Saturday, July 27, 2019

Test Card F

Posts have been pretty irregular recently. Hope to get back to normal soon.

Sunday, July 21, 2019

50 years ago a man walked on the moon. Next week....

50 years ago ago a man walked on the Moon. Next week a buffoon will walk into 10 Downing Street. This is not progress.

Saturday, July 20, 2019

Defend local government pensions | Campaigns | UNISON National

Defend local government pensions | Campaigns | UNISON National: The latest attack on pension rights is the thin end of the wedge.

The government is currently consulting on plans to allow universities and colleges in England to opt out of offering the local government pension scheme (LGPS) to new non-teaching staff. The proposal would:
  • Create a two-tier workforce with new starters offered inferior pensions
  • Disproportionately affect women and the lower paid
  • Threaten the future sustainability of the whole scheme
This attack on pension rights is the thin end of the wedge – let’s take action.
The government consultation closes on 31 July so let’s make our views heard.
Download handy template responses for individuals and branches from the resources section via link

Thursday, July 18, 2019

Calling all Newham Council tenants & Leaseholders

We want to hear about where you live and how we can improve these areas. Book at your local forum
http://socsi.in/TenantLeaseholderForums_4ndg2

Tuesday, July 16, 2019

When we also murdered Jews...

Last week I was in York for a UNISON Labour Party conference. In the centre of York there is castle called Clifford’s Tower.

In March 1190 the entire Jewish population of York estimated to be 150 men, women and children had fled to the Tower for protection from an antisemite mob.

The Tower was set alight. Most of them decided to commit suicide rather than surrender to the mob. Those who did surrender were slaughtered.

Jews were also being murdered in London and Norfolk.

Least we forget are own shameful history.

Hat tip https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/cliffords-tower-york/history-and-stories/history/


Friday, July 12, 2019

Fair Tax Week

This week is Fair Tax Week. Imagine what a better world we would live in if the rich individuals and corporations paid their fair share in taxation.

One of my favourite quotations is this “I like paying taxes. With them I buy civilization". Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.

Hat tip Coop Party.

Thursday, July 11, 2019

A day with a Community Wealth Builder

I have finally got around to posting on a great "fact finding" visit I had recently with Leader of Preston Council, Cllr Matthew Brown, showing me and a Newham Council officer Community Wealth Building (CWB) initiatives in and around his City centre.

Our aim was to learn from lessons from Matthew and the "Preston Model" for Newham. Matthew took us around a number of CWB related developments starting with lunch at a new co-operative cafe opposite the town hall.  Next was a walkabout around the excellent new market that has been rebuilt offering opportunities to new startups and existing stall holders as well as encouraging locals to shop locally. 

A Preston Cooperative Network has been set up proving advice, informaton, consultancy, training, facilities, finance and access to suppliers.

Reduced rent can be provided for by the Council for cooperatives provided staff are paid a living wage and recognise trade unions.

Matthew also took us to visit a housing coop building new homes and also new build student accommodation built with the help of pension fund investment.

We also had a frank discussion with Matthew and a Preston Council regeneration officer about how difficult the CWB journey has been at times. Dealing with public procurement and partnership arrangements with anchor institutions was never going to be easy or straightforward.  Getting support and close collaboration with the University of Central Lancaster, CLES (economic think tank), Mondragon Corporation (Basque federation of worker cooperatives) and the Open society was important but political buy in from Councillors and officers is key.

Matthew was very interested in what we are doing in Newham, in particular our proposed pension fund investment in social housing.

Many thanks to Matthew and Preston officers for taking the time to welcome and inform us. 

Wednesday, July 10, 2019

Unison School uniform grants closing soon!

Members on low income could be eligible for school uniform grants from UNISON “There4You” of £40 per child (up to maximum of £120 for 3 children).

Application forms have to be returned by Friday 19 July. Members who are housing benefit and have limited savings should qualify.

Contact your branch welfare officer or if you do not know how then ring Unisondirect 0800 0 857 857 or check out https://www.unison.org.uk/get-help/services-support/there-for-you/unison-school-uniform-grants-2019/

Hat tip photo UNISON Scotland

Tuesday, July 09, 2019

Monday, July 08, 2019

UNISON National Labour Link Forum 2019 - Day 2

Final morning of Forum (Saturday). The delegation had sat together for the formal meal the previous evening. There was another 9.30 start with the UNISON Labour Link Annual Report.

There was a lovely presentation by the Chair of Labour Party NEC, Wendy Nichols to Keith Birch, our National Labour Link officer, who is retiring from UNISON (and from the Labour Party NEC). Keith received a standing ovation from Forum for his 30 plus years of service to the union and the party.

Then we debated motions until just before lunchtime.

I was pleased with the number of speakers from Greater London region and that our two London motions were passed (Motion 7. Ambulance Workers Age of Retirement and motion 16. Trade union Freedom).

Another successful Labour Link forum which despite everything the Tories can throw at us shows that the Labour Movement in UNISON is still live and kicking.


Sunday, July 07, 2019

Anne Lister: Lesbian and Diarist

After the end of UNISON Labour Link Forum,  we stayed on at York for the weekend and we went on a guided tour of York, which took us to the Church (Holy Trinity) that Anne Lister and Ann Walker sealed their union in Easter 1834. The film series "Gentleman Jack" is currently on TV (and Saturday was London Pride)

Saturday, July 06, 2019

Motion 2 – Local Government Finance #LabLink19

This is my speech to UNISON Labour Link Forum on behalf of the National Committee on Government cuts to Local Government.

"Forum, the scale of the problem is simply staggering.

Government funding to local authorities has been cut since 2010 by an incredible 60%. This means Councils have lost 60p in every pound since the last Labour Government. 60p in every pound!

While at the same time, councils have had to deal with rising demand for its services. For example.

· the number of homeless families living in temporary accommodation has increased by 34%

· the number of “looked after” children living in our care grew by 11%; and

· the number of elderly people in need of care aged 65 and over increased by 15%

So Forum, we have vulnerable families, children and the elderly suffering the most from vicious Tory and Lib Dem austerity

But surely Forum, last year didn't he Tories claimed that austerity is coming to an end? I think you will find Local Government beg to disagree.

A few special funds, here and there maybe, but nothing, repeat nothing, which meets the real needs we face.

And anything really new in the current Tory leadership debate? Sorry, a big fat zero; nothing about the role of Local Government and its services

A few crumbs on social care but NO concrete plan.

It is only fair to say that Labour’s last manifesto, while excellent on many things, was short on detail for local government – and rather short on cash as well.

However, our colleagues in Labour Local Government, do have plans for what will be needed from day one of a Labour government, to begin the task for putting local government finance back on firm foundations.

And most importantly, where Local Government workers get a fair reward.

UNISON is best placed to be the voice of the local government workforce and residents.

We must build a campaign,

Like no other in recent years

This week at local government association conference, Even Tory council leaders, were admitting that a third of all councils are frightened they will run out of money for statutory services, never mind everything else.

We must be the champions of Local Government across the whole country.

Forum, get behind the motion and fight for local government. Please support".

Motion was passed unanimously.

Friday, July 05, 2019

UNISON National Labour Link Forum 2019 - Day 1

I arrived yesterday morning for a pre meeting of the National Labour Link Committee where we agreed policy towards toward motions and agreed our speakers. In the evening I chaired the London regional delegation meeting, after which 11 of us went for a meal in a local curry restaurant.  

Forum started at 9.30am with a report by Standing Orders committee followed by debates on motions. I spoke on motion 2 "Cuts in Local Government" on behalf of the National Committee.  Next was a speech and Q&A by Richard Corbett MEP, leader of the European Parliamentary Labour Party. Richard is quietly spoken for a politician but gave an impressive and good humoured analysis of the Brexit crisis. I just hope he is right that backing a second referendum will not damage Labour's election prospects.  

After more debates on motions, our Keynote speaker was our General Secretary, Dave Prentis, who pointed out that there is no such thing as a "left wing No Deal" Brexit. "No deal" will be hugely damaging. 

Lunch was followed by a workshops and at 4pm there was a panel of MPs who used to UNISON activists,  Melanie Onn,  Liz Twist and Daniel Zeichner. Mel told Forum that our Party needs to unite and get its act together to defeat the Tories and "stop the nonsense" (to loud applause). 

Later that evening there was the famous Labour Link meal for delegates at the hotel. A good time was had by all. Forum restarted 9.30 sharp the next day. 

Thursday, July 04, 2019

Newham Council Apprenticeship Scheme


Newham Council is recruiting for Apprentices. Please read all documents carefully and take note of apprenticeship criteria below before applying. To apply and for further information please see the below.

CLICK HERE

Should you require any help or advice with your online application, please contact the Recruitment Help Desk on: 0203 373 0909.

The closing date for all applications Tuesday 16th July 2019.

About the Job

Newham Apprentice

£19,803 pa

The Newham Apprenticeship Scheme (NAS) offers an opportunity for you to start an exciting new career, whether it is your first job, returning to work after a career break, or you are looking for a change in career direction.

There are opportunities in 21 different services including Children's Health Service, Resident Engagement, Sports & Leisure, Finance and Project Management. Please see the 'NAS Service Bios Booklet' attached for descriptions of the 21 services and the duties of each role. These opportunities are based in various sites across the borough.

Please see link for Biographies of the services to choose from and a general Job Description.

The roles will be on a two-year fixed term contract paying the London Living Wage.

As an apprentice you will receive off the job training to work towards either a Level 2 or 3 qualification related to your job role. You will also receive practical experience and work alongside experienced professionals who will help shape your professional development. There are even opportunities to progress to a higher or degree level apprenticeship in the future, avoiding tuition fees and potential student debt.

We are planning to offer a range of Level 2 and Level 3 apprenticeships in the following areas:

Assistant Accountant
Business Administrator
Community Activator Coach
Facilities Management

About You

To apply for an apprenticeship candidates must:
be 16 to 30 years of age*
be a Newham resident with proof of address
have right to work documents e.g. passport and proof of National Insurance number

*As an employer, London Borough of Newham is under represented in this age range, compared to the resident population of Newham.

No formal qualifications are needed to apply but the recruitment process does include an English and Maths assessment.

If you're a Newham care leaver applying, please clearly state this in your supporting statement.

Should you require any help or advice with your online application, please contact the Recruitment Help Desk on: 0203 373 0909.

Wednesday, July 03, 2019

Community NEC report: John Gray 3 July 2019



Firstly, many thanks to all branches that nominated me and to those who voted to re-elect me to the National Executive Council to represent our service group.

Also, congratulations to Denise Thomas who was also elected for the first time as the other NEC representative for Community.

I offer genuine commiserations to those on this Service Group Executive who were unsuccessful, but at least in Community it was I believe, a clean fight and now we must work together for the betterment of our members.

Both Denise and I stood on a joint platform and promise the SGE, branches and members that we will be accountable to them, will attend NEC/SGE meetings and report back in person and in writing.

If any branch or regional Community branch wants us to attend any meeting or events (especially campaigns or industrial action) then let us know and if we can we will attend.

NEC meeting 29 May 2019
Dave Prentis report on recent industrial action successes; Brexit update and the terrible performance in the local elections for Labour. The recruitment “Go for Growth” programme was a success with membership numbers up in every single UNISON region. The NEC agreed to send congratulations to members involved in the victories.

It also voted to send solidarity messages to members taking action, or preparing to, in other key strategic disputes, including care workers fighting cuts to the sleep-in pay at Alternative Futures Group across north-west England and hospital domestics fighting privatisation.

National Delegate Conference 2019

I was present at Conference which I thought went well but a little boring. I spoke on behalf of the NEC on the Housing Composite (my speech is on my blog and other posts on conference https://www.johnslabourblog.org/).

John Gray

Tuesday, July 02, 2019

Local Government Conference 2019

Yesterday I went to Day One of this year's Local Government Conference in Bournemouth representing Newham. This is the annual conference for all councils in the UK and all political parties.

I arrived to hear the the debate on climate emergency & UN sustainable development goals moved by Bristol Mayor, Marvin Rees. To my surprise (not the only one that day) there was no speakers against and it was passed unanimously. 

During speeches by the outgoing and new Conservative Party Chair's of the LGA, I was astonished (and pleased) by the "one nation" Toryism I heard. I felt that I could be (almost) in a meeting of "Defend Council Housing" as both Lord (Gary) Porter and the new chair, Cllr Jamie Jamieson between them praised Council Housing as cheaper and better quality; called for reversal of austerity cuts and pointed out that local authority schools do better than academies.

Secretary of State, James Brokenshire, started his speech by saying because of the leadership election and Brexit he cannot announce anything and then spent the next 10 minutes proving it.

The keynote speaker was Governor of the Bank of England, Mark Carney, who successfully charmed the conference. I was able to ask him a question that if there's an economic trade shock from Trump or Brexit, will there be a role for councils to build homes as a fiscal stimulus? He replied basically Yes, you get more multiplier effect, "more bang for your buck", from investment in infrastructure /housing but he doubted that councils had capacity to build to scale needed.

I went to the UNISON conference stall and supported their  campaign and next door and met chair of LAPFF (Local Authority Pension Fund Forum) Cllr Doug Murdo.

The workshop on preventing homelessness & rough sleeping chaired by Cllr Nick Forbes (Newcastle) was fascinating. How come Newcastle only has an average of 6 rough sleepers per night?

In the evening I went to a fringe organised by the LGiU and Camra on the importance of supporting local pubs (no particular reason of course) then in the evening I met up for a late night chat with my Newham Comrades Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz and Cabinet Finance member Terry Paul who travelled down after our Cabinet meeting.

Back to London in morning for UNISON NEC meeting.


Monday, July 01, 2019

Warrior Square Walkabout

Picture college from this morning's walkabout in Warrior Square, Little Ilford with Councillors and officers from Housing liaison, Caretaking, ASB, Repairs and Technical.  Also, a local Police Community Support Officer was in attendance.

I am determined that we try to "design out crime" on our estates as far as possible. We identified the demolition of disused pram sheds and greater use of mobile CCTV cameras as being possible way forwards.

We also need to make it clear that all forms of anti-social behaviour will simply not be tolerated and  that residents who cause (or allow) such criminal behaviour will face eviction and/or termination of their leases. 

I am really pleased that we now have a dedicated Housing Liaison officer for all blocks and estates in the borough and that there will be regular inspections of estates by officers, Councillors and local residents.