Newham Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz response to Prime Minister statement 23 March 2020

"Dear Newham Resident,

Earlier this evening, the Prime Minister announced new measures to enforce social distancing across the country as the confirmed cases and deaths due to Coronavirus continue to rise in the UK.

In Newham, six deaths attributed to the virus have so far been confirmed, and those infected rising to 70 people as of today, up 13 from Sunday. To be frank we expect the figures in Newham to rise. My heartfelt condolences to those families who have lost loved ones, and I wish those infected a speedy recovery.

We also welcome the Prime Minister’s statement urging people to limit travel, to stay at home and to practise social distancing. Amongst the emergency measures he announced, and which will be reviewed in three weeks, are:

· There will be the prevention of gatherings of more than two people;
· Unless you are going to essential work, you will only be allowed to step out for shopping and exercise once-a-day; or for any medical need; or if you are helping an elderly or vulnerable person;
· All social events will be stopped including weddings, except burials;
· Non-essential retail businesses will be required to close, as will playgrounds in parks and libraries;
· Police have powers to disperse and fine people for breaching these restrictions.

I first want to assure you that we as a council are doing all we can to support you, which is why from tomorrow we will be putting in place further measures to stop the spread of this deadly virus spreading in Newham in line with this new guidance from the Government.

We all need to play our part in stopping the spread of coronavirus, which is why we have taken the decision to change the way we are delivering some of our council services to you.

A full list of the Newham Council services that are affected can be found at www.newham.gov.uk/servicestatus but please be reassured that we are doing everything we can to maintain as much business as normal, but we need to protect residents and our staff from unnecessary risk.

During this challenging and very difficult time I continue to urge all of you to do your bit to help prevent the spread of the virus; that means following all relevant health advice, from personal hygiene to minimising social contact with others, working from home were possible, restrict your gatherings with other people including in parks, recreational areas and places of worship, and only completing essential travel. Stations in Newham this morning were far busier than they should have been given the current circumstances.

It also means acting in the best interests of others, including not panic buying in our shops and supermarkets, which causes shortages where none really exist and puts the most vulnerable at risk.

For all the latest and best advice please visit our website www.newham.gov.uk

As ever please keep safe and look after one another.

Newham Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz"

Happy Mothers Day!

Off message but...

Happy Mother's Day Mum! Lovely to speak to you on Facetime tonight and so sorry we cannot meet up at Easter due to virus.

Keep safe and well.

Lots of love
John & Gill xxx

(me with spade, big sister Helen and little sister Lucy in Cornwall late 60s)

Keep on walking

Advice on the BBC web page confirms that it is still okay to go outdoors for exercise as long as you follow advice to stay 2m apart from others. This advice may change in the future.

Gill and I took advantage of the sunshine today to walk along the Roding Valley Way (picked up at Manor Park). Despite the road traffic noise it is always nice to walk by water. We saw very few people and it was easy to avoid other walkers. We made a point of saying hello to everyone!

Walking along Wanstead flats, we came across these very sensible 3 residents going for a walk with suitable gaps between them (see above).

However, I did see some footballers doing fitness training together, which didn't appear to be very wise in the circumstances.

There are a number of walks, green spaces and parks in Newham and nearby. For many years we have been going for walks in and around the outskirts of London and often we have hardly seen anyone else.

It is really important for physical and mental health that everyone gets out and exercise.

If parks are too popular then they will be closed but in the meanwhile check out :-

https://www.newham.gov.uk/Pages/Services/Parks-and-open-spaces.aspx (some venues and all organised activities are likely to have been suspended)

https://www.newham.gov.uk/Pages/ServiceChild/Other-parks-and-green-spaces.aspx

http://www.essexwalks.com/

https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/green-spaces/epping-forest/sports-events-and-activities/Pages/walking-and-running.aspx

Check out more photos of todays walk on Facebook here

Visiting the grave of Matchgirl strike leader Sarah Chapman

Today I finally went to find the grave of Matchgirl strike leader, Sarah Chapman, in Manor Park cemetery. The Matchgirls strike of 1888 at the Byrant and May factory in Bow is an important event in trade union history. It was led by women and helped establish trade unionism and the wider Labour movement.

On Thursday I was supposed to have met the great-granddaughter of Sarah and directors of the privately owned cemetery to discuss plans for the future of the grave site. The family are very concerned about proposals for mounding – a process where the existing gravestones are removed, the ground levelled and new earth put on top.

The family and their many supporters want a suitable permanent memorial to Sarah on her grave. Check details and about the wider campaign for a statute for all the Matchgirls.

This meeting was called off due to coronavirus but we are hoping to rearrange with a virtual meeting as soon as possible.

You can visit the grave quite easily (but be careful of trip hazards). It is located in area marked 146 and 147.

When you go into the cemetery from Sebert Road entrance, turn 1st right along Cornwell Crescent which goes into Burge Road.

146/147 is to the right and you can see the area taped off and signs warning they are planning to remove all memorials and headstones in the area.

Check opening times here

UPDATE: Sign the Change petition here  

Update from the Mayor of Newham: Coronavirus update 20.3.20

Update from the Mayor of Newham: Coronavirus update - an increase of confirmed cases at 42 (20 March 2020)

Today, there’s been confirmation of further increases of confirmed Coronavirus cases in Newham from 32 yesterday to 42.

Additionally, we heard further announcements from the Government earlier today about support for those in work, and Key headlines are as follows:

1. The wages of millions of workers will be paid via grants covering up to 80% of theirs salaries if their employers kept them on the payroll; with payments up to a maximum of £2,500 per month - just above the median income;

2. Measures to strengthen the benefits safety net for people out of work, and increasing the value of universal credit and tax credits by £1000 a year;

3. £1bn of extra support for renters, to increase housing benefit and universal credit so that local housing benefit will cover at least 30% market rents in a local area.

Also earlier today, I hosted the first in a series of conference calls with our voluntary sector partners and the faith communities in Newham, to update them on what we are doing and our plans for supporting the most vulnerable - and where we will need their help. My thanks to Cllrs Charlene McLean, Muzibar Rahman and Ann Easter for their help and support with this vital effort.

This unprecedented health crisis that we find ourselves in as a result of the coronavirus pandemic shows no signs of abating. Tragically four people in Newham have already died of this horrific virus, and more are confirmed to be suffering from it. To be frank we expect the figures to rise.

It breaks my heart to have to send out messages of condolence to grieving families – but I assure you this Council and all the health partners in Newham are doing all we can to minimise the spread.

Schools have now closed and leisure centres will close this evening. We have identified the most vulnerable and needy in our community so we can support them. Today the government has ordered pubs, clubs, cafes, theatres, cinemas and bars to close.

I cannot state strongly enough how serious this outbreak, and the situation we face, is.

We cannot tackle this without your help. I need every one of you to do your bit. You must follow the expert health advice. Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly. Isolate yourself and those close to you if you have symptoms like a new cough or high temperature. Stop all but essential travel. Do not attend social gatherings. Work from home where possible. Keep a distance between you and other people.

Please do not panic buy and strip supermarket shelves – leaving the poorest and most vulnerable at genuine risk.

On Sunday, it is Mother’s Day. Many of you face a dilemma – to visit your loved ones or not. Honestly, the best way to show your love is to do the right thing - stay away. Just for this year, a phone call or a video call may be the best gift – safety. If we don’t adapt our behaviour, we run the risk of losing more of our mothers, and fathers, and grandparents.

If we work together we can beat this thing and I’ve been encouraged to see so many residents and groups coming forward who have recognised how important it is to join together to support others who are most vulnerable and in need.

We have to make sure that support is directed to where it is most needed, whether that is delivering food parcels, providing information or sharing tasks like shopping or picking up medications.

Volunteering tasks can also be done remotely as well for those who are not able to meet people. It’s just as important to offer a friendly voice to someone from the end of a telephone.

There will be more information on our website for those of you wishing to offer your support and we will be providing regular updates about what the Council is doing.

We want to particularly support our most vulnerable residents in Newham - those who are over 70, those with underlying health conditions and needs. The information we want you to share with others is here: https://www.newham.gov.uk/…/Ser…/Coronavirus-(Covid-19).aspx

Please help us by communicating this advice across your social networks. You can help us to spread the word and support our communities. In the meantime our eight community neighbourhood teams are there to provide you with all the help you need to support your local neighbourhood. Contact them on community.neighbourhoods@newham.gov.uk

Like every other organisation, Newham Council and its staff are being affected by Coronavirus, with staff practising self-isolation or forced off work due to illness. This in turn is having an impact on Council services. You can keep up with the latest service updates by following this link: www.newham.gov.uk/servicestatus

Rokhsana Fiaz, Executive Mayor of Newham

Keir Starmer urges national Income Guarantee Scheme to combat economic impact of coronavirus

Keir Starmer has called on the Government to introduce a bold, comprehensive package to protect the incomes of British workers against the economic impact caused by the coronavirus outbreak.

Earlier this week, the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced additional financial support for businesses affected by the virus.

However, the Government has yet to provide any significant support for employees who have either lost or are at risk of losing their jobs, or who will see their incomes fall as a result of the current crisis.

Starmer is calling for every worker to have their incomes guaranteed through a new, comprehensive national Income Guarantee Scheme. The Scheme would sit alongside the existing measures announced by the Government to support the economy.

Under the proposals:

Any Government loan would be tied into an agreement with individual businesses about job protection. This week’s package of loans and grants for businesses was an essential first step, but by choosing not to put any conditions on this support, ministers provided very little protection for workers during this crisis. 

A Danish-style wage subsidy initiative would be introduced that provides businesses facing coronavirus-related job losses with direct Government subsidies to help them cover wages. 

Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) would be increased and made available to all. The SSP would be trebled from £94.25 a week to match the Real Living Wage. The lower earnings limit requirement would be scrapped and SSP would be extended to be available to everyone who needs it, including the self-employed. 

Ministers should look to strengthen and expand the social security system at the earliest opportunity

Keir Starmer is calling on the Government to urgently consider these proposals and to work with trade unions to make sure the necessary measures are in place as soon as possible.

Commenting on the proposals, Keir Starmer said:

“Millions of people are already feeling the impact of the economic shock caused by the coronavirus. We have all heard tragic stories of people expecting to be laid off work or see their incomes fall.

“Days into this crisis ministers are still several steps behind where they need to be in order to reassure people facing a loss of income. Other countries across the world, such as Denmark, have shown what actions Government can take to protect people's incomes.

“The proposals I am setting out today would provide essential reassurance to people that their wages would be guaranteed during this crisis. Businesses would be incentivised to protect jobs, incomes would be protected and the social security system would be strengthened.

“These proposals are bold, but necessary. We are potentially days away from further social-distancing measures that will change British life. It is imperative that the Government acts to support workers to buy food, pay the bills and cover the cost of living.

“I urge ministers to give these proposals serious consideration and to work with businesses and trade unions to ensure families are given the help they need.”

UNISON Housing Association AGM - Branch Chair report

 A real shame but understandable that we had to cancel our Branch AGM tonight at London City Hall. Many thanks to Deputy Mayor for Housing, Tom Copley, for offering to be our keynote speaker and to his staff for organising it (also to my local Assembly member Unmesh Desai).

I would also like to thank branch Executive members for all their hard work in organising the AGM.

Below is my report as Branch Chair which I would have presented tonight (and will still be sent out to our members in our annual report)

"Branch Chair report

While the dreadful general election result was the low point of my year as Chair of the branch, it has actually meant that our union is even more important to our members who have faced amongst the very worst cuts in jobs and attacks on their pay, pensions, terms and conditions. 

Care and support members are under threat as some unscrupulous employers deliberately underbid to win contracts then try and do everything they can to destroy pay protections. Many housing management organisations are making large surpluses yet refuse to give their staff decent pay rises.

Winning trade union recognition agreements and greater trade union membership density in our workplaces is absolutely key to saving jobs and improving pay. The more members we have in any employer, the better the deal we will always get for those members. 

To do this we must carry on with the reorganisation and modernisation of our branch to ensure that members and stewards get the very best support and assistance. This is a “bread and butter” issue and we must make sure that the branch, in partnership with the region, delivers for its members.

Due to other commitments I am standing down as Chair but I hope to still remain on the branch executive. 

My high points as Chair was watching and listening (and learning too) to our branch delegates and members speaking in many debates at our UNISON National Conference in June and our Community conference last month. In terms of ideas and vitality the branch is punching above the weight of its 3000 members in a 1.3 million union.

Finally, I would like to thank our directly employed branch workers and UNISON regional staff for their hard work in advising and representing members. But most importantly, I also want to thank our lay activists and shop stewards who are the unsung heroes of our movement and the first line of defence in so many workplaces.

"The chancellor's stimulus package doesn't go nearly far enough" Keir Starmer

"Where is the support for renters, the social care sector, public services or local authorities? The Guardian

We are living through a global emergency. There are no easy solutions. Soundbites will not turn the situation around. And all of us have a duty to act in the public interest.

So far, the government has, understandably, focused on a public health approach. But we must have confidence in the advice that is being given. This confidence requires full transparency from the government about the evidence and the modelling being relied upon. The last few days of confused messaging and policy-making has exacerbated uncertainty and cannot continue.

We need a clear and accessible public safety campaign, along with up-to-date information and clear guidance to the public about the steps required of them. It is good the prime minister has accepted the need for daily press conferences, but it is no use people waiting by their television for advice that is incomplete and incoherent.

In addition, the sheer scale of the challenge ahead requires a coordinated national response going well beyond a public health approach. It is no good telling older people to stay at home without an accompanying plan to guarantee their wellbeing. Ministers and departments cannot act in isolation.

There should be a coordinated resilience plan on a huge scale, anticipating problems wherever possible and flexible enough to adapt to swiftly changing circumstances.

How we provide core public services – police, transport, childcare, housing, social care – and ensure a supply of basic goods during a prolonged period of uncertainty is critical. In the absence of clear cross-departmental planning, urgently needed resources will not be allocated quickly enough or put to best use.

What is needed is a national plan of action, which the government should draw up as a matter of urgency and publish. This plan should then be coordinated and rolled out through the civil contingency secretariat, the agency responsible for emergency planning.

Alongside public health and the provision of core public services, safeguarding our economy is vital. The government’s fragmented, incomplete and insufficient announcements caused huge concern and anxiety, especially for those working in the hospitality, arts and entertainment sectors. In future, any new social distancing measures should be announced alongside a comprehensive financial package to help businesses, families and employees.

The extra fiscal stimulus announced by the chancellor is overdue, but we have to be honest that it is does not go far enough. The chancellor announced no new support for renters, no new money for social care, insufficient clarity for employment support and no new money for public services and local authorities. And for industries most at risk, the government has yet to provide concrete solutions for how it will protect these businesses and the people who depend on them.

If the government fails to appreciate that what is now a health crisis will soon be a fully-blown social-economic crisis, then they will have failed to grasp the severity of the situation.

The chancellor should commit to making regular financial statements, with updated economic forecasts. That way, Parliament will be able to subject the government’s approach to effective scrutiny and test what further intervention may be necessary to protect jobs and the economy.

The scale of this crisis we face means things cannot simply be left to Whitehall. The government should convene an economic taskforce involving councils and devolved nations, representatives of key sectors of the economy, businesses (large and small), trade unions and economists to thrash out the economic implications of the crisis and the stimulus required to maintain investment and jobs for the future.

Finally, we need an international response to the crisis. So far, the default position of most national governments has been to take unilateral action. Yet, this is a global threat that demands a global response. If countries with weaker health systems are overwhelmed, we will never defeat the virus. Any geopolitical conflict over this issue must be resisted. It is our duty to be leaders on the world stage helping to coordinate international efforts and an international response.

For the Labour party, this crisis will straddle a period of change as we elect a new leader and deputy leader. Whoever wins will not get to choose the circumstances they will inherit. But he or she must rise to the challenge.

That is why, if I am elected leader, I am determined that the Labour party will act with the responsibility and care needed to put the best interests of the public first. We will ensure that we are in a position to speak for the country over the practical measures the UK needs by using the expertise from local and devolved governments, the trade union movement, businesses, economists and other key sectors.

The role of the opposition is vital in this period. We must be constructive and forensic. We should ask searching and difficult questions; not to score party political points but to give voice to the concerns of the public and because scrutiny and challenge improves decision-making.

When ministers are doing the right thing, we should have the courage to say so. When they are not, we should have the courage to call them out. The public interest must come first.

• Keir Starmer is the MP for Holborn and St Pancras and a Labour leadership candidate

Stop Boris stealing homes from low income families!

Despite the corona virus emergency we must also keep an eye out on what else the government is proposing.

UNISON has spotted that the Tories are proposing to stop local authorities using developers contributions (so called section 106 money) to fund homes for low income families.

Instead it will be used to subsidise first time buyers of private homes.

This will decimate local authorities ability to have homes built for low income families.

If the Government wants to support first time buyers then that is great, but do not do this at the expense of desperate vulnerable homeless or overcrowded families.

So check out UNISON resource links below on these "First Homes" proposals and respond :-

• download and share the UNISON briefing;
• find out more about the government consultation, including how to respond and download the consultation document;
• use UNISON’s housing affordability tool to find out how the housing crisis will affect you and your family. Make sure you share your result on social media and email your MP on the subject;
• tweet to your MP and ask them to support the policies in our housing manifesto and the manifesto summary – using the hashtag #UNISONHousingManifesto;
• find out more about UNISON’s housing campaign.

Hat tip great picture to Steve Bell

#SickPayForAll: Guarantee decent sick pay for every worker

This is a TUC supported petition. Many infected workers may think they cannot afford to self-isolate since their families will run out of money. The government has moved on paying Statutory Sick Pay from 1st day but this is not enough! 

Recently I had a "direct" conversation with a pension fund manager who did not want to get involved in a industrial dispute in a hospital were many workers had no occupational sick scheme. I made it clear that I did not want my 78 year old mother to be pushed on a wheelchair in hospital by a sick porter who is too frightened to report sick since his pay would stop. The coronavirus makes this issue even more important. 

SIGN THE PETITION HERE

"It shouldn’t take a pandemic to resolve the inequality of sick pay. But the threat of coronavirus shows why sick pay should be a day one right for everybody.

The government has listened to unions and temporarily removed the 3 day wait for many. But this doesn't go far enough.

At just £94.25 a week, statutory sick pay in the UK isn't enough to live on - and 2 million people don't earn enough to qualify.

The government should introduce emergency legislation that:

- Gives every worker the right to statutory sick pay from the first day of absence
- Scraps the minimum earnings threshold for statutory sick pay
- Ensures that sick pay is paid to workers having to self-isolate
- Increase the weekly level of sick pay
- Provide funds to ensure employers can afford to pay sick pay, and provide additional support to those who miss out
Why is this important?

Workers affected by the coronavirus outbreak could have to go into quarantine or self-isolation to prevent the further spread of the virus.

But already companies like Wetherspoons are refusing to give staff sick pay from day one, even if they are quarantined by government order.

Right now millions of UK workers don’t earn enough to get this protection. And even those that do have to be off sick for at least three days before they get paid.

And workers with existing sick pay schemes should be paid at the full rate offered by the employer while in isolation, and not be considered as on annual or unpaid leave.

No one should worry about falling into debt or struggling to pay their bills when they’re ill or have to self-isolate.

If people aren't compensated for the time spent at home, the risk people go to work and spread the illness increases.

Nearly 2 million UK workers do not qualify for statutory sick pay, including 1 in 10 working women and 23% of zero-hours contract workers.

Currently, workers need to have been off work sick for 4 or more days in a row to receive the payment. And people who earn less than £118 a week don’t qualify for statutory sick pay.

The government must ensure everyone gets statutory sick pay from day one, however much they earn".