“Stone” worktops in kitchens are becoming very fashionable in Britain, yet how many people know that they are killing the workers who make or install them? I only found out it because I ordered a new…Read more…
Cutting Air Passenger Duty is the wrong budget priority
The scale and destination of the cuts to the Scottish Budget will become apparent with the publication of the Scottish government’s spending plans on Thursday. This is not the time to cut taxes such…Read more…
Newham Democracy Triggered Xmas Quiz?
I was not invited but I understand that this well attended quiz took place last night in East Ham. While I understand that many Labour Party members in Newham are rightly furious and feel robbed and cheated at the Mayoral trigger ballot result, I would…Read more…
The Significance of STPs
Sustainability and Transformation Plans (STPs) for England, which were announced in NHS planning guidance published in December 2015 and have since been prepared in secret in 44…Read more…
The Secrecy over STPs:
The Battle for the Future Direction of the NHS The people and those that work in the NHS are being treated with contempt. The government has continued to pursue its project which, put simply, is that…Read more…
Have a Merry Jezza Christmas
This new festive song ‘JC4PM for me’ by Robb Johnson and The Corbynistas has solved my dilemma about what present to give to Red Tel, RW and the 22 Newham Mayoral advisers for Christmas 🙂
“Published on 27 Nov 2016
Official video of ‘JC4PM for m…Read more…
Briefing On Northumbria, Tyne & Wear and north Durham Sustainability and Transformation Plan
Download SSTHC Briefing on STP (PDF) Contents Introduction Summary Sustainability Transformation The Three Gaps 7 Day Working Risks Workforce What is “Self Care”? What is the Aim of the STPs?…Read more…
Solidarity with Turkey on Human Rights Day
Whilst many decision makers appear to be turning their backs on the situation in Turkey, it is vital that we stand in solidarity with trade unionists who continue to bravely speak out against a…Read more…
“Get help staying warm this winter” UNISON “there4you” fuel grants
Application forms for this years winter £50 fuel grants from UNISON charity arm “There for You” are now out.
In a welcome pilot this year UNISON members will be entitled to claim if they are in receipt of Housing benefit which should make it simpler to claim for many, especially if they…Read more…
We’re with Chuck: we’ll stand with him against Trump
Usually stories about online abuse are – as in this week’s case concerning Labour MP Luciana Berger – about threatening public figures. But in today’s topsy-turvy world, the…Read more…
International Human Rights Day: stop corporate abuse of Thailand’s courts
To mark International Human Rights Day today, 10 December, the TUC has joined 109 other civil society organisations from around the world to call on the government of Thailand to stop businesses…Read more…
Latest anti-union laws
The government has published new draft documents relating to the Trade Union Act 2016. These include:
Draft Code of Practice on industrial action ballots and notice to employers (which includes the new ballot thresholds)Draft Code of Practice on picket…Read more…
“Members fight back against derecognition threat”
“Union members at a new housing group – one of the largest in Europe – could be asked whether they are prepared to take industrial action over derecognition threats.
The new Clarion and Latimer Housing Group was formed this week from the merger of Circle Housing and Affinity Sutton and is…Read more…
First European Parliament NO vote to CETA from the employment committee
Yesterday the Employment and Social Affairs committee of the European Parliament voted to reject the notorious EU-Canada (CETA) trade deal because of the negative impact it would have on workers. While this vote was not binding – the vote on whether to accept the deal will ultimately be made in the…Read more…
New pay deal for paramedics
The role of a paramedic will be re-banded nationally, giving paramedics the opportunity to earn more as they progress. The Department of Health, NHS Employers and ambulance unions have agreed…Read more…
Nicaragua dances to South Korean tune as union protest is criminalised
Nicaragua’s good recent reputation on union freedom and workers’ rights has taken a massive blow as twelve workers, including young union activists, face gaol after riot police stormed their protest…Read more…
German Trade Union’s Reject CETA
In a surprise turn around the German trade union umbrella organisation the DGB have come out against the EU-Canada Trade agreement known as CETA. A document available to download here spells out why…Read more…
Brexit economics update: the economy remains sluggish
The economy has been slow to grow, a trend that predates the referendum, and there are signs it will get worse. The latest round of economic data from the Office of National Statistics gives us a more robust picture of the third quarter of 2016 and the…Read more…
West Sussex schools are running out of money – it’s time to fund our schools properly and fairly
Since Theresa May became Prime Minister in July, the Conservative Party have spent a great deal of time and money on educational hobby horses like grammar schools – £200 million of funding for which…Read more…
Fujitsu strike continues
About 300 workers at IT giant Fujitsu in Manchester will strike for 72 hours, starting tomorrow (December 10), in the long-running dispute over pay, pensions and job security. The strike,…Read more…