Virgin Trains is set to increase rail fares by 4.9% overall in 2017, compared to the average 2.6% rise across the UK. In 2015, Virgin Trains won the East Coast Main Line franchise when the line was hurriedly re-privatised ahead of the General Election,…Read more…
‘More than tinkering at the edges’
Unite assistant general secretary Steve Turner on buy-to-let tax loopholes: “Solving the housing crisis and protecting private tenants facing spiralling rents will require a lot more than…Read more…
At the mercy of landlords
Buy-to-let landlords are using loopholes to avoid new taxes which come into effect April of next year, with many saying that they intend to hike up rents, according to a new report. Chancellor…Read more…
Right to remain: Theresa May can break the deadlock
This week has seen a string of headlines about prospects for EU citizens in the UK and Brits in the EU’s right to remain after Brexit. Much of the media took aim at EU leaders – particularly German Chancellor Angela Merkel and President of the European Council Donald Tusk – for…Read more…
Recognise our value
Shipbuilders on the Clyde breathed a sigh of relief when the UK government announced last month that work on the Type-26 frigate programme would begin in earnest next summer, after the project had…Read more…
Hope not hunger
Unite is teaming up with anti-poverty charity Trussell Trust and calling on the public to help families facing hunger this Christmas as foodbanks’ busiest month of the year begins. Find out…Read more…
Spinning the railways
UK passengers spend up to six times as much of their salary on rail fares than commuters using largely publicly owned railways in France, Germany, Italy and Spain. We have the most expensive commuter fares in Europe – and it’s no coincidence that out of those countries listed, we’re the only one…Read more…
Clarion Housing Group face Strike Call & Boycott
I do not understand at all how a progressive organisation that wants to do good for society has made a political decision that trade unions are automatically “bad” and that they will only work with them if they are forced to do so by a legislative proc…Read more…
Green Paper is a missed opportunity to create a Corporate Governance system that works for everyone
The glaring omission of yesterday’s Corporate Governance Green Paper is its failure to include any proposals to deliver on Theresa May’s promise to put workers on company’s boards. On other issues, it includes a few sensible suggestions, but these are wedged between others that would be make little…Read more…
“Second councillor puts name forward as potential 2018 Newham mayoral candidate”
Newham Recorder “A second councillor has said she will stand as Labour’s 2018 Newham mayoral candidate if there is an open selection process for election.
Cllr Kay Scoresby, of Canning Town North ward, said she believed “it is about time we have a woman” [as Newham Mayor] and said she had been…Read more…
‘They simply don’t care’
Unite assistant general secretary Steve Turner on benefits sanctions: “There is not one shred of evidence showing that benefits sanctions help people get back into work. But for those who do…Read more…
‘Death by a thousand cuts’
Unite has expressed ‘bitter disappointment’ over further bank branch closures announced by RBS Group. Unite, the largest union representing RBS staff, said the taxpayer-owned bank was…Read more…
Beating the Big C – cancer, and the council
For many people, working outdoors in the sun is a blessing. But for refuse loader David Lewis, living in the shadow of skin cancer, it became a curse
The article Beating the Big C – cancer,…Read more…
Bus dispute settled
The five-month old pay dispute involving bus drivers in Weymouth and Bridport in Dorset has been settled. The deal was thrashed out in talks between senior management from First Group, the…Read more…
Time for action on investment management
If you read anything about pensions this year, you should include the recently published Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) interim report on the asset management market. It may not be the easiest…Read more…
Benefits sanctions a failure
The Tory government’s benefits sanctions regime, which has brought misery to millions and in some cases has even been fatal, continues unabated under the assumption that it works – that it gets…Read more…
Park Library kept open, but…
Park Library is to remain open and funded by Swindon Council. This is a success for our campaign which raised 1200 signatures calling on the council to amend their proposal to include Park in the core Library service. Better open than closed. Yet the c…Read more…
Nottinghamshire County Council signs up to Ethical Care Charter
Council becomes the latest to commit itself to UNISON’s standards for homecare, carers and those needing care
The article Nottinghamshire County Council signs up to Ethical Care Charter first…Read more…
City Council Budget 2016-2017 Contact Information
If you are affected by the budget or have any questions relating to this, please telephone or e-mail the Convenor who covers your directorate. City Director & Governance – Amber Robinson – Branch Secretary – mobile 07786 330404 email amber.robinson@stoke.gov.uk ……Read more…
Unison There for You Winter Fuel Grant 2016-2017
Unison’s Welfare Charity, There For You is now inviting applications for a Winter Fuel Grant Payment for 2016-2017. Eligibility now includes those in receipt of housing benefit and the amount of the grant has risen from £40 to £50 per … Continue reading →Read more…