hospitals in Scotland was wasting billions of pounds.It showed how these financial figures were kept from the public due to claimed commercial confidentiality.Dave Watson, UNISON's scottish organiser, said: "This decision is good news and could be the first step to a return to transparency in public finances."We have consistently said that such bogus commercial confidentiality is being used to hide the rigged calculations used to justify PFI and PPP schemes. All the figures should be provided for public scrutiny." UNISON has a number of appeals to the information commissioner challenging attempts by public bodies to keep information about private finance initiative and public-private partnerships secret by citing demands by contractors."While this decision will help, it also shows how important it is to bring companies involved in PFI/PPP contracts under the scope of freedom of information legislation," Mr Watson said.UNISON's report At what cost? also lists immediate steps the Scottish government could take to prevent further billions being wasted.Mr Watson added: "We want to see all existing contracts reviewed and no new PPP contracts approved. Scottish government grants should be made available for all new capital projects on a proper level playing field basis, regardless of the method of procurement." More on UNISON's campaign for quality public servicesSee earlier story: PFI projects wasting billions, says UNISONDownload the report here: At what cost? [PDF]
Monday, October 22, 2007
Dave Prentis says...
The scandal of local government pay falling behind the rise of living costs has gone on for far too long.Our members face another winter of chronic financial hardship.This week UNISON is urging members to say 'yes' to industrial action to gain them the pay deal that they both deserve and urgently need.
The scandal of local government pay falling behind the rise of living costs has gone on for far too long.Our members face another winter of chronic financial hardship.This week UNISON is urging members to say 'yes' to industrial action to gain them the pay deal that they both deserve and urgently need.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Brown urged to help
Britain's vulnerable workers
(19/10/07) Trade unions and MPs have united in urging the government to put an end to casualisation at work.Today a private member's bill was being debated in parliament, which seeks to give agency and temporary workers the same rights as permanent employees.At the same time, a letter in support of the bill was addressed to the prime minister, reminding Gordon Brown of the one million agency workers who are vulnerable to insecurity and exploitation at work.Signed by prominent MPs and trade union general secretaries, including UNISON's Dave Prentis, the letter says that legislation for the protection of agency workers, many of whom are migrants, must be prioritised. "Such legislation is vital," it says. "There are now an estimated one million agency workers in this country and the sector is growing. However, UK law states that these workers can be employed on poorer terms than directly-employed colleagues doing the same job - the result being that agency workers lose out on vital protections such as pay, sick leave and overtime. "This discrimination in the treatment of a significant and growing number of workers is in sharp contrast to the Labour government's stated aim of promoting equality across society."Campaigners insist that in the absence of the long-awaited EU directive on agency workers, the government must produce the domestic legislation that will protect them, as promised in the Warwick agreement. Labour MP Paul Farrelly's bill was 'talked out' by the government during its first hearing in March, despite having the overwhelming support of backbench Labour MPs.
Britain's vulnerable workers
(19/10/07) Trade unions and MPs have united in urging the government to put an end to casualisation at work.Today a private member's bill was being debated in parliament, which seeks to give agency and temporary workers the same rights as permanent employees.At the same time, a letter in support of the bill was addressed to the prime minister, reminding Gordon Brown of the one million agency workers who are vulnerable to insecurity and exploitation at work.Signed by prominent MPs and trade union general secretaries, including UNISON's Dave Prentis, the letter says that legislation for the protection of agency workers, many of whom are migrants, must be prioritised. "Such legislation is vital," it says. "There are now an estimated one million agency workers in this country and the sector is growing. However, UK law states that these workers can be employed on poorer terms than directly-employed colleagues doing the same job - the result being that agency workers lose out on vital protections such as pay, sick leave and overtime. "This discrimination in the treatment of a significant and growing number of workers is in sharp contrast to the Labour government's stated aim of promoting equality across society."Campaigners insist that in the absence of the long-awaited EU directive on agency workers, the government must produce the domestic legislation that will protect them, as promised in the Warwick agreement. Labour MP Paul Farrelly's bill was 'talked out' by the government during its first hearing in March, despite having the overwhelming support of backbench Labour MPs.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Desmond looks
forward to retirement
Richard Desmond can look forward to a happy
retirement. The owner of among other publications
the Daily Express and its Sunday sister saw
his pay and pension contributions rise by almost a
half (+49.1%) to £40.7 million, according to the 2006
accounts for RCD1 Limited.
The rise was largely as a result of Desmond squirrelling £40 million away in pension contributions
— up from £26 million in 2005. Meanwhile, he paid
himself 48.1% less as his salary fell to £662,000 from
£1.3 million the year before.
Compare this with the average Local Government Pension of £2,800
Per year
forward to retirement
Richard Desmond can look forward to a happy
retirement. The owner of among other publications
the Daily Express and its Sunday sister saw
his pay and pension contributions rise by almost a
half (+49.1%) to £40.7 million, according to the 2006
accounts for RCD1 Limited.
The rise was largely as a result of Desmond squirrelling £40 million away in pension contributions
— up from £26 million in 2005. Meanwhile, he paid
himself 48.1% less as his salary fell to £662,000 from
£1.3 million the year before.
Compare this with the average Local Government Pension of £2,800
Per year
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
UNISON backs
Million Meals campaign
UNISON is backing new plans to boost the number of children eating school dinners by a million a day.Around three million children in England already eat school food, but the number has been dropping steadily following moves to ban junk food from the menu.The School Food Trust's Million Meals campaign aims to reverse that decline by encouraging schools to take a lead in educating both pupils and parents about the benefits of healthy eating.UNISON believes that schools and school meals play a key role in educating children about how to avoid the dangers of obesity and bad health linked to diet.Welcoming the Million Meals campaign, UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis pledged the union's support and called on schools to sign up to it."Our members are dedicated to using their skills to improve the lives of children and young people," he said. "Schools, governors, local authorities and parents must recognise the central importance of healthy eating and invest in the school food service."
Million Meals campaign
UNISON is backing new plans to boost the number of children eating school dinners by a million a day.Around three million children in England already eat school food, but the number has been dropping steadily following moves to ban junk food from the menu.The School Food Trust's Million Meals campaign aims to reverse that decline by encouraging schools to take a lead in educating both pupils and parents about the benefits of healthy eating.UNISON believes that schools and school meals play a key role in educating children about how to avoid the dangers of obesity and bad health linked to diet.Welcoming the Million Meals campaign, UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis pledged the union's support and called on schools to sign up to it."Our members are dedicated to using their skills to improve the lives of children and young people," he said. "Schools, governors, local authorities and parents must recognise the central importance of healthy eating and invest in the school food service."
SABC LABOUR GROUP
PRESS RELEASE 16/10/2007
Shrewsbury and Atcham Labour Group deplore the backward looking decision by Tory Councillors at last night’s Council meeting, in appealing against the Judicial Review Decision by SABC, which was rejected on all the three grounds presented to the High Court.
Deputy Leader Cllr Mansel Williams declared - "The decision to now go to Appeal will mean further confusion for the people of Shrewsbury. While all the other Districts are united in working together and moving forward, Shrewsbury is set for stagnation. Speakers from all the Political Groups at the Council meeting acknowledged that there was going to be a Unitary Council – so why are the Tories pressing ahead with an appeal, which might lead to yet further financial liabilities to SABC?"
The Conservative administration has voted to join with Congleton Borough Council to progress an appeal through the courts. Councillor Liz Parsons said,
“We believe this is a misguided distraction from the important matters which should now be the focus of attention. The Labour members of the Council believe any appeal will be pursued by lawyers purely to prove a point in law and will have a poor chance of success. A sum of £220,000 has already been spent on the failed Judicial Review and there are further costs to be met. This is taxpayer’s money which has been squandered.”
Cllr Alan Townsend said "Think what benefits could have been provided for residents of the town if the money for the appeal had been spent improving services and facilities."
Councillor Roy Sambrook added,
“We also feel that the manner in which the whole Unitary debate was presented to Council was a disgrace. The Tory motion was handed to members only minutes before the start of the meeting and indeed some members did not receive a copy until the meeting was underway. What must members of the public feel about council business being conducted in such a shambolic way?
The Leader and Chief Executive of SABC should put their efforts into engaging in discussions about a future unitary authority, to secure a voice for employees of the council and residents of the Borough rather than trying to push through a decision which will mean that Shrewsbury is yet again out on a limb and out of step with the other Shropshire Districts.”
The Labour Group has been in favour of a Unitary Council for Shropshire from the outset. They believe that it will cut out the duplication inherent in the present 5 Districts and County model of political Governance. A new Unitary Council will also bring efficiencies, leading to lower council tax increases along with improved services. Continuing to pursue the legal challenge is putting the pursuit of a sterile legal argument before the challenge of working closely with the other Shropshire District Councils and the County Council to form the new Unitary Council.
Cllr Mansel Williams stated “Last night’s decision will waste yet more time and probably more money on a purely academic Appeal. The decision is a face-saving exercise for SABC’s Tory Administration in support to their Tory colleagues on Congleton Borough Council, but ill serves the best interests of the residents of Shrewsbury and Shropshire.”
PRESS RELEASE 16/10/2007
Shrewsbury and Atcham Labour Group deplore the backward looking decision by Tory Councillors at last night’s Council meeting, in appealing against the Judicial Review Decision by SABC, which was rejected on all the three grounds presented to the High Court.
Deputy Leader Cllr Mansel Williams declared - "The decision to now go to Appeal will mean further confusion for the people of Shrewsbury. While all the other Districts are united in working together and moving forward, Shrewsbury is set for stagnation. Speakers from all the Political Groups at the Council meeting acknowledged that there was going to be a Unitary Council – so why are the Tories pressing ahead with an appeal, which might lead to yet further financial liabilities to SABC?"
The Conservative administration has voted to join with Congleton Borough Council to progress an appeal through the courts. Councillor Liz Parsons said,
“We believe this is a misguided distraction from the important matters which should now be the focus of attention. The Labour members of the Council believe any appeal will be pursued by lawyers purely to prove a point in law and will have a poor chance of success. A sum of £220,000 has already been spent on the failed Judicial Review and there are further costs to be met. This is taxpayer’s money which has been squandered.”
Cllr Alan Townsend said "Think what benefits could have been provided for residents of the town if the money for the appeal had been spent improving services and facilities."
Councillor Roy Sambrook added,
“We also feel that the manner in which the whole Unitary debate was presented to Council was a disgrace. The Tory motion was handed to members only minutes before the start of the meeting and indeed some members did not receive a copy until the meeting was underway. What must members of the public feel about council business being conducted in such a shambolic way?
The Leader and Chief Executive of SABC should put their efforts into engaging in discussions about a future unitary authority, to secure a voice for employees of the council and residents of the Borough rather than trying to push through a decision which will mean that Shrewsbury is yet again out on a limb and out of step with the other Shropshire Districts.”
The Labour Group has been in favour of a Unitary Council for Shropshire from the outset. They believe that it will cut out the duplication inherent in the present 5 Districts and County model of political Governance. A new Unitary Council will also bring efficiencies, leading to lower council tax increases along with improved services. Continuing to pursue the legal challenge is putting the pursuit of a sterile legal argument before the challenge of working closely with the other Shropshire District Councils and the County Council to form the new Unitary Council.
Cllr Mansel Williams stated “Last night’s decision will waste yet more time and probably more money on a purely academic Appeal. The decision is a face-saving exercise for SABC’s Tory Administration in support to their Tory colleagues on Congleton Borough Council, but ill serves the best interests of the residents of Shrewsbury and Shropshire.”
Saturday, October 13, 2007
just Credit Union Ltd
Have You Joined yet
SAVE FOR A RAINY DAY
Borrow For That Holiday You Need
Contact just Credit Union Ltd
ON 01743 25-23-25
Payroll deduction is operated by all Councils in Shropshire for savings and loan repayments
anyone living or working in the County of Shropshire is able to join
just Credit Union Ltd is Regulated by the FSA
Friday, October 12, 2007
Personal Injury Settlements –
September 2007
Personal Injury Settlements for SEPTEMBER 2007. The breakdown shows the amount of money which UNISON recovered for members in Personal Injury Claim Settlements. In the West Midlands Region members received £152,088.18 in compensation for personal injuries.
This once again shows the benifits of Unison membership and also concentrates the mind on Health and Safety. ( If you think Health and Safety is expensive then try an accident ! )
September 2007
Personal Injury Settlements for SEPTEMBER 2007. The breakdown shows the amount of money which UNISON recovered for members in Personal Injury Claim Settlements. In the West Midlands Region members received £152,088.18 in compensation for personal injuries.
This once again shows the benifits of Unison membership and also concentrates the mind on Health and Safety. ( If you think Health and Safety is expensive then try an accident ! )
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
WASTE OF COUNCIL TAX PAYERS MONEY
I hope the electorate will remember who voted to waste thousands of pounds of tax payers money on a lost cause possibly wound up by another lost cause our MP who will now be left exposed to the real world and having to face some of the people he was extremely rude to.
I hope the electorate will remember who voted to waste thousands of pounds of tax payers money on a lost cause possibly wound up by another lost cause our MP who will now be left exposed to the real world and having to face some of the people he was extremely rude to.
Implementation
One Council for Shropshire will be implemented by April 2009 at the latest. The Government is consulting on various approaches to implementation. You can read the Government’s suggested approach, and draft responses from Shropshire County Council, in the report attached to this page (CLG-response-appendix). We expect the Government decisions on implementation – including the timing of elections to the new council – during October 2007.
The County Council’s approach to implementation is to be as inclusive as possible, so that all those involved in the reorganisation can work together to make the very most of this opportunity to get the best outcomes for Shropshire people.
One Council for Shropshire will be implemented by April 2009 at the latest. The Government is consulting on various approaches to implementation. You can read the Government’s suggested approach, and draft responses from Shropshire County Council, in the report attached to this page (CLG-response-appendix). We expect the Government decisions on implementation – including the timing of elections to the new council – during October 2007.
The County Council’s approach to implementation is to be as inclusive as possible, so that all those involved in the reorganisation can work together to make the very most of this opportunity to get the best outcomes for Shropshire people.
Full speed ahead for the transition
to a unitary council
Judicial review judgement
The Leader of Shropshire County Council, Malcolm Pate, said today that it was now full speed ahead for all the councils in Shropshire which are working for a smooth transition to a unitary council.
“I welcome Mr Justice Underhill’s dismissal of all three grounds in the Judicial Review brought by Shrewsbury & Atcham Borough Council over the Government’s decision to implement the joint One Council for Shropshire proposal."
“What I don’t welcome is the huge and costly distraction this unnecessary action has been."
“The High Court judgement entirely vindicates the way in which Shropshire County Council has carefully followed the process set out by the Government."
“I am particularly pleased that the High Court decided the Secretary of State was entitled to take into account the views revealed in the representative polling conducted by Ipsos MORI on behalf of Shropshire County Council."
“I sincerely hope that now the action brought by Shrewsbury & Atcham Borough Council has been firmly rejected by the High Court, we can focus clearly on the task before us. I can assure staff in all the councils, and the public, that we will now get on in earnest with planning a smooth transition to a unitary council,” Malcolm Pate added.
to a unitary council
Judicial review judgement
The Leader of Shropshire County Council, Malcolm Pate, said today that it was now full speed ahead for all the councils in Shropshire which are working for a smooth transition to a unitary council.
“I welcome Mr Justice Underhill’s dismissal of all three grounds in the Judicial Review brought by Shrewsbury & Atcham Borough Council over the Government’s decision to implement the joint One Council for Shropshire proposal."
“What I don’t welcome is the huge and costly distraction this unnecessary action has been."
“The High Court judgement entirely vindicates the way in which Shropshire County Council has carefully followed the process set out by the Government."
“I am particularly pleased that the High Court decided the Secretary of State was entitled to take into account the views revealed in the representative polling conducted by Ipsos MORI on behalf of Shropshire County Council."
“I sincerely hope that now the action brought by Shrewsbury & Atcham Borough Council has been firmly rejected by the High Court, we can focus clearly on the task before us. I can assure staff in all the councils, and the public, that we will now get on in earnest with planning a smooth transition to a unitary council,” Malcolm Pate added.
Sunday, October 07, 2007
NHS national
demonstration:
help us campaign Branches will know from previous publicity that UNISON has joined forces with the NHS Together coalition of trade unions to hold a national demonstration in central London on Saturday 3 November. We want your help to encourage as many members and campaign supporters as possible to join us on the march and rally in a mass show of support for the NHS, a world class public service that takes care of our health and gives us all peace of mind.Help us campaign to defend the NHS and to celebrate its founding principles. Join the demonstration and send a strong message to the government that big business and the profit motive has no place in our health service.
11am: Assemble at Temple Place, Victoria Embankment, London
Noon: March through Westminster (will take approx one hour)
1pm: Rally in Trafalgar Square
1.30-4.30pm: Speakers and entertainment in the Square
There will be high profile speakers, quality music and entertainment in Trafalgar Square - so come along with colleagues, family and friends. UNISON regions are co-ordinating travel to London, so please contact your regional office for details.Publicity materials A supply of leaflets and posters, to help you publicise the event in your workplace and via your local campaign support networks will soon be delivered direct to every UNISON branch. They can also be downloaded from the website (see right), and further supplies can be ordered from stock via UNISON's Communications Dept: stockorders@unison.co.uk NHS Demo A5 Leaflet / flyer - stock item: 2632NHS Demo A4 Poster - stock item: 2631A range of publicity materials for use on the day of the demonstration e.g. paddles, placards, flags, tabards, etc. will be available for branches to order and further advice on items and stock numbers will be issued shortly. In the meantime, please build local support for this very important event to maximise attendance and make the day an unrivalled success.
demonstration:
help us campaign Branches will know from previous publicity that UNISON has joined forces with the NHS Together coalition of trade unions to hold a national demonstration in central London on Saturday 3 November. We want your help to encourage as many members and campaign supporters as possible to join us on the march and rally in a mass show of support for the NHS, a world class public service that takes care of our health and gives us all peace of mind.Help us campaign to defend the NHS and to celebrate its founding principles. Join the demonstration and send a strong message to the government that big business and the profit motive has no place in our health service.
11am: Assemble at Temple Place, Victoria Embankment, London
Noon: March through Westminster (will take approx one hour)
1pm: Rally in Trafalgar Square
1.30-4.30pm: Speakers and entertainment in the Square
There will be high profile speakers, quality music and entertainment in Trafalgar Square - so come along with colleagues, family and friends. UNISON regions are co-ordinating travel to London, so please contact your regional office for details.Publicity materials A supply of leaflets and posters, to help you publicise the event in your workplace and via your local campaign support networks will soon be delivered direct to every UNISON branch. They can also be downloaded from the website (see right), and further supplies can be ordered from stock via UNISON's Communications Dept: stockorders@unison.co.uk NHS Demo A5 Leaflet / flyer - stock item: 2632NHS Demo A4 Poster - stock item: 2631A range of publicity materials for use on the day of the demonstration e.g. paddles, placards, flags, tabards, etc. will be available for branches to order and further advice on items and stock numbers will be issued shortly. In the meantime, please build local support for this very important event to maximise attendance and make the day an unrivalled success.
Tories playing politics
with injured people
There is no compensation culture The Conservative Party should not play politics with the compensation claims of injured people, leading personal injury and trade union solicitors Thompsons has warned.
Tom Jones, Thompsons' director of policy and public affairs, said:
"The Tories are playing politics with genuinely injured people's compensation claims. They know there is no compensation culture in Britain, and have said so before this week. The fact is that personal injury claims are falling year on year. What there may be, and what they will certainly encourage by their cynical antics at their conference, is risk aversion. The only people to gain will be the insurance industry.
"Glib references to 'compensation culture' and attacks on health and safety regulations disrespect the rights of the genuinely injured.
"David Davis talking about a 'spurious idea of health and safety' allegedly preventing police officers from rescuing a drowning child, and David Willetts claiming that teachers are living 'in fear' of allowing children to go on outdoor trips is simply stoking the fire that the Tories claim to want to put out.
"Anyone would think that teachers face legal action over accidents to children on school trips on a weekly basis. The fact is they don't. Teachers and youth volunteers have no need to live in fear of compensation claims against them. The law on negligence is clear, an individual will not be found liable for an accident unless they are proved to be at fault."
with injured people
There is no compensation culture The Conservative Party should not play politics with the compensation claims of injured people, leading personal injury and trade union solicitors Thompsons has warned.
Tom Jones, Thompsons' director of policy and public affairs, said:
"The Tories are playing politics with genuinely injured people's compensation claims. They know there is no compensation culture in Britain, and have said so before this week. The fact is that personal injury claims are falling year on year. What there may be, and what they will certainly encourage by their cynical antics at their conference, is risk aversion. The only people to gain will be the insurance industry.
"Glib references to 'compensation culture' and attacks on health and safety regulations disrespect the rights of the genuinely injured.
"David Davis talking about a 'spurious idea of health and safety' allegedly preventing police officers from rescuing a drowning child, and David Willetts claiming that teachers are living 'in fear' of allowing children to go on outdoor trips is simply stoking the fire that the Tories claim to want to put out.
"Anyone would think that teachers face legal action over accidents to children on school trips on a weekly basis. The fact is they don't. Teachers and youth volunteers have no need to live in fear of compensation claims against them. The law on negligence is clear, an individual will not be found liable for an accident unless they are proved to be at fault."
Saturday, October 06, 2007
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PFI projects wasting
billions, says UNISON
Using private firms to build and run schools and hospitals in Scotland is wasting billions of pounds, says UNISON.The union today revealed two key figures from the largest ever study of official PFI documents, looking at the 'value for money' claims used to justify building new schools and hospitals with private funding.These show that the controversial private finance initiative and other forms of public-private partnerships could be costing Scottish taxpayers around £2.1 billion more than conventional funding.UNISON Scottish organiser Dave Watson said the extra cost was supposedly justified by claiming that £3.5 billion of risk has been transferred to the private sector. But ultimately the risk is borne by the taxpayer, as shown by the recent collapse of London Underground contractor Metronet."Our research published today confirms from the official figures that the scandal that is PFI is costing taxpayers in Scotland billions of pounds more than public sector funding," Mr Watson said."Documents show that funding new schools and hospitals the conventional way could cost around £2.1 billion less. They also show that £3.5 billion has been added to the taxpayers' bill, to massage the figures in favour of private funding."These are just two figures from the range of ways in which private companies are profiteering at the expense of school children, hospital patients and taxpayers. Other factors include refinancing, high rates of return, the higher cost of private financing, land sales and the PFI private equity market."Mr Watson said UNISON disputed the calculations used to justify PFI and PPP schemes, and called for all the figures to be provided for public scrutiny.The report At What Cost also lists immediate steps the Scottish government could take to prevent further billions being wasted. Mr Watson added: "We want to see all existing contracts reviewed and no new PPP contracts approved. Scottish government grants should be made available for all new capital projects on a proper level playing field basis, regardless of the method of procurement." Download UNISON's report here:
At What Cost? [PDF]
Printable version
PFI projects wasting
billions, says UNISON
Using private firms to build and run schools and hospitals in Scotland is wasting billions of pounds, says UNISON.The union today revealed two key figures from the largest ever study of official PFI documents, looking at the 'value for money' claims used to justify building new schools and hospitals with private funding.These show that the controversial private finance initiative and other forms of public-private partnerships could be costing Scottish taxpayers around £2.1 billion more than conventional funding.UNISON Scottish organiser Dave Watson said the extra cost was supposedly justified by claiming that £3.5 billion of risk has been transferred to the private sector. But ultimately the risk is borne by the taxpayer, as shown by the recent collapse of London Underground contractor Metronet."Our research published today confirms from the official figures that the scandal that is PFI is costing taxpayers in Scotland billions of pounds more than public sector funding," Mr Watson said."Documents show that funding new schools and hospitals the conventional way could cost around £2.1 billion less. They also show that £3.5 billion has been added to the taxpayers' bill, to massage the figures in favour of private funding."These are just two figures from the range of ways in which private companies are profiteering at the expense of school children, hospital patients and taxpayers. Other factors include refinancing, high rates of return, the higher cost of private financing, land sales and the PFI private equity market."Mr Watson said UNISON disputed the calculations used to justify PFI and PPP schemes, and called for all the figures to be provided for public scrutiny.The report At What Cost also lists immediate steps the Scottish government could take to prevent further billions being wasted. Mr Watson added: "We want to see all existing contracts reviewed and no new PPP contracts approved. Scottish government grants should be made available for all new capital projects on a proper level playing field basis, regardless of the method of procurement." Download UNISON's report here:
At What Cost? [PDF]
Dave Prentis says...
This week we start to send out industrial action ballot papers to our 800,000 local government members in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, over their below-inflation pay offer.As living costs soar, we will be urging members to vote yes to strike action to defend their pay and protect their living standards.It's important that every member affected exercises the right to vote in this ballot, which closes on 26 October.
This week we start to send out industrial action ballot papers to our 800,000 local government members in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, over their below-inflation pay offer.As living costs soar, we will be urging members to vote yes to strike action to defend their pay and protect their living standards.It's important that every member affected exercises the right to vote in this ballot, which closes on 26 October.
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