Too Hot to Work

 Hat tip UNISON 

"UNISON has launched a campaign to demand that the UK government creates new laws that require employers to protect workers from excessive heat.

The action, as part of the union’s Year of Green Activity, comes as a series of heatwaves this summer has put many workers at risk as they perform their jobs in unsafe conditions.

Joe Donnelly, UNISON head of health and safety, said: “Extreme heat is a growing workplace hazard linked to climate change, and employers must take proactive steps to protect staff.

“Across the UK, guidance is clear that during periods of extreme heat employers must take steps to reduce harm. This includes avoiding work during the hottest parts of the day, reducing physical activity, maintaining hydration, keeping workplaces cool, protecting workers from sun exposure, and taking additional steps to protect those more vulnerable.

“However, there are currently no statutory heat at work thresholds, despite clear and increasing risks to occupational health and safety.”

UNISON has long campaigned for maximum workplace temperatures. The union is now calling for stronger legal protections against excessive heat at work, recognising that heat risk is influenced by factors such as humidity, ventilation, physically demanding work and unsuitable protective clothing – not just temperature.

The campaign is asking members to write to their MPs, calling on their support of UNISON’s demands:

• New laws requiring employers to protect workers from excessive heat
• Statutory heat at work thresholds, backed by clear guidance for employers
• Trade unions to be involved in developing the new rules.

Ministers will be urged to represent these demands to the secretaries of state for business, innovation, science and trade, energy security and net zero, and work and pensions.

A template letter (see link below) notes that safe levels of heat exposure may vary, depending on factors such as the type of work undertaken, the working environment, ventilation, humidity, radiant heat, location and building design.

That’s why UNISON wants the government to development legislation in consultation with trade unions, relevant experts and other key stakeholders – to ensure that any new requirements are practical, effective and capable of being implemented across all workplaces".

The 3 John's

 

2 weeks ago I met up with my former West Ham CLP comrades John Whitworth and John Saunders for a meal and chin wag in Stratford. Both of whom are long standing Labour Party members and former Newham Councillors (and both also have PHDs)

John W is now a member of the new West Ham & Beckton CLP while John S and myself are in the new Stratford and Bow CLP. 

It is really good news that the local labour Parties in Newham are being brought back out of special measures. This move is long overdue, but better late than never

FORHAD'S FOCUS

As Cabinet Housing Member I am pleased with what has been done in Newham Housing Services since May 7 but there is still a long way to go. 

"Over the last few months, we've been continuing our work to tackle housing improvements and addressing the housing issues that matter most to residents of Newham. This is just a snapshot of the action that's been taken and we know there is more to do.

If you'd like to stay up to date with our housing work, you can sign up to our housing e-newsletter https://ssl.cmadvantage.co.uk/su782856146/frm9 

and whatsapp channel https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb8UX8l9MF8rgXVjtu1S" Newham Council

Belated thanks to Newham A&E — and two lessons learned the hard way

 

A belated but sincere thank you to the A&E staff at Newham General for treating me with kindness and respect during a visit two weeks ago. I had managed to injure myself in a particularly foolish way: having a fight with a jammed rod while trying to clear a blocked external kitchen waste pipe… while standing on a ladder. I won the battle with the rod, but promptly lost the war by falling at least six feet off that ladder.

Instead of going straight to A&E like any sensible person, I assumed it was just a painful bang, climbed back up the ladder, and finished the job. Five days later — still in pain — I finally admitted defeat and went to Newham General.

While there was a delay, I was triaged quickly. The nurse was rightly concerned about the fall and arranged for me to see a doctor, who then sent me for an MRI scan (despite their computer system repeatedly locking them out). After the scan, the doctor explained that I had fractured two ribs, damaged some lung tissue, and needed codeine, antibiotics, regular paracetamol, deep breathing exercises, and — crucially — to avoid climbing or falling for the next 6–8 weeks.

Lesson One: Leave risky DIY tasks to professionals.

Lesson Two: If you injure yourself, get checked out immediately — don’t wait five days hoping it will magically improve (a classic male speciality).

And once again, thank you to the A&E team for their care, patience, and professionalism. While there was some delay and confusion. They overall looked after me brilliantly, even when I hadn’t looked after myself.

🌙 July Rough Sleeping Count: A Night on the Streets With Newham’s Teams

 

Picture from the last months Count, just before midnight, as Newham Council teams headed out for July’s bi‑monthly Rough Sleeping Street Count. Every two months, Council rough sleeper officers, outreach workers, Councillors and volunteers come together for this essential work. We meet at 10.30pm at Newham Dockside for a briefing, then head out in teams to known hotspots across the borough.

The aim is simple but vital: understand the scale of rough sleeping in Newham and assess whether recent interventions are making a difference. While the primary role is to count, if someone is awake and willing to engage, we take basic details so outreach workers can follow up from 6am the next morning with advice, support, and a chance to move people off the streets.

I was the driver for my team. We visited a well‑known hotspot and spoke to several rough sleepers — some open to support, others sadly not. We also checked an area recently blocked off by the Council to prevent dangerous sleeping conditions. Encouragingly, it had “worked”: no one was sleeping there anymore.

Midway through the night, we encountered an unconscious man in a railway station. We immediately called 999. The handler guided us through how to move him to help his breathing until help arrived. The fantastic London Ambulance Service reached him very quickly and took over. I don’t know whether he was a rough sleeper, though I suspect he may have been — but the incident was a stark reminder of how dangerous these environments can be for vulnerable people.

Once our tasks were complete, we returned to Dockside to report our findings and I headed home. I was back around 1am — early compared to some counts.

Huge thanks to Paul and his team, to all the outreach workers, and to every volunteer who took part. And a special mention for Cllr Susan Masters, Cabinet Member for Adults Services, whose passion and commitment to this work is unwavering.

Coggeshall Walk & Historic Buildings 🚶‍♀️🌿

 

Last month, Gill and I enjoyed a lovely 4-mile circular walk around the historic village of Coggeshall in Essex. We started the day with breakfast in the town centre opposite the Chapel Inn before setting off to explore the surrounding countryside and soak up some of the area’s rich history. The Inn building had once been attacked by rioters during the 1381 Peasant Revolt and was where local Magistrates met to issue arrest warrants for members of the violent Coggeshall criminal gang in the 19th century. Check out wiki.

Coggeshall is a fascinating place, with beautiful timber-framed buildings and plenty of reminders of its medieval past. Two highlights that are well worth a visit are the Coggeshall Museum, which provides an insight into the village’s history, and Paycocke’s House, a stunning National Trust property renowned for its fine craftsmanship and impressive woodwork. 

One unexpected coincidence of the day was meeting a fellow Newham resident who happened to be visiting the house at the same time. I don’t think we have ever met properly but aware of a number of political differences over the years. She was particularly excited by the famous Red Vicar of Thaxted, who lived here for a time, as I was.

The combination of beautiful scenery, local history and excellent weather made for a thoroughly enjoyable day out. Coggeshall is a gem of a village and this circular walk is one I’d happily recommend to anyone looking for a rewarding mix of countryside and heritage. 

Photos from the day are included in the collage. 📸 walk in OS app and Country Walking mag

Newham Labour Group "thank you" to 2026 Candidates & Organisers

 

Last month we had a genuinely lovely and informal evening bringing together candidates and organising staff from the May 2026 Council elections. It was exactly what everyone needed — good company, good humour, and some very good Italian food.

Not everyone could make it but it was a chance to chat, decompress, and reconnect with both successful and (on this occasion) unsuccessful Labour candidates. The atmosphere was warm, supportive, and full of that unmistakable real Labour movement family camaraderie that survives even the toughest election cycles.

We also heard stirring speeches from our Labour Executive Mayor, Forhad Hussain, and our local MPs Uma Kumaran and Stephen Timms. (James was unwell and couldn’t attend.) Their reflections on the campaign, the challenges ahead, and the opportunities in front of us were energising and grounded in real optimism.

And personally — I’m convinced of this — the combination of national change in leadership and, crucially, the way we will run the Council over the coming years will shape a very different political landscape by 2030. The work we do now, the culture we build, and the way we serve residents will matter. If we get it right, the election results in 2030 will look very, very different.

A lovely evening — and a reminder that even after a tough contest, our movement is full of resilience, talent, and heart.

West Ham walkabout - Vicarage Lane 22.7.26

 

Another late post from me — this time about last month’s walkabout in West Ham ward, starting outside the Vicarage Lane Community Centre and focusing on anti‑social behaviour concerns on both sides of the lane.

The walkabout was organised and led by my ward colleague Cllr Adjoa Kwarteng, and my thanks go to everyone who joined us:

• West Ham Police Safer Neighbourhoods Team,

• Council Highways and Housing officers,

• Local residents, who brought detailed knowledge of the area and its challenges.

What we found

Residents highlighted a number of persistent ASB issues affecting the locality. Several environmental improvements were identified that could help reduce — or even “design out” — opportunities for crime and nuisance behaviour. These ranged from small practical fixes to more structural changes that will require coordinated action.

The key theme throughout was simple: residents, council and police working together. When all three come together on the ground, solutions become clearer and progress becomes possible.

An action plan is now being pulled together, and another walkabout is planned later this month to check progress and continue the joint work.

A small historical bonus

Being a history buff, I was delighted to spot that the local post box has been standing there since the reign of Edward VII — meaning it’s well over a century old. I asked local resident Bill whether he remembered it being installed… he assured me he did not!

London Labour Regional Conference 2026 – Delegate Reflections (as UNISON Labour Link)

Day 1 — Opening, Workshops, and Fringes

I arrived at the London Labour Regional Conference with the UNISON Labour Link delegation (and delegation leader), ready for 1.5 days of debates, workshops, and organising. Before the start we had a delegation meeting and gathered in trade union affiliates and as a delegation. Our Chair, Maggi Ferncombe, opened the conference, setting a confident and purposeful tone for the weekend.

The keynote speaker was David Lammy MP, addressing Pride in London and the wider political moment. His speech landed well — thoughtful, outward‑looking, and rooted in Labour values.

After the keynote, the conference broke into workshops. I headed to the YIMBY Labour fringe session with Greenwich Council Leader Cllr Anthony Okereke, exploring practical approaches to housing growth and planning reform. I raised the issue of providing homes in London for key workers many of whom will never be able to afford to buy or pay market rents.

Following lunch, we reconvened for the second UNISON Labour Link delegation meeting to discuss ballots and coordination. Then it was straight into another fringe: Places for London – “Metroland or Manchesterism: How do we build the homes London needs?” with contributions from Kam Rai, Tom Copley, Peabody, and Ruth Cadbury MP. A serious, grounded discussion about London’s housing future. I also asked the question was it possible to provide the homes needed for Londoners within Greater London boundaries. The answer from some panellists appeared to be yes. Interesting...

My final workshop of the day was “Supporting Local Parties”, an important session for me given the expectation that Stratford & Bow CLP will soon be reformed *and other Newham CLPs). Good practical guidance, and a reminder of how vital strong CLPs are to Labour’s organising culture.

The day closed with further speeches and reports on elections from Conference arrangement committee. Wes Streeting MP made his now‑famous joke about standing for Mayor of London “purely to wind up Dawn Butler MP who was in the audience” and corrected himself that only London was the greatest city in the world and that it was actually Manchester and London — a line that got a good laugh.

Day 2 — Reports, Recognition, and Motions

Day 2 opened with the CAC report on election processes, followed by a moving moment: long‑serving party activists receiving recognition certificates. Maggi also gave thanks to outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer, which prompted a standing ovation from the hall.

As a UNISON Labour Link delegate and Regional Convenor, I was proud to see Yvonne Green deliver a superb speech moving Motion 10: “London Rose Network.” Clear, confident, and rooted in the lived experience of London’s public service workers.

The rest of the morning and early afternoon saw more speakers from affiliates, the Co‑operative Party, CLPs, and GLA representatives — a reminder of the breadth and depth of Labour’s movement across the capital.

Overall Reflection

Across both days, the conference felt constructive, energetic, and grounded in real‑world priorities: housing, party organisation, public services, and community leadership. As an elected UNISON delegate, it was a privilege to contribute, listen, and represent our members.

Newham Power to Prosper Hub

Apologies for the lateness of this post — I’m well behind on social media updates — but I didn’t want to miss recording a very well‑attended and genuinely constructive meeting last month in Newham organised by Power to Proper.

I was there on behalf of Mayor Forhad Hussain, who had already met the organisation but was unable to attend this particular session. Fortunately, we were joined by Stephen Timms, our longstanding East Ham MP. It was a hot day, and Stephen was — true to form — the only person wearing a tie. Standards maintained.

One of the key issues raised was something that had initially caused a bit of confusion within the Council: “organisational homelessness.” Once explained, it made perfect sense. This wasn’t about individuals sleeping rough — it was about charities, community groups, and voluntary organisations who have no base, no office, and no centre from which to organise and deliver the vital services our residents rely on.

The discussion was frank and practical. I was able to confirm that the Mayor and Cabinet are committed to working with these organisations to identify and provide community spaces where possible. We all recognise that maintaining centres to a high standard — and ensuring they are run properly — requires resources. But we also know that the Council cannot solve every challenge alone. To meet our shared goals for Newham, we must work hand‑in‑hand with the voluntary sector.

This is an area I understand well, having spent nearly all of my working life in the voluntary sector. The passion, commitment, and resilience of these organisations is extraordinary — and helping them achieve stable, accessible spaces to operate from is not a luxury; it’s a necessity.

The meeting was a reminder of how much good can happen when local government and community organisations come together with honesty, ambition, and a shared purpose.