Thanking Lyn for her service as our West Ham MP

As Lyn’s Parliamentary Agent for many years I am saddened by her decision to stand down but totally understand and look forward to supporting whoever our elected NEC select as our candidate.  We have to elect 3 Labour MPs for Newham and I will do everything I can to make that happen. 

 

“It's scaremongering at its very worst"

 

“It's scaremongering at its very worst" UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea on Tory attacks on Labour’s New Deal for workers. “These figures bear absolutely no relation to reality and are quite frankly bonkers. It’s no small wonder the economy’s in such a mess if similarly farcical figures are informing the government’s economic strategy. “Yet again, the Tories are showing how little they understand the lives of ordinary working people. Everyone wants to be treated well and respected at work. “That’s why these measures are proving popular with the public and will go down well on doorsteps across the land. “Good employers have absolutely nothing to fear. But the measures will quite rightly have bad bosses quaking in their boots. And no one will shed a tear for them.”

@unisontheunion

Labour will build 1.5 million new homes across Britain.

 

Fantastic announcement https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c900pgjlvx8o

Unison school uniform grants - apply 8.30am or 5pm on this Wednesday 29.5.24

 

Reminder for unison members with school age children that they can apply for non-payable back grants of £75 per child. This is paid for by our in-house unison charity “thereforyou” which is a lifeline for so many members.

It is such a shame that the current unison majority NEC group is cutting financial support for our charity at a time when so many of our members and their families, are struggling due to the cost of living crisis.

Check out below. It is rather bureaucratic I am afraid.

“Applications will be made online and a link to apply will be added to the bottom of this webpage when the grant is live.

The grant will open on 29 May 2024 for 750 applications at 8.30am and again for another 750 applications at 5pm. You will not be able to apply before these times.

We anticipate high demand for these grants; and due to limited funding, we’re unable to accept more applications.

Please ensure you read the below information to check if you are eligible for the grant, as well as for further information about what information you will need to hand to apply.

If you are unable to complete the application due to an accessibility need, please email: sug@unison.co.uk or call UNISONdirect on 0800 0 857 857.

School Uniform Grant 2024 Criteria

Applicants must:   

• Be a UNISON member and have paid at least four weeks’ subscriptions as of 29 May 2024. Subscriptions must be up to date.
• Not have received a grant from UNISON Welfare since 29 November
  2023, excluding the Energy Support Fund or Winter Fuel Grant.
• Have savings (including the total rolling balance on current accounts) below £1,000 to qualify.
• Be financially responsible for school-aged child(ren) and receiving Child Benefit for them**.By school-aged, we mean children aged between 4 and 17 years old, who will be returning to school in the autumn.

And EITHER:

Be on a low income, meaning a net household income* of no more than £26,000/year (£2,166.67/month)

OR:

Be in receipt of means-tested benefits. This includes:

• Universal Credit
• Housing Benefit
• Child and/or Working Tax Credits
• Pension Credit
• Means-tested Jobseekers Allowance
• Means-tested Employment Support Allowance
• Income Support

* Net household income includes your monthly take-home pay from work (plus your partner’s, if you have one), any income from child maintenance payments, any income from student finance loans or bursaries, pensions (excluding Pension Credit) and any income from people living with you (e.g. adult children or lodgers).

** Where members either have no recourse to public funds and their household income is above £26,000/year or have no recourse to public funds and don’t receive Child Benefit; an assessment will be undertaken to see whether they would be eligible for benefits if they did have recourse to public funds.

What can I get help with?

We can help with a one-off, non-repayable grant of £75 per school-aged child which will be paid in the form of a voucher. These vouchers can be used at a selection of high street and online retailers. The vouchers cannot be used at independent retailers. We want to make this fund go as far as possible and help as many members as we can. Please only apply if you are in financial difficulty. There is a limited amount in the School Uniform Grant fund, and we are only able to accept 1,500 applications.  

What if I don’t know my membership number?

We cannot accept applications without a membership number. This can often be found at the bottom of any emails you have received from UNISON. Alternatively, please contact UNISONdirect on 0800 0 857 857.

How will you contact me?

Acknowledgement

Successful online submissions will receive an automated message confirming your application has been received. If this doesn’t show in your ‘inbox’, please check your ‘junk/spam’ folders.

Processing time

You should not expect to receive an immediate decision. It could take up to 12 weeks before you hear from us. We will require further evidence to support your application and we will be in touch via email to request this. Please do not send chasing emails as we will be unable to respond.

If I have recently received a grant, can I apply?

If you have received a grant from UNISON Welfare since 29 November 2023, excluding the Energy Support Fund or Winter Fuel Grant, you will not be eligible to apply for a School Uniform Grant.

How do I apply?

All applications should be made online. Make sure you have your membership number to hand. 

If you are unable to complete the application online due to work, personal or other commitments; we suggest you ask a friend or family member to apply online on your behalf. If you are unable to complete the application online due to a disability access need; please contact us on 29 May 2024, either by email: sug@unison.co.uk or by calling UNISONdirect on 0800 0 857 857. 

The grant will open on 29 May 2024 for 750 applications at 8.30am and 750 applications at 5pm. 

Any questions?
Contact us via email: sug@unison.co.uk 

Change only happens when working people vote - Labour Unions

 

LabourUnions

@labourunionsuk

·

19h

Key #GeneralElection deadlines Register to vote: Tue 18 June at 23.59 Applying for a Voter ID: Wed 26 June at 17:00 Applying for a postal vote: Wed 19 June at 17.00 Applying for a proxy vote: Wed 26 June at 17.00 Postal Vote/Register: click on link below

Working People Vote

UNISON NEC Meeting 23.5.24: "Roll Call John"

 

Full on day. I attended the UNISON NEC meeting and found out I have a new nick name "Roll Call John"! I will explain more in my NEC report to the Community Service Group Executive. 

In the meanwhile I hope our UNISON President will take up my offer of a guest post on this blog :-) 

Election can’t come soon enough, says UNISON

Commenting on the Prime Minister’s decision to call a general election on July 4, UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea @cmcanea 

“Election day can’t come soon enough. Working people and their families are crying out for a new government in Westminster. “One that values public services, can revitalise the economy and has a vision for the future. “Anyone who has struggled to make ends meet, tried to get an NHS appointment, seen council services savaged or wrangled with a social care sector that’s not fit for purpose will welcome this day. “It’s been clear for months that this government is out of ideas, out of touch and should be out of office.”

The law has changed on Flexible working requests

Hat tip ACAS " Unsure about making a #FlexibleWorking request? Under the Flexible Working Act 2023, you can now make two requests within a year.

Visit our advice page for more information, and for a free guide on how to make a request: https://acas.org.uk/flexible-worki"

To be clear these changes are an improvement but making an application is still far from straight forward with many employers. Especially those who have a very poor attitude to such requests and will come up with any old nonsense to reject it. 

See your trade union rep first and get representation at the formal meeting if it is needed. 

Independent Review of the Private Rented Sector

 

"Last Wednesday 15 May 24, Labour Housing Group was proud to host the launch of the report of the Independent Review of the Private Rented Sector. The full report is now available to read and download on our website https://lnkd.in/eAZi52Vc" 

"Exploring the Elizabeth Line" - Walk 20 Shenfield to Brentwood via Ingrave & Thorndon Country Park

 

Gill and I were lucky today to have a perfect warm, sunny spring Sunday to complete this 7.5 mile walk from Shenfield station to Brentwood Station. This was courtesy of this book "Exploring the Elizabeth Line", which has 23 walks starting (and mostly finishing) from the new London Crossrail line. 

Just around the corner from Shenfield station, we stopped of at petrol station with M&S food store, for picnic supplies (I had to eat, there and then, their hot sausage roll - super delicious). 

The first part of the walk is through the "Hutton Mount" estates, which I had assumed beforehand was a Council estate but turned out to be hundreds of mostly gated luxury homes with  private security security patrols. Incredible - I have never seen the like outside central London. None of whom had Labour Party posters up (see end of walk). I note that some homes cost more than £4 million. Which to me, to be honest, pretty sickening, that some have so much while so many others have so little.  

Wikipedia however, describes the wider village of Hutton, as being where the first Essex Policeman was murdered on duty in 1850 and were in 1905, the Chair of Poplar Board of Guardians (East London workhouses) George Lansbury (famous for going to prison over the Poplar rate rebellion and becoming the  leader of the Labour Party), built a training school for destitute children. I use to manage the social housing block called "George Lansbury House" in Tower Hamlets. 

Thorndon Hall was also an impressive building to view. A former stately home (top left) now converted into luxury private flats. I doubt "very much" it contains any social housing.

It was surprisingly quiet and even isolated in most part but there were a fair number of walkers, cyclists and runners enjoying the countryside. Due to recent rain it was very green and lush. The bird song was marvellous, lots of squirrels and occasional dragon flies. There was also lots of shade and lovely dappled sunshine paths. 

No stiles or obstructions to climb over (on the day). 

Instructions in book pretty clear but best to have a gps backup on your phone such as Detailed maps & routes to explore across the UK | OS Maps

Just before we finished in Brentwood, we came across a large "Vote Labour" placard (bottom left) on the balcony of a flat in a small tower block, which I am not sure if it was private or social housing but I am sure it did not cost £4 million. 

Afterwards stopped off at the Holly Tree in Forest Gate, where I enjoyed a pint of Spitfire in the crowded pub garden (but in plastic cup). 

Union Recognition at the National Deaf Children's Society

Check out and please sign this petition on Union Recognition at the National Deaf Children's Society | Megaphone UK

"The leadership at the National Deaf Children's Society (NDCS) refuses to accept union recognition despite 50% of their staff voting to recognise Unison in their workplace.

We now want to put external pressure on NDCS, and so we are asking people to write to their MP about this so they can urge the CEO to recognise Unison.

Why is this important?

Your support will make a difference in our efforts to achieve union recognition. The trade union movement is only as strong as the people who support it, and that’s why it is so essential that you show your support for NDCS staff at this critical moment.

Together, we can get Unison recognised at NDCS".

My question to the leadership and trustees of the NDCS is - why on earth does a charity fail to respect the human rights of their work force to collective bargaining? 

Personally, I do not think that any organisation that fails to respect human rights should receive charitable status nor be in receipt of any form of public funding.

Labour’s first steps for change

 

The country needs change and Labour has a plan to deliver it.

Keir Starmer has set out Labour’s five national missions to get Britain’s future back. The missions are long term, fully funded aims that will guide a Labour government’s decisions to deliver a decade of national renewal.

These first steps build towards the missions by setting out how Labour would make an immediate impact to people’s lives and kickstart a real process of lasting change.

Check out more Labour's first steps for change – The Labour Party

Get help with school uniform costs - UNISON "there for you" (despite the cuts)

 

While I am "disappointed" (to say the least) that the current majority group on the UNISON NEC is cutting the financial support for our vulnerable members, by hundreds of thousands of pounds, this vital scheme is still going ahead from 29 May 24. 

I believe in the last scheme the money allocated was claimed within 4 minutes!!! so members need to get organised to make a successful application. 

It is to my mind "regrettable" that the NEC cuts to the "there for you" budget have not been overturned and more money given to support the children of low paid UNISON members. 

Check out School Uniform Grant | There for You (UNISON Welfare) | UNISON National 

"Applications will be made online and a link to apply will be added to the bottom of this webpage when the grant is live.

The grant will open on 29 May 2024 for 750 applications at 8.30am and again for another 750 applications at 5pm. You will not be able to apply before these times.

We anticipate high demand for these grants; and due to limited funding, we’re unable to accept more applications.

Please ensure you read the below information to check if you are eligible for the grant, as well as for further information about what information you will need to hand to apply.

If you are unable to complete the application due to an accessibility need, please email: sug@unison.co.uk or call UNISONdirect on 0800 0 857 857.

School Uniform Grant 2024 Criteria

Applicants must: Be a UNISON member and have paid at least four weeks’ subscriptions as of 29 May 2024. Subscriptions must be up to date.
Not have received a grant from UNISON Welfare since 29 November
2023, excluding the Energy Support Fund or Winter Fuel Grant.
Have savings (including the total rolling balance on current accounts) below £1,000 to qualify.
Be financially responsible for school-aged child(ren) and receiving Child Benefit for them**.By school-aged, we mean children aged between 4 and 17 years old, who will be returning to school in the autumn.

And EITHER:

Be on a low income, meaning a net household income* of no more than £26,000/year (£2,166.67/month)

OR:

Be in receipt of means-tested benefits. This includes:Universal Credit
Housing Benefit
Child and/or Working Tax Credits
Pension Credit
Means-tested Jobseekers Allowance
Means-tested Employment Support Allowance
Income Support

* Net household income includes your monthly take-home pay from work (plus your partner’s, if you have one), any income from child maintenance payments, any income from student finance loans or bursaries, pensions (excluding Pension Credit) and any income from people living with you (e.g. adult children or lodgers).

** Where members either have no recourse to public funds and their household income is above £26,000/year or have no recourse to public funds and don’t receive Child Benefit; an assessment will be undertaken to see whether they would be eligible for benefits if they did have recourse to public funds.

What can I get help with?

We can help with a one-off, non-repayable grant of £75 per school-aged child which will be paid in the form of a voucher. These vouchers can be used at a selection of high street and online retailers. The vouchers cannot be used at independent retailers. We want to make this fund go as far as possible and help as many members as we can. Please only apply if you are in financial difficulty. There is a limited amount in the School Uniform Grant fund, and we are only able to accept 1,500 applications. 

What if I don’t know my membership number?

We cannot accept applications without a membership number. This can often be found at the bottom of any emails you have received from UNISON. Alternatively, please contact UNISONdirect on 0800 0 857 857.

How will you contact me?

Acknowledgement

Successful online submissions will receive an automated message confirming your application has been received. If this doesn’t show in your ‘inbox’, please check your ‘junk/spam’ folders.

Processing time

You should not expect to receive an immediate decision. It could take up to 12 weeks before you hear from us. We will require further evidence to support your application and we will be in touch via email to request this. Please do not send chasing emails as we will be unable to respond.

If I have recently received a grant, can I apply?

If you have received a grant from UNISON Welfare since 29 November 2023, excluding the Energy Support Fund or Winter Fuel Grant, you will not be eligible to apply for a School Uniform Grant.

How do I apply?

All applications should be made online. Make sure you have your membership number to hand.

If you are unable to complete the application online due to work, personal or other commitments; we suggest you ask a friend or family member to apply online on your behalf. If you are unable to complete the application online due to a disability access need; please contact us on 29 May 2024, either by email: sug@unison.co.uk or by calling UNISONdirect on 0800 0 857 857.

The grant will open on 29 May 2024 for 750 applications at 8.30am and 750 applications at 5pm.

Any questions?
Contact us via email: sug@unison.co.uk"

Time is running out: UNISON Service Group Executive Elections - Ballot finishes this Friday 5pm 17 May 2024

These are really important elections. Not just London Local Government. Some seats were not contested so not everyone has received a postal vote (and you can vote via email but don't do both!). If going for postal vote, best to put 1st class stamp on to send off tomorrow morning. 

You can also vote using the link sent to you by email from CES – search your email inbox "CES" to dig it out.

Voting only takes a few seconds, but your work future and the future of the union is in your hands.

The list below is of personal recommendations by myself and others. BTW I have not asked any of these candidates if they want to be on this list! 

Community Service Group:

Northern: Malcolm Gray and Clare Penny-Evans
North west: Joy Ryan

Health Service Group:

Eastern: Ben Matenga
East Midlands: Stuart Hallowes
London: Chris Akaluka, Julie Cunnane, Paula Ward
North West: Iain Mooney and Janice Fennell-Rutherford
Yorkshire & Humberside: Dave Syms, Julie Marsland and Rhian Hawthorn
South West: Alison Evans and Marion Baker
South East: Fatima Kamara
Wales: Dawn Ward and Rhian Edwards

Local Government Service Group:

Eastern: Neil Bland
East Midlands: Richard platt and Clare harwood
London: Sean fox, Sonya howard and Clara Mason
West Midlands: Justin Ashton
Yorkshire and humberside: Kerri Tierney and Joshua Moore
South West: Neil guild and Sharon foster
Wales: Dave Rees and Kim Russell

Higher Education Service Group:

East Midlands: Irvin Hendrickson and Hannah Mee
London: Josie Mangan-Murphy and Sue Parkins

London, let’s do this.

Great result! Sadiq back as our Labour Mayor for another 4 years. 

West Hammers play defence then offense on tour for Sadiq & Labour 2024

 

Today I joined my West Ham ward Labour comrades John W, Ash and Varghese on a "GTVO" (Get the Vote out") canvass of key priority routes in our ward.

John & I picked up routes and leaflets from our campaign HQ in the morning. We then fueled up with the full english cooked breakfast at the Plaistow Cafe (recommended) then joined Varghese to finish off Corporation Street and to re-knock on doors that we had no response from last night. .

In the afternoon we met up with Asheem, as well and "knocked up" our other West Ham ward priority routes. After we finished them we were sent to another route in E7.

There was a positive Labour response but I am always a little paranoid during elections and I was concerned by the number of voters previously identified as Labour saying they were now "undecided".

Which is always a little worrying but let's wait and see. Count starts on Saturday in London.

It's Polling Day!

 

"On the knocker" for Sadiq and Labour in Corporation Street E15

This evening my ward Cllr colleague. John Whitworth and I went knocking doors in Corporation Street, West Ham, Newham London. This was to remind residents about the election tomorrow and find out when and if they intend to vote for Sadiq as Mayor and for Labour. 

Corporation Street is reputed to be one of the longest residential roads in Newham. It is a mixture of London railway terrace housing and maisonettes. It is made up of owner occupiers, social and private rented homes. Multicultural and multi social economic class. Pretty typical of Newham. 

It was also positive for Sadiq and Labour but we had some respectful discussions with residents on a wide range of real political and social issues. 

While some had reservations and concerns, the majority simply wanted Labour in power and to stop the Tories in London. They understood that voting Sadiq and Labour this was the only way to do so. 

We will be out tomorrow with ward members knocking on more doors (and getting our steps up)