I am indebted to Daniel barnett employment law barrister for supplying the following.
Equal Pay Claims in the Civil Courts
Judgment was given this morning in the High Court case of Abdulla v Birmingham City Council, in which 174 former employees of the Council assert that the failure to give them pay equal to various predominantly male groups of staff comprised a breach of their contracts of employment.
The defendant had applied to strike out the claims, on the basis that the civil courts do not have or should not exercise jurisdiction in cases involving equal pay and the equality clause - particularly where the 6 month time limit for bringing claims in Employment Tribunal had expired.
Colin Edelman QC, sitting as a Deputy Judge of the Queen's Bench Division, dismissed the application. He held that the High Court did have jurisdiction and declined to exercise any discretion to strike out claims which had been brought outside the 6 month time limit for Tribunal claims but within the 6 year limitation period for breach of contract claims.
The council was refused permission to appeal, but is entitled to renew its application to the Court of Appeal.
The judgment will be available shortly at http://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWHC/QB/2010/
About Me
- Linda Roy
- Lifetime commitment to the trade union and labour movement. Been local workplace and national CWU representative and held many other positions in the CWU. TUC accredited tutor and disability champion. Former Labour town councillor and town Mayor.
Friday 17 December 2010
Thursday 16 December 2010
Employment Law Update - Discrimination after the Equality Act
I am indebted to Simpson & Millar for the following. To download right click on the image and save
Tuesday 14 December 2010
CWU Retired Members Conference 2011.
LTB 1091/10 - CWU Retired Members Conference - Thursday 3rd February 2011
No : 1091/10 Ref: RMConf/11/an Date: 7th December 2010
TO: ALL BRANCHES
Dear Colleagues,
CWU Retired Members Conference – Thursday 3rd February 2011
The CWU Retired Members Conference will be held on Thursday 3rd February 2011 at CWU Headquarters, 150 the Broadway, Wimbledon, London, SW19 1RX.
A) Delegates
Only Branches with Retired members Sections are entitled to send Delegates.
Branch delegate entitlement to this Conference as agreed by the NEC is as follows:
Number of Retired Members Delegate
entitlement
1-249 1
250-499 2
500 and above 3
Retired Members Regional Committee Secretaries shall attend the Retired Members conference with the right to speak and move motions on behalf of their Retired Members Regional Committee but not to vote. Funding for Retired Members Regional Committee Secretaries to attend Retired Members Conference shall be from General Fund. All funding for branch delegates shall be in line with Rule 11.6.1 (a).
Observers are also welcome to attend. It would be helpful, for administrative purposes, for details of observers to be entered on the form. Admission to the Conference for observers is by production of their membership card.
In order that we can cater for any delegate with special needs such as seating, etc., it is important that you advise us in writing of the name of the delegate(s) and the particular requirement by return but no later than Tuesday 4th January 2011.
As space is limited branches must advise of delegates and observers by Thursday 6th January 2011 using the appropriate form.
b) Motions
Each Branch is entitled to submit one motion for consideration to be included on the agenda of the Conference. Motions should be submitted electronically to conferences@cwu.org using the attached template. Confirmation of receipt of motion will be sent to branches within 72 hours. Should confirmation not be received within this time branches are asked to contact Angela Niven on 020 8971 7256 Branches who do not have this facility may request paper motion forms by contacting the Angela Niven on 020 8971 7256.
Each Retired Members Regional Committee is entitled to submit one Motion to the Retired Members Conference.
The Retired Members Advisory Committee are entitled to submit up to three motions to the Conference, standing in their name.
Motion forms must be returned by Thursday 6th January 2011, if by post by first post or 12 noon if submitted electronically. All sections of the form must be completed.
If Motions are being sent electronically they will only be accepted to the above email address.
As with previous Conferences, the agenda will be structured in such a way as to maximise debate and participation by delegates. There will be 2 sections to the agenda, one for motions which are eligible for consideration for submission to General Conference, and one for motions that in the view of the Standing Orders Committee would not be admissible to the General Conference agenda.
Branches will be aware that the Retired Members’ Conference has the entitlement under the rules of the union to submit 2 motions to stand in the name of the conference to General Conference. It is therefore important that if branches wish their motions to be in this category, they must contain policy that is capable of being discharged by the NEC, as opposed to either of the Industrial Executives.
The 2 motions for submission to the General Conference agenda will be decided from amongst those motions adopted at the Conference. A ballot to select the 2 motions will be held at the Conference.
c) Election of Delegates to General Conference
As you will know, the Retired Members’ Conference will select two delegates to represent the Retired Members to attend General Conference 2011.
The Standing Orders for the Retired Members’ Conference will advise a ballot to select these two delegates will be conducted during Conference itself.
Additionally, individuals must be willing to accept nomination, and must have the nomination of their own branch and/or the Retired Members’ Advisory Committee, to be eligible.
The exception to this are members of the Retired Members’ Advisory Committee themselves who may be proposed for these positions but need to have the nomination of the Retired Members’ Advisory Committee and/or any Regional Committee.
Any enquiries regarding this LTB should be addressed to Angela Niven either by post to head office or by email to Conferences@cwu.org
Yours sincerely,
A P Kearns
Senior Deputy General Secretary
No : 1091/10 Ref: RMConf/11/an Date: 7th December 2010
TO: ALL BRANCHES
Dear Colleagues,
CWU Retired Members Conference – Thursday 3rd February 2011
The CWU Retired Members Conference will be held on Thursday 3rd February 2011 at CWU Headquarters, 150 the Broadway, Wimbledon, London, SW19 1RX.
A) Delegates
Only Branches with Retired members Sections are entitled to send Delegates.
Branch delegate entitlement to this Conference as agreed by the NEC is as follows:
Number of Retired Members Delegate
entitlement
1-249 1
250-499 2
500 and above 3
Retired Members Regional Committee Secretaries shall attend the Retired Members conference with the right to speak and move motions on behalf of their Retired Members Regional Committee but not to vote. Funding for Retired Members Regional Committee Secretaries to attend Retired Members Conference shall be from General Fund. All funding for branch delegates shall be in line with Rule 11.6.1 (a).
Observers are also welcome to attend. It would be helpful, for administrative purposes, for details of observers to be entered on the form. Admission to the Conference for observers is by production of their membership card.
In order that we can cater for any delegate with special needs such as seating, etc., it is important that you advise us in writing of the name of the delegate(s) and the particular requirement by return but no later than Tuesday 4th January 2011.
As space is limited branches must advise of delegates and observers by Thursday 6th January 2011 using the appropriate form.
b) Motions
Each Branch is entitled to submit one motion for consideration to be included on the agenda of the Conference. Motions should be submitted electronically to conferences@cwu.org using the attached template. Confirmation of receipt of motion will be sent to branches within 72 hours. Should confirmation not be received within this time branches are asked to contact Angela Niven on 020 8971 7256 Branches who do not have this facility may request paper motion forms by contacting the Angela Niven on 020 8971 7256.
Each Retired Members Regional Committee is entitled to submit one Motion to the Retired Members Conference.
The Retired Members Advisory Committee are entitled to submit up to three motions to the Conference, standing in their name.
Motion forms must be returned by Thursday 6th January 2011, if by post by first post or 12 noon if submitted electronically. All sections of the form must be completed.
If Motions are being sent electronically they will only be accepted to the above email address.
As with previous Conferences, the agenda will be structured in such a way as to maximise debate and participation by delegates. There will be 2 sections to the agenda, one for motions which are eligible for consideration for submission to General Conference, and one for motions that in the view of the Standing Orders Committee would not be admissible to the General Conference agenda.
Branches will be aware that the Retired Members’ Conference has the entitlement under the rules of the union to submit 2 motions to stand in the name of the conference to General Conference. It is therefore important that if branches wish their motions to be in this category, they must contain policy that is capable of being discharged by the NEC, as opposed to either of the Industrial Executives.
The 2 motions for submission to the General Conference agenda will be decided from amongst those motions adopted at the Conference. A ballot to select the 2 motions will be held at the Conference.
c) Election of Delegates to General Conference
As you will know, the Retired Members’ Conference will select two delegates to represent the Retired Members to attend General Conference 2011.
The Standing Orders for the Retired Members’ Conference will advise a ballot to select these two delegates will be conducted during Conference itself.
Additionally, individuals must be willing to accept nomination, and must have the nomination of their own branch and/or the Retired Members’ Advisory Committee, to be eligible.
The exception to this are members of the Retired Members’ Advisory Committee themselves who may be proposed for these positions but need to have the nomination of the Retired Members’ Advisory Committee and/or any Regional Committee.
Any enquiries regarding this LTB should be addressed to Angela Niven either by post to head office or by email to Conferences@cwu.org
Yours sincerely,
A P Kearns
Senior Deputy General Secretary
CWU Womens Conference - Delegates, Visitors and Motions.
TO: ALL BRANCHES
Dear Colleagues,
CWU Women’s Conference 2011 - Saturday 5th February 2011
As you will be aware, the CWU Womens Conference will be held on Saturday 5th February 2011 at Edinburgh Training Centre, 16 St Mary’s Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1SU.
Delegates
Branches are entitled to send two delegates to the Conference. The details of delegates should be included on the appropriate form that is attached to this LTB. The completed form should be returned to Head Office no later than Thursday 6th January 2011.
Observers are also welcome to attend. It would be helpful, for administrative purposes, for details of observers to be entered on the form. Admission to the Conference for observers is by production of their membership card.
In order that we can cater for any delegate with special needs such as seating, it is important that you advise us in writing of the name of the delegate(s) and the particular requirement by return but no later than Tuesday 4th January 2011.
Crèche facilities will be available to delegates during the Conference and Branches should advise the Equal Opportunities Department in writing, by return, but no later than Tuesday 4th January 2011 if they require the use of this facility. Please ensure that the names and ages of the children, together with an appropriate address for sending the crèche form to for completion are included in this advice. It will not be possible to provide on the spot facilities to those delegates who have not informed us in advance.
Motions
Each Branch is entitled to submit 1 motion for consideration to be included on the agenda of the Conference. Motions should be submitted electronically to conferences@cwu.org using the template attached. Branches who do not have this facility may request paper motion forms by contacting Angela Niven on 020 8971 7256.
Motion forms must be returned by Thursday 6th January 2011, if by post by first post or 12 noon if submitted electronically. All sections of the form must be completed. If submitted electronically only motions emailed to the above email address will be accepted.
As with previous Equality Conferences, the agenda will be structured in such a way as to maximise debate and participation by delegates. There will be 2 sections to the agenda, one for motions which are eligible for consideration for submission to General Conference, and one for motions that in the view of the Standing Orders Committee would not be admissible to the General Conference agenda.
Branches will be aware that the Women’s Conference has the entitlement under the rules of the union to submit 2 motions to stand in the name of the conference to General Conference. It is therefore important that if branches wish their motions to be in this category, they must contain policy that is capable of being discharged by the NEC, as opposed to either of the Industrial Executives.
As with previous Equality Conferences, the 2 motions for submission to the General Conference agenda will be decided from amongst those motions adopted at the Conference. A ballot to select the 2 motions will be held at the Conference.
Any enquiries regarding this LTB should be addressed to Angela Niven either by post to head office or by email to conferences@cwu.org
Dear Colleagues,
CWU Women’s Conference 2011 - Saturday 5th February 2011
As you will be aware, the CWU Womens Conference will be held on Saturday 5th February 2011 at Edinburgh Training Centre, 16 St Mary’s Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1SU.
Delegates
Branches are entitled to send two delegates to the Conference. The details of delegates should be included on the appropriate form that is attached to this LTB. The completed form should be returned to Head Office no later than Thursday 6th January 2011.
Observers are also welcome to attend. It would be helpful, for administrative purposes, for details of observers to be entered on the form. Admission to the Conference for observers is by production of their membership card.
In order that we can cater for any delegate with special needs such as seating, it is important that you advise us in writing of the name of the delegate(s) and the particular requirement by return but no later than Tuesday 4th January 2011.
Crèche facilities will be available to delegates during the Conference and Branches should advise the Equal Opportunities Department in writing, by return, but no later than Tuesday 4th January 2011 if they require the use of this facility. Please ensure that the names and ages of the children, together with an appropriate address for sending the crèche form to for completion are included in this advice. It will not be possible to provide on the spot facilities to those delegates who have not informed us in advance.
Motions
Each Branch is entitled to submit 1 motion for consideration to be included on the agenda of the Conference. Motions should be submitted electronically to conferences@cwu.org using the template attached. Branches who do not have this facility may request paper motion forms by contacting Angela Niven on 020 8971 7256.
Motion forms must be returned by Thursday 6th January 2011, if by post by first post or 12 noon if submitted electronically. All sections of the form must be completed. If submitted electronically only motions emailed to the above email address will be accepted.
As with previous Equality Conferences, the agenda will be structured in such a way as to maximise debate and participation by delegates. There will be 2 sections to the agenda, one for motions which are eligible for consideration for submission to General Conference, and one for motions that in the view of the Standing Orders Committee would not be admissible to the General Conference agenda.
Branches will be aware that the Women’s Conference has the entitlement under the rules of the union to submit 2 motions to stand in the name of the conference to General Conference. It is therefore important that if branches wish their motions to be in this category, they must contain policy that is capable of being discharged by the NEC, as opposed to either of the Industrial Executives.
As with previous Equality Conferences, the 2 motions for submission to the General Conference agenda will be decided from amongst those motions adopted at the Conference. A ballot to select the 2 motions will be held at the Conference.
Any enquiries regarding this LTB should be addressed to Angela Niven either by post to head office or by email to conferences@cwu.org
DAC & WAC Ballot results
Date: 13 Dec 2010, 02:28:06 PM
Subject: Advisory Committees 2011 - Ballot Results
To: The Branch Secretary
Dear Colleague
Advisory Committees 2011 – Ballot Results
Further to LTB 1034/10 please find below the results of the ballots for the above Advisory Committee’s
WOMEN’S ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Postal Constituency
7 Lay members
Marie Butler, Bristol & District Amal 28,682
Katie Dunning, West London Postal 42,045 (Elected)
Sinead Fitzpatrick, Northern Ireland Combined 25,253
Jackie Gatward, Shropshire & Mid Wales 62,494 (Elected)
Amanda Hill, Eastern No 5 36,858
Kate Hudson, Northamptonshire Amal 52,579 (Elected)
Elaine Johnstone, Worcester & Hereford Amal 21,126
Kathryn Kelly, Newcastle Amal 38,309
Vera Kelsey, Wolverhampton & Dist Amal 73,259 (Elected)
Annemarie McCall, North Lancs & Cumbria 40,421 Elected)
Helen Ogilvie, Scotland No 2 55,154 (Elected)
Vicki Turner, Leeds No 1 39,431 (Elected)
Number of ballot papers issued 86
Number of ballot papers returned 62
Spoiled ballot papers 0
WOMEN’S ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Engineering Constituency
3 Lay members
Karen Bosson, Manchester Combined 20,001 (Elected)
Patricia Clouder, South London Surrey & Nth Hampshire 5,757
Charlotte Hawkins, Greater London Combined 9,902
Vivien Holding, Northern Ireland Engineering 15,355 (Elected)
Jean Sharrocks, North East Branch 15,812 (Elected)
Number of ballot papers issued 43
Number of ballot papers returned 27
Spoiled ballot papers 0
DISABILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Postal Constituency
7 Lay members
Brian Booth, Coventry Area 58,536 (Elected)
Gary Clarke, Scotland No 2 56,277 (Elected)
Peter Flook, Bristol & District 34,344
Stevie Gribben, Northern Ireland West 28,667
Richard Hirtsch, Leeds No 1 40,109 (Elected)
Annemarie McCall, North Lancs & Cumbria 50,354 (Elected)
Sajid Shaikh, Birmingham District Amal 58,510 (Elected)
Tony Sneddon, Scotland No 5 72,240 (Elected)
Ted Stead, Oldham & Rochdale Amal 81,128 (Elected)
Number of ballot papers issued 86
Number of ballot papers returned 62
Spoiled ballot papers 0
Any enquiries regarding this LTB should be addressed to the Senior Deputy General Secretary’s Department on telephone number 0208 971 7237 or email address sdgs@cwu.org.
Yours sincerely,
Tony Kearns
Senior Deputy General Secretary
Subject: Advisory Committees 2011 - Ballot Results
To: The Branch Secretary
Dear Colleague
Advisory Committees 2011 – Ballot Results
Further to LTB 1034/10 please find below the results of the ballots for the above Advisory Committee’s
WOMEN’S ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Postal Constituency
7 Lay members
Marie Butler, Bristol & District Amal 28,682
Katie Dunning, West London Postal 42,045 (Elected)
Sinead Fitzpatrick, Northern Ireland Combined 25,253
Jackie Gatward, Shropshire & Mid Wales 62,494 (Elected)
Amanda Hill, Eastern No 5 36,858
Kate Hudson, Northamptonshire Amal 52,579 (Elected)
Elaine Johnstone, Worcester & Hereford Amal 21,126
Kathryn Kelly, Newcastle Amal 38,309
Vera Kelsey, Wolverhampton & Dist Amal 73,259 (Elected)
Annemarie McCall, North Lancs & Cumbria 40,421 Elected)
Helen Ogilvie, Scotland No 2 55,154 (Elected)
Vicki Turner, Leeds No 1 39,431 (Elected)
Number of ballot papers issued 86
Number of ballot papers returned 62
Spoiled ballot papers 0
WOMEN’S ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Engineering Constituency
3 Lay members
Karen Bosson, Manchester Combined 20,001 (Elected)
Patricia Clouder, South London Surrey & Nth Hampshire 5,757
Charlotte Hawkins, Greater London Combined 9,902
Vivien Holding, Northern Ireland Engineering 15,355 (Elected)
Jean Sharrocks, North East Branch 15,812 (Elected)
Number of ballot papers issued 43
Number of ballot papers returned 27
Spoiled ballot papers 0
DISABILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Postal Constituency
7 Lay members
Brian Booth, Coventry Area 58,536 (Elected)
Gary Clarke, Scotland No 2 56,277 (Elected)
Peter Flook, Bristol & District 34,344
Stevie Gribben, Northern Ireland West 28,667
Richard Hirtsch, Leeds No 1 40,109 (Elected)
Annemarie McCall, North Lancs & Cumbria 50,354 (Elected)
Sajid Shaikh, Birmingham District Amal 58,510 (Elected)
Tony Sneddon, Scotland No 5 72,240 (Elected)
Ted Stead, Oldham & Rochdale Amal 81,128 (Elected)
Number of ballot papers issued 86
Number of ballot papers returned 62
Spoiled ballot papers 0
Any enquiries regarding this LTB should be addressed to the Senior Deputy General Secretary’s Department on telephone number 0208 971 7237 or email address sdgs@cwu.org.
Yours sincerely,
Tony Kearns
Senior Deputy General Secretary
Thursday 9 December 2010
Wednesday 8 December 2010
CWU Women's Conference - Be there.
The CWU Womens Conference will take place in Edinburgh on Saturday 5th February 2011 at Edinburgh Training Centre, 16 St Mary’s Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1SU. Please come along and make your voice heard in the CWU. All enquiries to my Department.
Monday 6 December 2010
LabourStart: Labour Photo of the Year
Some excellent photgraphs are on show here. Vote for your favourite. LabourStart: Labour Photo of the Year
LGBT conference report
You can find a short report on the CWU LGBT conference here http://www.cwu.org/news/archive/lgbt-conference-hears-fears-for-the-future.html Thanks to all delegates, speakers and visitors for making the event a success.
Government to invest £830m on superfast broadband - Home News, UK - The Independent
Good news for my members at last? Read more here
Government to invest £830m on superfast broadband - Home News, UK - The Independent
Government to invest £830m on superfast broadband - Home News, UK - The Independent
Friday 19 November 2010
We've never had it so good! Grrr...
Top Tory toff Lord Young says that despite the recession we've all never had it so good. He's the same prat who was a member of the Thatcher government which decimated the mining industry. He's also going to dilute our employment laws. Raed more here and get angry. ttp://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/conservative/8144515/Top-Conservative-recession-Youve-never-had-it-so-good.html
Thursday 18 November 2010
Anti Privatisation Newsletter
This brilliant newsletter has been produced by john "Woody" Woodhouse, Branch Secretary of Newcastle Amal. Branch. It says it all. Save it, print it, distribute it. They will not win!
Wednesday 17 November 2010
Barrow DQ latest
From: Sally Bridge
To: TFS Executive
Sent: Wed Nov 17 08:39:49 2010
Subject: Barrow Campaign
Dear All,
I attended a members meeting in Barrow last night and am concerned that the morale is quite low.
It has been nearly 4 months since BT announced that the DQ will close, Xmas is on the horizon and so far nobody has even been given any job offer let alone redeployment.
I have today written to the company expressing my deep concern about the lack of progress. I have also written to the DGS(T).
The campaign team will be urgently meeting within the next day or so to consider further campaign initiatives.
Meanwhile, it would be appreciated if you could post your support on the CWU Campaign - BT jobs for Barrow Facebook page.
Many thanks
Sally
This message has been sent by Sally on her blackberry.
To: TFS Executive
Sent: Wed Nov 17 08:39:49 2010
Subject: Barrow Campaign
Dear All,
I attended a members meeting in Barrow last night and am concerned that the morale is quite low.
It has been nearly 4 months since BT announced that the DQ will close, Xmas is on the horizon and so far nobody has even been given any job offer let alone redeployment.
I have today written to the company expressing my deep concern about the lack of progress. I have also written to the DGS(T).
The campaign team will be urgently meeting within the next day or so to consider further campaign initiatives.
Meanwhile, it would be appreciated if you could post your support on the CWU Campaign - BT jobs for Barrow Facebook page.
Many thanks
Sally
This message has been sent by Sally on her blackberry.
Monday 15 November 2010
Discrimination can be justified on ground of costs
This could be a significant ruling. Read more /www.bailii.org/uk/cases/UKEAT/2010/0489_09_1211.html
Tuesday 9 November 2010
Captain Ska - Liar Liar
Watch this and buy. Brilliant http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQFwxw57NBI&feature=share
Hig Pay Commission created
Compass, with the support of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, has set up an independent High Pay Commission. You can find out more and submit evidence here http://highpaycommission.co.uk/submit-evidence/
EAT reinterprets the DDA 1995.
I am indebted to Ted Stead for supplying the following.
Employment Appeal Tribunal reinterprets Disability Discrimination Act 1995
To include associative discrimination
• Blake Lapthorn
• United Kingdom
• November 5 2010
The case of Mrs Coleman, the legal secretary who was not herself disabled but who alleged she was discriminated against on grounds of the disability of her son, has been well publicised. On the face of it the UK's Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA) only protects a person who is actually disabled within the meaning of the DDA. Last year the European Court of Justice (ECJ) agreed that the EC Framework Directive on Equal Treatment, which imposes requirements on UK anti-discrimination law, does prohibit discrimination by association with a disabled person. In the latest stage, Mrs Coleman had to persuade the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) that the DDA could be read to give effect to the ECJ's judgment. The EAT held that the DDA could be interpreted in this way, by adding words if necessary, because that is not incompatible with the underlying thrust of the DDA.
The significance of this stage of the case is that this extension of the DDA to include associative discrimination now applies to all employers. Without a binding decision of a UK court, in theory the ECJ's ruling could only be enforced by public sector workers. Now, unless there is a further appeal, it is binding UK law. The case also leaves other discrimination strands which may not be suitably worded to cover associative discrimination (most notably age discrimination) open to challenge on this point. Employers should ensure their equal opportunities and harassment policies are updated.
Employment Appeal Tribunal reinterprets Disability Discrimination Act 1995
To include associative discrimination
• Blake Lapthorn
• United Kingdom
• November 5 2010
The case of Mrs Coleman, the legal secretary who was not herself disabled but who alleged she was discriminated against on grounds of the disability of her son, has been well publicised. On the face of it the UK's Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA) only protects a person who is actually disabled within the meaning of the DDA. Last year the European Court of Justice (ECJ) agreed that the EC Framework Directive on Equal Treatment, which imposes requirements on UK anti-discrimination law, does prohibit discrimination by association with a disabled person. In the latest stage, Mrs Coleman had to persuade the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) that the DDA could be read to give effect to the ECJ's judgment. The EAT held that the DDA could be interpreted in this way, by adding words if necessary, because that is not incompatible with the underlying thrust of the DDA.
The significance of this stage of the case is that this extension of the DDA to include associative discrimination now applies to all employers. Without a binding decision of a UK court, in theory the ECJ's ruling could only be enforced by public sector workers. Now, unless there is a further appeal, it is binding UK law. The case also leaves other discrimination strands which may not be suitably worded to cover associative discrimination (most notably age discrimination) open to challenge on this point. Employers should ensure their equal opportunities and harassment policies are updated.
Friday 5 November 2010
Advisory Committees elections. Nominations open today
LTB968/10 Election of: National Equality Advisory Committee Positions 2011
No. 968/10 Ref: TK/sn/PM Date: 04/11/2010
To: The Branch Secretary
Dear Colleague
National Equality Advisory Committee Positions - 2011
• Women’s Advisory Committee
• Race Advisory Committee
• Lesbian and Gay Bisexual and Transgender Advisory Committee
• Disability Advisory Committee
Branches will recall that Emergency Motion E1 was debated and carried at the 2010 CWU General Conference. For ease of reference I have reproduced the terms of the motion below;
Motion E1
Conference notes the publication of LTB 321/10 issued on 15/4/10 which advised branches of the reduction in the size of the advisory committees to take effect from the forthcoming election of advisory committee members.
The NEC has not consulted or discussed any of the proposals relating to the reduction of numbers with any of the relevant bodies i.e. the advisory committees themselves or any of the regional equality committees. The decision that the NEC has made is arbitrary and will become a barrier preventing lay participation from the minority groups the advisory committees represent.
Conference therefore instructs the NEC to reverse this decision until such time as proper consultation has taken place with all relevant parties as we believe the current proposals would severely affect the CWU policy of adopting proportionality and will not reflect the diversity of the CWU.
In line with the terms of the above motion the NEC consulted with the advisory committees via the Equal Opportunities Department and having considered the responses have revised their position regarding the composition, frequency and size of the advisory committee’s.
Branches will be aware that the rationale behind the original decision (contained in LTB 321/10) to reduce the size of the committees was based on a genuine attempt to make a small but real attempt to reduce the unions overall financial expenditure. Following the consultation, that did not see a consensus for a preferred course of action, the NEC have now agreed that the number of elected members on each committee will remain the same but the number of meetings held each year will be reduced from four per year to three.
The NEC would like to thank the advisory committees for taking the time to discuss this issue and advise us of their views, their assistance is greatly appreciated.
Additionally the NEC have determined and would like branches to note that the term of office for the successful candidates for these positions will be for a period of one calendar year from i.e. 1st January 2011 to 31st December 2011.
The timetable for the election of the advisory committees is listed below and please find enclosed the regulations, nomination forms and candidate biographical details/consent forms for the above elections.
The timetable is as follows:-
Nominations open 5 November 2010
Nominations close 19 November 2010 (14:00)
Accept nominations 23 November 2010 (14:00)
Despatch ballot papers 25 November 2010
Ballot closes 9 December 2010 (14.00)
Any enquiries regarding this Letter to Branches should be addressed to the Senior Deputy General Secretary Department on telephone number 020 8971 7237 or email address sdgs@cwu.org.
Yours sincerely
Tony Kearns
Senior Deputy General Secretary
No. 968/10 Ref: TK/sn/PM Date: 04/11/2010
To: The Branch Secretary
Dear Colleague
National Equality Advisory Committee Positions - 2011
• Women’s Advisory Committee
• Race Advisory Committee
• Lesbian and Gay Bisexual and Transgender Advisory Committee
• Disability Advisory Committee
Branches will recall that Emergency Motion E1 was debated and carried at the 2010 CWU General Conference. For ease of reference I have reproduced the terms of the motion below;
Motion E1
Conference notes the publication of LTB 321/10 issued on 15/4/10 which advised branches of the reduction in the size of the advisory committees to take effect from the forthcoming election of advisory committee members.
The NEC has not consulted or discussed any of the proposals relating to the reduction of numbers with any of the relevant bodies i.e. the advisory committees themselves or any of the regional equality committees. The decision that the NEC has made is arbitrary and will become a barrier preventing lay participation from the minority groups the advisory committees represent.
Conference therefore instructs the NEC to reverse this decision until such time as proper consultation has taken place with all relevant parties as we believe the current proposals would severely affect the CWU policy of adopting proportionality and will not reflect the diversity of the CWU.
In line with the terms of the above motion the NEC consulted with the advisory committees via the Equal Opportunities Department and having considered the responses have revised their position regarding the composition, frequency and size of the advisory committee’s.
Branches will be aware that the rationale behind the original decision (contained in LTB 321/10) to reduce the size of the committees was based on a genuine attempt to make a small but real attempt to reduce the unions overall financial expenditure. Following the consultation, that did not see a consensus for a preferred course of action, the NEC have now agreed that the number of elected members on each committee will remain the same but the number of meetings held each year will be reduced from four per year to three.
The NEC would like to thank the advisory committees for taking the time to discuss this issue and advise us of their views, their assistance is greatly appreciated.
Additionally the NEC have determined and would like branches to note that the term of office for the successful candidates for these positions will be for a period of one calendar year from i.e. 1st January 2011 to 31st December 2011.
The timetable for the election of the advisory committees is listed below and please find enclosed the regulations, nomination forms and candidate biographical details/consent forms for the above elections.
The timetable is as follows:-
Nominations open 5 November 2010
Nominations close 19 November 2010 (14:00)
Accept nominations 23 November 2010 (14:00)
Despatch ballot papers 25 November 2010
Ballot closes 9 December 2010 (14.00)
Any enquiries regarding this Letter to Branches should be addressed to the Senior Deputy General Secretary Department on telephone number 020 8971 7237 or email address sdgs@cwu.org.
Yours sincerely
Tony Kearns
Senior Deputy General Secretary
BT Retail - Attendance. CWU Broad Left latest
The following may or may not reflect my political preference.
BT RETAIL - ATTENDANCE
BT Retail is now anxious for the CWU to ballot its members on new attendance procedures. This has been delayed due to the continuing poor management style in the business unit, because the commitment BT Retail gave in April to improve its management style has never materialised.
Neither has BT Retail implemented the Sourcing Strategy agreement that was negotiated years ago which required them to reduce agency staff to 10% within the call centres. This agreement was based on limiting the number of jobs off-shored. BT Retail has continued to off-shore work and save itself money, while failing to convert agency to BT contracts to the level agreed. We therefore congratulate the CWU Executive for rightly demanding that these longstanding commitments be implemented at last, and that the company gives commitment to existing sites.
The Executive is calling for the immediate roll-out of the “Together” performance management document in BT Retail, so that it can verify improvement in management style and performance management prior to balloting members on attendance transformation changes. Management bullying and harassment of staff must stop now! Otherwise the union should ballot members for industrial action to stop it.
On resourcing the Executive is insisting that the company gives a tangible commitment to direct labour jobs in the UK, by demonstrating to the union that any staffing reduction is to work that is offshored.
The Executive continues to impress upon the company that without improvements in management style and resourcing, there is little chance of members accepting attendance changes in a ballot.
The Executive has informed BT Retail that implementation of attendance changes, without the required improvements to management style and resourcing, will be met with a ballot for industrial action.
BL supporters remain opposed to the new attendance patterns as they do not adequately address staff work-life-balance. The union should continue to defend the choice that the Flexible Working Hours agreement gave staff throughout BT.
The time is ripe for the union to mount a campaign in BT for respectful management style, proper work-life-balance and good direct labour jobs that will benefit existing BT employees and provide work to the millions currently unemployed, including our youth.
JOIN THE BROAD LEFT AND JOIN THE CAMPAIGN FOR A FIGHTING LEADERSHIP
To join the Broad Left please email: thebroadcast@btinternet.com
BT RETAIL - ATTENDANCE
BT Retail is now anxious for the CWU to ballot its members on new attendance procedures. This has been delayed due to the continuing poor management style in the business unit, because the commitment BT Retail gave in April to improve its management style has never materialised.
Neither has BT Retail implemented the Sourcing Strategy agreement that was negotiated years ago which required them to reduce agency staff to 10% within the call centres. This agreement was based on limiting the number of jobs off-shored. BT Retail has continued to off-shore work and save itself money, while failing to convert agency to BT contracts to the level agreed. We therefore congratulate the CWU Executive for rightly demanding that these longstanding commitments be implemented at last, and that the company gives commitment to existing sites.
The Executive is calling for the immediate roll-out of the “Together” performance management document in BT Retail, so that it can verify improvement in management style and performance management prior to balloting members on attendance transformation changes. Management bullying and harassment of staff must stop now! Otherwise the union should ballot members for industrial action to stop it.
On resourcing the Executive is insisting that the company gives a tangible commitment to direct labour jobs in the UK, by demonstrating to the union that any staffing reduction is to work that is offshored.
The Executive continues to impress upon the company that without improvements in management style and resourcing, there is little chance of members accepting attendance changes in a ballot.
The Executive has informed BT Retail that implementation of attendance changes, without the required improvements to management style and resourcing, will be met with a ballot for industrial action.
BL supporters remain opposed to the new attendance patterns as they do not adequately address staff work-life-balance. The union should continue to defend the choice that the Flexible Working Hours agreement gave staff throughout BT.
The time is ripe for the union to mount a campaign in BT for respectful management style, proper work-life-balance and good direct labour jobs that will benefit existing BT employees and provide work to the millions currently unemployed, including our youth.
JOIN THE BROAD LEFT AND JOIN THE CAMPAIGN FOR A FIGHTING LEADERSHIP
To join the Broad Left please email: thebroadcast@btinternet.com
Thursday 4 November 2010
Unite Against Fascism | Unions, MPs and campaigners back 6 Nov antiracist demo
UAF march this Saturday 6th of Novermber. Details here Unite Against Fascism Unions, MPs and campaigners back 6 Nov antiracist demo
Wednesday 3 November 2010
Barrow DQ update
The following comes from my colleague Sally Bridge who is doing an excellent job on behalf of our members in Barrow DQ.
No. 10
3 November 2010
CWU CAMPAIGN - BT Jobs for Barrow
Dear Colleague
Further discussions took place on the 1 November with BT to progress and gain more detail on the two main areas of opportunity for redeployment in BT’s Openreach and Consumer Sales.
Openreach
Dave Fitzgerald, Employee Relations Director reported that they are continuing their discussions with Openreach. However, at this point the Service Management roles are not a viable option on the basis that for the majority there is a skills gap between the existing DQ role and the more technical role of Service Management.
The CWU stated they were disappointed with this response and challenged the requirement for field experience, as in the past DQ advisors have been able to make the transition successfully with little or no technical field experience. The CWU further stated that in our view given adequate support, training and encouragement that many of the Barrow DQ operators could make this transition.
BT stated that this is not a grading issue as this is not the barrier and they were still continuing discussions which are far from concluded. They agreed they will continue to explore possibilities either within Service Management or other roles within the division.
The CWU advised that we wanted to take this matter to the Deputy General Secretary (T) along with the CWU Officer who deals with the Openreach in order that further representations can be made directly to Openreach.
Consumer Sales
On the issue of Consumer Sales it was reported that a large level of interest has been shown in the Consumer Sales roles as a result of the visits to Lancaster. BT is now in the process of arranging and setting up assessments in order to ascertain whether individuals have the basic aptitude for the sales environment. BT also reported that they have a further meeting with Consumer Sales this week to progress matters and would report back as a result of that meeting.
Individuals that have at this point not been able to visit Lancaster will be given that opportunity over the next week or so
Conclusion
It is the view of the CWU that both opportunities in Openreach and Consumer Sales still remain a tangible solution to alternative work being brought to Barrow and that we will be doing everything we can over the next few weeks to pursue both these areas. The CWU will continue to keep you updated as developments occur.
Sally Bridge
CWU Assistant Secretary
No. 10
3 November 2010
CWU CAMPAIGN - BT Jobs for Barrow
Dear Colleague
Further discussions took place on the 1 November with BT to progress and gain more detail on the two main areas of opportunity for redeployment in BT’s Openreach and Consumer Sales.
Openreach
Dave Fitzgerald, Employee Relations Director reported that they are continuing their discussions with Openreach. However, at this point the Service Management roles are not a viable option on the basis that for the majority there is a skills gap between the existing DQ role and the more technical role of Service Management.
The CWU stated they were disappointed with this response and challenged the requirement for field experience, as in the past DQ advisors have been able to make the transition successfully with little or no technical field experience. The CWU further stated that in our view given adequate support, training and encouragement that many of the Barrow DQ operators could make this transition.
BT stated that this is not a grading issue as this is not the barrier and they were still continuing discussions which are far from concluded. They agreed they will continue to explore possibilities either within Service Management or other roles within the division.
The CWU advised that we wanted to take this matter to the Deputy General Secretary (T) along with the CWU Officer who deals with the Openreach in order that further representations can be made directly to Openreach.
Consumer Sales
On the issue of Consumer Sales it was reported that a large level of interest has been shown in the Consumer Sales roles as a result of the visits to Lancaster. BT is now in the process of arranging and setting up assessments in order to ascertain whether individuals have the basic aptitude for the sales environment. BT also reported that they have a further meeting with Consumer Sales this week to progress matters and would report back as a result of that meeting.
Individuals that have at this point not been able to visit Lancaster will be given that opportunity over the next week or so
Conclusion
It is the view of the CWU that both opportunities in Openreach and Consumer Sales still remain a tangible solution to alternative work being brought to Barrow and that we will be doing everything we can over the next few weeks to pursue both these areas. The CWU will continue to keep you updated as developments occur.
Sally Bridge
CWU Assistant Secretary
Tuesday 2 November 2010
Saturday 30 October 2010
Thursday 21 October 2010
BT Pension Scheme - Crown Guarantee
21 October 2010
LTB 922/10 BT Pension Scheme: Crown Guarantee
No. 922/2010
Ref: NC/SD/BTPS 6.1
Date: 21st October 2010
To: All Branches with BT members
Dear Colleague,
BT Pension Scheme: Crown Guarantee
The High Court today gave judgment in a case designed to clarify the
extent of the Crown Guarantee.
The Crown Guarantee was put in place by the UK Government on the
privatisation of BT in 1984 and would only come into effect if BT ever
became insolvent. The Government gave a guarantee that it would stand
behind BT's obligations to the BT Pension Scheme (BTPS) so providing
protection for BTPS members.
The case was brought by the Trustee of the BTPS to clarify the scope
and extent of the Crown Guarantee as this has never fully been
resolved. The key part of the ruling is that the Crown Guarantee can
cover members who joined both before and after privatisation.
The CWU has long called for clarity on this issue and the outcome of
the case is welcome.
The BTPS Trustee has said that the case gives additional clarity and
is favourable for BTPS members.
BT, which fully supported the case, has stated that the case will
have no impact on the existing agreed payments that will be made into
the BTPS.
While resolving the most important questions about the Guarantee the
Judgment did leave some further issues to be resolved. It is also
possible that the High Court's decision may be subject to appeal by
the Government. Further developments will be reported in due course.
A copy of the Trustee and BT statements are attached and further
information about the Crown Guarantee is available in LTB 303/2006.
Yours sincerely
Nigel Cotgrove
ASSISTANT SECRETARY
LTB 922/10 BT Pension Scheme: Crown Guarantee
No. 922/2010
Ref: NC/SD/BTPS 6.1
Date: 21st October 2010
To: All Branches with BT members
Dear Colleague,
BT Pension Scheme: Crown Guarantee
The High Court today gave judgment in a case designed to clarify the
extent of the Crown Guarantee.
The Crown Guarantee was put in place by the UK Government on the
privatisation of BT in 1984 and would only come into effect if BT ever
became insolvent. The Government gave a guarantee that it would stand
behind BT's obligations to the BT Pension Scheme (BTPS) so providing
protection for BTPS members.
The case was brought by the Trustee of the BTPS to clarify the scope
and extent of the Crown Guarantee as this has never fully been
resolved. The key part of the ruling is that the Crown Guarantee can
cover members who joined both before and after privatisation.
The CWU has long called for clarity on this issue and the outcome of
the case is welcome.
The BTPS Trustee has said that the case gives additional clarity and
is favourable for BTPS members.
BT, which fully supported the case, has stated that the case will
have no impact on the existing agreed payments that will be made into
the BTPS.
While resolving the most important questions about the Guarantee the
Judgment did leave some further issues to be resolved. It is also
possible that the High Court's decision may be subject to appeal by
the Government. Further developments will be reported in due course.
A copy of the Trustee and BT statements are attached and further
information about the Crown Guarantee is available in LTB 303/2006.
Yours sincerely
Nigel Cotgrove
ASSISTANT SECRETARY
Why privatise excellence?
My husband ordered a rail ticket online yesterday. It was delivered by our posty this morning. That's less than 18 hours later and by first class post. So why would anyone want to run down and privatise this excellent service from Royal Mail. It can't be bettered.
Wednesday 20 October 2010
It's the CWU Disability Conference this Saturday
Please come along and spend a day debating disability issues and listening to some inspirational speakers. More here Media News Archive CWU 2010 Disability Conference
Tuesday 19 October 2010
Friday 15 October 2010
Why we should keep the Post Public
The following comes from the CWU Broad Left. It may or may not indicate my political prefereces.
KEEP THE POST PUBLIC
For the 4th time in 15 years the Government are trying to sell Royal Mail off. So, once again, the CWU and the many friends in other organisations have launched the Keep the Post Public Coalition to make sure that this doesn’t happen. The ConDems are using a revamped version of the Hooper Report as their justification this time round, but are the arguments really any different from before?
Royal Mail – a Basket Case?
The Government are saying that Royal Mail is in such a state that only a dose of private enterprise can save it. What an insult to all those who work there. It’s true that the company has a cash problem at the moment but that’s got nothing to do with the way it’s run. From the moment the last Government brought in rules on competition that meant that Royal Mail were effectively subsidising the likes of TNT, we said this would cripple Royal Mail. We were right. The deficit in the pension scheme, which costs the business hundreds of million £’s a year to repay, was not the fault of the members. Rather, it was due to Government policies, which took money out of the business in the good years, rather than invest it or keep it in hand for the lean years. We said the way to modernise Royal Mail was through an agreement between the Union and the present management and not by bringing in outside, private sector managers. We did this last April with the Business Transformation Agreement.
What Do We Want?
We don’t need private enterprise to sort out the problems of Royal Mail. We need Government action. We need a change to the competition rules to allow the company to compete on an even playing field. We need the Government to take over responsibility for the pensions deficit. None of this would involve immediate injections of money but it would immediately transform the company’s balance sheet. These are the things the Government would have to do anyway to make Royal Mail attractive to private investors. So, why privatise Royal Mail in the first place? And the idea that it is a few shares rather than decent wages and conditions that motivate the members to do a first class job is frankly laughable.
The Future
The difference between a privatised Royal Mail and a public one doesn’t boil down to simply which one you prefer. It will have a drastic effect on both the service to the public and on the jobs and the conditions the Workers will face. Under privatisation, the main drive will be to return a profit for the investors. Unprofitable services will simply be cut. We already know of a plan to axe the Saturday delivery. This will cost thousands of jobs. In Holland, TNT only deliver three days a week to some addresses and few foreign postal services deliver through the door.
In a privatised Royal Mail, the business would be split off and parts of it sold separately to competitors. Again, this would put jobs at risk. Even the Post Office Network, which is due to stay publicly owned, would suffer. Why would a privatised Royal Mail carry on using them if they could find somewhere cheaper to do the work? Thousands more offices would end up closing. And we all know that the pay and conditions are far better than at the private competitors. In a privatised company the aim would be to drive these down to the lowest level.
The future in a publicly owned Royal Mail isn’t going to be all milk and honey. Modernisation will bring change and job losses. But a publicly owned, fully integrated postal service, where a strong union forms an essential part, is the best guarantee of preserving and improving the terms and conditions and pushing for new products and services that can create jobs in the future.
What You Can Do
The Government has said that they intend to bring a Bill to Parliament in late October/early November. The aim of the Keep the Post Public campaign is to make sure this Bill doesn’t get carried. As well as calling on every Labour MP to oppose it, we are taking the fight to the Tories and Liberals by campaigning in their 71 most marginal constituencies. The CWU will also be calling a national demonstration of postal workers at a later date. Contact your local branch representative to find out the details of the local campaign. Go and see your local MP or councillors and tell them what you think of the plans. Get your friends and family to write to them or to the local press. The more noise we make, the harder it will be for the Government to ignore us.
Privatising Royal Mail is still highly unpopular with the public. Every poll and every survey has told us that. If we do nothing, then we know what our future will hold. But if we can run an effective campaign, we can again defeat it. With the full support and assistance of CWU members, we will defeat it.
With savage job cuts around the corner both in the Public and Private Sector (estimates of 1.3 Million jobs) we need to defeat the attack on our members in Royal Mail and we need to defeat the cuts proposed by the present Government. We need to co-ordinate action at grass-roots level. This is time for a Fightback!
JOIN THE BROAD LEFT AND JOIN THE CAMPAIGN FOR A FIGHTING LEADERSHIP
To join the Broad Left please email: thebroadcast@btinternet.com
KEEP THE POST PUBLIC
For the 4th time in 15 years the Government are trying to sell Royal Mail off. So, once again, the CWU and the many friends in other organisations have launched the Keep the Post Public Coalition to make sure that this doesn’t happen. The ConDems are using a revamped version of the Hooper Report as their justification this time round, but are the arguments really any different from before?
Royal Mail – a Basket Case?
The Government are saying that Royal Mail is in such a state that only a dose of private enterprise can save it. What an insult to all those who work there. It’s true that the company has a cash problem at the moment but that’s got nothing to do with the way it’s run. From the moment the last Government brought in rules on competition that meant that Royal Mail were effectively subsidising the likes of TNT, we said this would cripple Royal Mail. We were right. The deficit in the pension scheme, which costs the business hundreds of million £’s a year to repay, was not the fault of the members. Rather, it was due to Government policies, which took money out of the business in the good years, rather than invest it or keep it in hand for the lean years. We said the way to modernise Royal Mail was through an agreement between the Union and the present management and not by bringing in outside, private sector managers. We did this last April with the Business Transformation Agreement.
What Do We Want?
We don’t need private enterprise to sort out the problems of Royal Mail. We need Government action. We need a change to the competition rules to allow the company to compete on an even playing field. We need the Government to take over responsibility for the pensions deficit. None of this would involve immediate injections of money but it would immediately transform the company’s balance sheet. These are the things the Government would have to do anyway to make Royal Mail attractive to private investors. So, why privatise Royal Mail in the first place? And the idea that it is a few shares rather than decent wages and conditions that motivate the members to do a first class job is frankly laughable.
The Future
The difference between a privatised Royal Mail and a public one doesn’t boil down to simply which one you prefer. It will have a drastic effect on both the service to the public and on the jobs and the conditions the Workers will face. Under privatisation, the main drive will be to return a profit for the investors. Unprofitable services will simply be cut. We already know of a plan to axe the Saturday delivery. This will cost thousands of jobs. In Holland, TNT only deliver three days a week to some addresses and few foreign postal services deliver through the door.
In a privatised Royal Mail, the business would be split off and parts of it sold separately to competitors. Again, this would put jobs at risk. Even the Post Office Network, which is due to stay publicly owned, would suffer. Why would a privatised Royal Mail carry on using them if they could find somewhere cheaper to do the work? Thousands more offices would end up closing. And we all know that the pay and conditions are far better than at the private competitors. In a privatised company the aim would be to drive these down to the lowest level.
The future in a publicly owned Royal Mail isn’t going to be all milk and honey. Modernisation will bring change and job losses. But a publicly owned, fully integrated postal service, where a strong union forms an essential part, is the best guarantee of preserving and improving the terms and conditions and pushing for new products and services that can create jobs in the future.
What You Can Do
The Government has said that they intend to bring a Bill to Parliament in late October/early November. The aim of the Keep the Post Public campaign is to make sure this Bill doesn’t get carried. As well as calling on every Labour MP to oppose it, we are taking the fight to the Tories and Liberals by campaigning in their 71 most marginal constituencies. The CWU will also be calling a national demonstration of postal workers at a later date. Contact your local branch representative to find out the details of the local campaign. Go and see your local MP or councillors and tell them what you think of the plans. Get your friends and family to write to them or to the local press. The more noise we make, the harder it will be for the Government to ignore us.
Privatising Royal Mail is still highly unpopular with the public. Every poll and every survey has told us that. If we do nothing, then we know what our future will hold. But if we can run an effective campaign, we can again defeat it. With the full support and assistance of CWU members, we will defeat it.
With savage job cuts around the corner both in the Public and Private Sector (estimates of 1.3 Million jobs) we need to defeat the attack on our members in Royal Mail and we need to defeat the cuts proposed by the present Government. We need to co-ordinate action at grass-roots level. This is time for a Fightback!
JOIN THE BROAD LEFT AND JOIN THE CAMPAIGN FOR A FIGHTING LEADERSHIP
To join the Broad Left please email: thebroadcast@btinternet.com
Monday 11 October 2010
EHRC's latest report on unfair Britain.
The EHRC has published it's latest report on equality and fairness in Britain. Read it here http://www.equalityhumanrights.com/news/2010/october/commission-launches-landmark-report-how-fair-is-britain/
Claimants to face benefits reassessment - UK Politics, UK - The Independent
Sadly this process started under a Labour government. Claimants to face benefits reassessment - UK Politics, UK - The Independent
Gender pay gap stalls.
The pay gap between men and women shows no signs of being reduced according to a report from the EHRC which will be published tomorrow. More here http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/progress-grinding-to-a-halt-on-equal-pay-2103347.html
Thursday 7 October 2010
Saturday 2 October 2010
Post Office may face staff ownership in John Lewis-style revolution | UK news | The Guardian
Here's what the ConDems appear to be proposing to do with Royal Mail and the Post Office. We have to fight them!
Post Office may face staff ownership in John Lewis-style revolution UK news The Guardian
Post Office may face staff ownership in John Lewis-style revolution UK news The Guardian
Friday 1 October 2010
European Commission adopts new strategy on gender equality - EU
On September 21st the European Commission unveiled it's 5 year equality strategy. Read it here
European Commission adopts new strategy on gender equality - EU
European Commission adopts new strategy on gender equality - EU
It's Black History Month
Black History Month starts today. Find out more here http://www.cwu.org/news/archive/black-history-month-starts-friday-01-october.html
It's EA day
Today, October 1st, sees the Employment Act 2010 come into force. This is a major peice of legislation which brings together all the strands of discrimination law. Find a guide and more details here http://www.cwu.org/news/archive/51340/equality-bill-comes-into-force.html
Saturday 25 September 2010
Ed Milliband tops my poll
The result of my poll for th new Labour Leader is:
Ed Milliband 37%
Diane Abbott 22%
Andy Burnham 22%
Brewster the Equality Bear 8%
Ed Balls 5%
David Milliband 2%
The actual result will be announced later this aternoon.
Thanks everyone for taking part.
Ed Milliband 37%
Diane Abbott 22%
Andy Burnham 22%
Brewster the Equality Bear 8%
Ed Balls 5%
David Milliband 2%
The actual result will be announced later this aternoon.
Thanks everyone for taking part.
Friday 24 September 2010
Minimum Wage rises from October 1st.
The minimum wage rises from 1 October. The adult rate will rise by 2.2% to £5.93 an hour from £5.80. In
addition, the adult rate becomes payable at aged 21 not 22 years of age. For 18-20 year olds the rate rises by 1.9% to £4.92 an hour and the development rate for 16- and 17-year olds rises by 2.0% to £3.64 an hour.
In a new move, apprentices currently exempt from the national minimum wage regulations become
covered, although the starting rate is pitifully small at a £2.50 an hour rate. This is for apprentices who
are under 19 or older workers in the first year of their apprenticeship. This change should make apprentice pay across the UK easier to administer and subject to better enforcement arrangements.
The wage should cover both those employed on traditional contracts of apprenticeship and employed
apprentices on government-supported Level 2 and 3 schemes.
In England, transitional arrangements are in place so that current apprentices retain a contractual
entitlement to a minimum of £95 a week for the remainder of their apprenticeship or until they would
become eligible for the National Minimum Wage.
Under the national minimum wage legislation, the provision of accommodation by the employer is the only benefit in kind that can count towards a worker’s national minimum wage pay. The accommodation offset is increased from £4.51 to £4.61 a day from October.
addition, the adult rate becomes payable at aged 21 not 22 years of age. For 18-20 year olds the rate rises by 1.9% to £4.92 an hour and the development rate for 16- and 17-year olds rises by 2.0% to £3.64 an hour.
In a new move, apprentices currently exempt from the national minimum wage regulations become
covered, although the starting rate is pitifully small at a £2.50 an hour rate. This is for apprentices who
are under 19 or older workers in the first year of their apprenticeship. This change should make apprentice pay across the UK easier to administer and subject to better enforcement arrangements.
The wage should cover both those employed on traditional contracts of apprenticeship and employed
apprentices on government-supported Level 2 and 3 schemes.
In England, transitional arrangements are in place so that current apprentices retain a contractual
entitlement to a minimum of £95 a week for the remainder of their apprenticeship or until they would
become eligible for the National Minimum Wage.
Under the national minimum wage legislation, the provision of accommodation by the employer is the only benefit in kind that can count towards a worker’s national minimum wage pay. The accommodation offset is increased from £4.51 to £4.61 a day from October.
Tuesday 21 September 2010
ET statistics
The Annual ET statistics have been published here -www.justice.gov.uk/publications/docs/tribs-et-eat-annual-stats-april09-march10.pdf
Monday 20 September 2010
October 1st - Equality Act comes into force
The Equality Act 2010 comes into force on October 1st. However the government is still consulting on how to proceed with the inroduction of 10 areas of its provisions. You can read more here. http://www.equalities.gov.uk/equality_bill.aspx
More women are unemployed
Unemployment fell, according to new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS),but women’s
unemployment rose to over one million.Under the Labour Force Survey count, unemployment in the UK fell by just 8,000 to 2.47 million in the three months to July 2010. The unemployment rate was down to 7.8% from 7.9% in the previous three-month period. However, the number of unemployed women rose by 50,000 to 1,015,000 and their unemployment rate rose to 7.0% from 6.7%. It is the first time that women’s unemployment has passed the one million mark since January 1993.
Male unemployment was down by 58,000 to 1.45 million and their unemployment rate was down to 8.5% from 8.9%. The claimant count, which only takes into account those claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance, posted a rise after six monthly falls. It was up by 2,300 to stand at 1.47 million in August. The rise was small
enough not to impact on the unemployment rate which stayed at 4.5%.
Male claimant numbers were down by 2,600 in August on the previous month to 1.04 million and their unemployment rate was down to 5.9% from 6.0% the previous month.
Again, women bucked the trend by posting a rise. The number of claimants rose by 4,900 taking their
numbers to 426,300, but their unemployment rate was unchanged at 2.8%.
Source: labour Reearch Department Fact Service/ September 16.
unemployment rose to over one million.Under the Labour Force Survey count, unemployment in the UK fell by just 8,000 to 2.47 million in the three months to July 2010. The unemployment rate was down to 7.8% from 7.9% in the previous three-month period. However, the number of unemployed women rose by 50,000 to 1,015,000 and their unemployment rate rose to 7.0% from 6.7%. It is the first time that women’s unemployment has passed the one million mark since January 1993.
Male unemployment was down by 58,000 to 1.45 million and their unemployment rate was down to 8.5% from 8.9%. The claimant count, which only takes into account those claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance, posted a rise after six monthly falls. It was up by 2,300 to stand at 1.47 million in August. The rise was small
enough not to impact on the unemployment rate which stayed at 4.5%.
Male claimant numbers were down by 2,600 in August on the previous month to 1.04 million and their unemployment rate was down to 5.9% from 6.0% the previous month.
Again, women bucked the trend by posting a rise. The number of claimants rose by 4,900 taking their
numbers to 426,300, but their unemployment rate was unchanged at 2.8%.
Source: labour Reearch Department Fact Service/ September 16.
Linda in Liverpool with the CWU
The CWU was well represented at a demo outside the Liberal Condemocrat Conference in Liverpool yesterday. It peed it down but it did not dishearten us. Managed to get videoed and photoed 10 times by police surveillance teams. if they're reading this and have any decent pix can they let us have them. Here's some of mine.if people want copies on disk let me know or just right click on them and save them.
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