UNISON is 100% right to be careful about this new “CDC” (Collective Defined Contribution Scheme) however, it should not be seen as a replacement for decent existing pension schemes but a realistic option for the so many workers in the UK, who hav…Read more…
Charles I: Killing a King
Last week I watched all 3 programmes on BBC iPlayer about the trial and execution of Charles 1. A mix of traditional factual historical presenting with clips of actors playing the main characters. The killing of a King following a lega…Read more…
UNISON-supported legal victory secures new holiday rights for all workers
Supreme Court judgment guarantees minimum paid annual leaveAll workers in the UK will now receive the same minimum level of paid annual holiday leave, regardless of how many hours they work, following a landmark legal judgment by the Supreme Cour…Read more…
St Stephens Road, West Ham ASB Walkabout
Picture college from a “Walkabout” I went on in my Council ward, West Ham, with local residents and Council officers last week. There are a number of serious ASB issues in the locality and while it was very disappointing that a number of Council …Read more…
UNISON Greater London branch Circular – August 2022
Welcome to the new branch update! Dear Branch Secretary, Welcome to the new Branch Secretary monthly update! …Read more…
Newham Voices – “Act now over child poverty crisis – MP”
Check out the latest edition of our excellent community Newspaper “Newham Voices” Read more…
Unionreps Connect 2022 – 6 October 2022
A brand a new learning event for union reps – learn from experts ● share your experience ● connect with repsAbout this eventWhat are the big issues facing workplaces and unions? How can union reps best support their members? Come join hundre…Read more…
Newham Council Meeting – 1 August 2022
At @NewhamLondon Full Council meeting. This meeting replaces the one cancelled due to extreme heat a fortnight ago. There was a fascinating presentation by Sir David King, former Government’s Chief Scientific Advisor on the climate change emergency fo…Read more…
Keep British meat safe
FSA changes will remove many daily onsite inspections, not only putting jobs at risk, but undermining the integrity of the meat the British public eats every day https://www.unison.org.uk/news/articl…Read more…
Chesham & Little Missenden walk & history
A fantastic collage from last Sunday’s 9 miles walk with Gill around Chesham and Little Missenden in the Chilterns. I want to concentrate on this blog more on the history and politics of the places we visit, rather than the beautiful scenery…Read more…
Newham Pension Committee – 27 July 2022
A really constructive & well chaired meeting. Cllr Dr Rohit K Dasgupta first meeting as Chair. 100% agree that we need to thank @NareserOsei for her great work as previous chair (and our officers and advisors)Read more…
Be an effective Newham Councillor training – with Lewisham Mayor, Damien Egan
It was great to see so many Newham Councillors, new and old, turn up for this training led by Lewisham Mayor, Damien Egan, the LGA and Newham officers. I have known Damien since before he became Mayor and he is an great exemplar of British c…Read more…
Mayor of London’s Summer Reception 2022
Some pictures from the Summer Reception that took place last Thursday at the new London City Hall (in Newham!). I was there as Chair of UNISON London Labour Link with Yvonne Green as Vice Chair (and we had a great turnout of regional and national offic…Read more…
“Do I have confidence in this Tory Gov’t? Hell, no. We need a general election”.
West Ham MP Lyn Brown “tells it as it is” – at House of Commons during recent “No confidence” debate. Read more…
Green on Green: A great day to wash your dirty laundry in public?
Please see the fascinating exchange of emails between the two Newham Green Councillors Nate and Danny (The Green Group Leader) copied into 64 Labour Councillors, Mayor and various officers. From: Nate Higgins (Councillor) <Nate.Higgins@ne…Read more…
Chilham, Godmersham and the Stour Valley walk.
Off message but Gill and I had a marvellous walk 2 weeks ago in Kent. Check out the route and map in this Pathfinder book. It is a 10 mile circular walk (graded as a “Orange walk” – which are described as “a more challenging walk”). Start of walk …Read more…
Letter to the NEC – Re-Open the Kirklees Investigations /Hearings
“Dear Kirklees 15 supporter, As many of you will have heard Mr Holmes has now been told he cannot hold office due to the recent rule change governing unemployed members. A small win in a bigger battle. Mr Holmes, I am sure, w…Read more…
TUC Webinar: Protecting workers from extreme temperatures in the workplace
A heatwave warning is now in place for the next week across much of England and Wales. How can unions protect workers from extreme temperatures? Take our 15-minute online courseAs temperatures soar throughout the summer, employers are responsible …Read more…
Newham Council Education, Children & Young People’s Scrutiny Commission
My first such Scrutiny tonight in East Ham Town Hall. Chaired by Cllr Elizabeth Booker. Our current Ofsted inspection was obviously a key issue. Check out agenda https://mgov.newham.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=1510&MId=1398…Read more…
Facebook Community Standards (The Curse of Terry Paul?)
I have had a few bizarre messages from Facebook over the years. None stranger than today when I was informed that this post from 8 years ago, had in some way contravened “Facebook Community Standards”. The post is about my preparation the night b…Read more…