labourlist--2020-09-03--Government still needs to answer “basic questions” on delayed kickstart scheme, says Labour

Labour has declared that the government still needs to answer “ basic questions ” about its newly launched £2bn ‘ kickstart ’ scheme for young people in an urgent parliamentary question on Thursday morning .
Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said he “ welcomed ” the programme but said it was “ disappointing ” that its implementation , initially planned for August , had been delayed .
The scheme , launched as part of Chancellor Rishi Sunak ’ s summer economic update in July , will see the government subsidise businesses to employ 16- to 24-year-olds made unemployed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the young people taking part will be guaranteed 25 hours of work , with the government paying the wages and overhead costs for participating businesses .
Reynolds said : “ It is disappointing that it has taken until September for the scheme to be launched , and it is also disappointing that we needed to summon government ministers using urgent questions to parliament just to ask basic questions about how the scheme will work.
” He asked the government to provide evidence as to how ministers will ensure that jobs under the scheme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scheme targets the young people most in need of jobs .
Labour ’ s work and pensions spokesperson also criticised the idea that the scheme could work as a replacement for the furlough scheme ending in October .
Reynolds added : “ I was alarmed by the Prime Minister ’ s presentation of the scheme yesterday as an alternative to targeted furlough support.
” “ The furlough scheme was there to make sure people had a job to return to – the alternative for many would have been redundancy as businesses didn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ payroll .
“ Needed as this scheme is it can not be a replacement for furlough in the sectors that do not have the capacity to train and recruit new staff yet.
” The latest unemployment figures from July have shown that there are already over one million young people not in full-time education or employment , compared to just over 400,000 in January .
The Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary put forward three key tests to make sure the Kickstart scheme can function properly : • First , to deliver high-quality placements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• Second , to make sure it will transition participants into longer lasting jobs beyond the initial placement .
• Finally , to make sure small businesses , not just bigger employers , can benefit from the scheme .
In its current form , participating businesses will need to create at least 30 jobs to receive government support , which is unattainable for many smaller enterprises .
In an earlier statement , Reynolds said : “ Billions of pounds of public money are being poured into Kickstart so we must ensure it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the country .
“ Once again , this government has been forthcoming with announcements but sparse on details .
The government has had two months to get this scheme up and running but it is clear they have made little progress.
” The Resolution Foundation think tank has forecast that the programme , if successful , could help find jobs for as many as 350,000 unemployed 18- to 24-year-olds .

Labour has declared that the government still needs to answer “basic questions” about its newly launched £2bn ‘kickstart’ scheme for young people in an urgent parliamentary question on Thursday morning.
Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said he “welcomed” the programme but said it was “disappointing” that its implementation, initially planned for August, had been delayed.
The scheme, launched as part of Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s summer economic update in July, will see the government subsidise businesses to employ 16- to 24-year-olds made unemployed during Covid.
Under the programme, the young people taking part will be guaranteed 25 hours of work, with the government paying the wages and overhead costs for participating businesses.
Reynolds said: “It is disappointing that it has taken until September for the scheme to be launched, and it is also disappointing that we needed to summon government ministers using urgent questions to parliament just to ask basic questions about how the scheme will work.”
He asked the government to provide evidence as to how ministers will ensure that jobs under the scheme will be new positions and that the scheme targets the young people most in need of jobs.
Labour’s work and pensions spokesperson also criticised the idea that the scheme could work as a replacement for the furlough scheme ending in October.
Reynolds added: “I was alarmed by the Prime Minister’s presentation of the scheme yesterday as an alternative to targeted furlough support.”
“The furlough scheme was there to make sure people had a job to return to – the alternative for many would have been redundancy as businesses didn’t have the revenue to meet their payroll.
“Needed as this scheme is it cannot be a replacement for furlough in the sectors that do not have the capacity to train and recruit new staff yet.”
The latest unemployment figures from July have shown that there are already over one million young people not in full-time education or employment, compared to just over 400,000 in January.
The Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary put forward three key tests to make sure the Kickstart scheme can function properly:
First, to deliver high-quality placements that provide training opportunities for young people.
Second, to make sure it will transition participants into longer lasting jobs beyond the initial placement.
Finally, to make sure small businesses, not just bigger employers, can benefit from the scheme.
In its current form, participating businesses will need to create at least 30 jobs to receive government support, which is unattainable for many smaller enterprises.
In an earlier statement, Reynolds said: “Billions of pounds of public money are being poured into Kickstart so we must ensure it creates meaningful job opportunities for young people across the country.
“Once again, this government has been forthcoming with announcements but sparse on details. The government has had two months to get this scheme up and running but it is clear they have made little progress.”
The Resolution Foundation think tank has forecast that the programme, if successful, could help find jobs for as many as 350,000 unemployed 18- to 24-year-olds.


labourlist--2020-09-03--WATCH: “I have real concerns about Tony Abbott,” says Starmer

Keir Starmer has declared that he has “ real concerns about Tony Abbott ” and that if he were Prime Minister he would not appoint the former Australian politician to the senior trade role .
In an interview with Sky News this morning , the Labour leader discussed recent reports that Abbott is being lined up to be joint president of the UK ’ s relaunched Board of Trade .
Starmer told viewers that he did not think Abbott , who served as the Prime Minister of Australia between 2013 and 2015 , is the right person to take this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brexit .
Abbott would serve as joint president with minister for women and equalities Liz Truss .
Critics have pointed out that the former Australian PM has been at the centre of several scandals after making misogynistic , homophobic and bigoted comments .
He campaigned against the introduction of same-sex marriage in Australia .
Abbott described it as a matter of “ political correctness ” and argued it was “ weakening ” the institution .
He also said he felt “ threatened ” by LGBT+ people .
Commenting on the appointment , Emily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ level , it is shameful that Boris Johnson thinks this offensive , aggressive , leering , gaffe-prone misogynist is the right person to represent our country overseas.
” The Shadow International Trade Secretary added : “ This is someone with no hands-on experience of negotiating trade agreements , who denies the climate change that we believe should be at the heart of our trade policy , and who clearly has no concept of the importance of Britain ’ s trade with the EU .
“ He was ousted by his own colleagues after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rejected by his own constituents just last year .
“ They are the people who know him best , and wanted rid of him , yet here we are now , hiring him to negotiate our trade deals around the world .
It ’ s yet more breathtaking incompetence from a government that has turned it into an art-form.
” Throughout his political career , the former Australian Prime Minister has been accused by both the Labour Party and leading political figures in Australia of misogyny , homophobia and downplaying the science on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Truss suggested his trade experience was the only relevant factor in the decision .
She added : “ Look , I ’ m not going to spend my time commenting on comments other people have made in the past .
”

Keir Starmer has declared that he has “real concerns about Tony Abbott” and that if he were Prime Minister he would not appoint the former Australian politician to the senior trade role.
In an interview with Sky News this morning, the Labour leader discussed recent reports that Abbott is being lined up to be joint president of the UK’s relaunched Board of Trade.
Starmer told viewers that he did not think Abbott, who served as the Prime Minister of Australia between 2013 and 2015, is the right person to take this role promoting Britain around the world after Brexit.
"I have real concerns about Tony Abbott and I don't think he's the right person for the job." Labour leader @Keir_Starmer says he wouldn't appoint the former-Australian PM to the UK's Board of Trade if he was prime minister. Read more: https://t.co/HR2hemEZ9d pic.twitter.com/suLj8fu2P8 — SkyNews (@SkyNews) September 3, 2020
Abbott would serve as joint president with minister for women and equalities Liz Truss. Critics have pointed out that the former Australian PM has been at the centre of several scandals after making misogynistic, homophobic and bigoted comments.
He campaigned against the introduction of same-sex marriage in Australia. Abbott described it as a matter of “political correctness” and argued it was “weakening” the institution. He also said he felt “threatened” by LGBT+ people.
Commenting on the appointment, Emily Thornberry said: “On a personal level, it is shameful that Boris Johnson thinks this offensive, aggressive, leering, gaffe-prone misogynist is the right person to represent our country overseas.”
The Shadow International Trade Secretary added: “This is someone with no hands-on experience of negotiating trade agreements, who denies the climate change that we believe should be at the heart of our trade policy, and who clearly has no concept of the importance of Britain’s trade with the EU.
“He was ousted by his own colleagues after just two years in power, and rejected by his own constituents just last year.
“They are the people who know him best, and wanted rid of him, yet here we are now, hiring him to negotiate our trade deals around the world. It’s yet more breathtaking incompetence from a government that has turned it into an art-form.”
Throughout his political career, the former Australian Prime Minister has been accused by both the Labour Party and leading political figures in Australia of misogyny, homophobia and downplaying the science on climate change.
Questioned on the appointment, Truss suggested his trade experience was the only relevant factor in the decision. She added: “Look, I’m not going to spend my time commenting on comments other people have made in the past.”


labourlist--2020-09-03--“Richard is in good spirits. The plotters don’t have a plan.”

We were treated to a genuinely pathetic performance from Boris Johnson at the first PMQs after summer recess yesterday .
It was his worst yet – and that ’ s saying something .
Utterly incoherent at times , the Prime Minister appeared to have dropped his previous jibes about Keir Starmer ’ s “ briefs ” ( because he ’ s a lawyer , geddit ? )
and instead picked up some of the old Jeremy Corbyn material .
Despite the much-criticised appointment of Claire Fox to the Lords , Johnson felt confident in accusing the new Labour leader of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This simply handed Starmer the opportunity to highlight his anti-terrorism work .
“ When the Prime Minister has worked with the security and intelligence forces , prosecuting criminals and terrorists , he can lecture me , ” he shot back .
While the battle against the Prime Minister appears to be getting easier , as Johnson seems tired and lacking any convincing strategy for attacking the new leadership , there are problems in Labour ’ s own backyard .
The internal criticisms of Richard Leonard were compounded this morning when UK shadow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scottish Labour leader to “ consider his position ” .
This was after Starmer ’ s spokesperson carefully avoided getting involved yesterday , saying only that this was “ a matter for Scottish Labour ” .
Reeves has since tweeted to row back on that call .
A Scottish Labour source told LabourList : “ Richard is in good spirits .
The plotters don ’ t have a plan and are now floundering.
” They added that he is now convinced “ the MSP group needs a change of personnel ” .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ damaging nonetheless ahead of Holyrood elections .
In the wider labour movement , the independent investigation into sexual harassment at GMB – one of Britain ’ s biggest trade unions , and a key affiliate of the Labour Party – has concluded .
The report by Karon Monaghan QC finds that the union is “ institutionally sexist ” , and states : “ Bullying , misogyny , cronyism and sexual harassment are endemic within the GMB.
” National president Barbara Plant has promised that the recommendations will now be acted on and “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a “ masculine ” culture in which bad behaviour is fuelled by alcohol consumption and sexual harassment is “ common ” is not limited to any one part of the movement , and needs rooting out across the board .
A full reckoning is well overdue .
There is also the publication of Left Out by Gabriel Pogrund and Patrick Maguire today .
Expect to see more on its contents very soon .
Sign up to LabourList ’ s morning email for everything Labour , every weekday morning .

We were treated to a genuinely pathetic performance from Boris Johnson at the first PMQs after summer recess yesterday. It was his worst yet – and that’s saying something. Utterly incoherent at times, the Prime Minister appeared to have dropped his previous jibes about Keir Starmer’s “briefs” (because he’s a lawyer, geddit?) and instead picked up some of the old Jeremy Corbyn material. Despite the much-criticised appointment of Claire Fox to the Lords, Johnson felt confident in accusing the new Labour leader of tolerating IRA support by serving under Corbyn. This simply handed Starmer the opportunity to highlight his anti-terrorism work. “When the Prime Minister has worked with the security and intelligence forces, prosecuting criminals and terrorists, he can lecture me,” he shot back.
While the battle against the Prime Minister appears to be getting easier, as Johnson seems tired and lacking any convincing strategy for attacking the new leadership, there are problems in Labour’s own backyard. The internal criticisms of Richard Leonard were compounded this morning when UK shadow cabinet member Rachel Reeves called on the Scottish Labour leader to “consider his position”. This was after Starmer’s spokesperson carefully avoided getting involved yesterday, saying only that this was “a matter for Scottish Labour”. Reeves has since tweeted to row back on that call. A Scottish Labour source told LabourList: “Richard is in good spirits. The plotters don’t have a plan and are now floundering.” They added that he is now convinced “the MSP group needs a change of personnel”. This has been a failed coup – but damaging nonetheless ahead of Holyrood elections.
In the wider labour movement, the independent investigation into sexual harassment at GMB – one of Britain’s biggest trade unions, and a key affiliate of the Labour Party – has concluded. The report by Karon Monaghan QC finds that the union is “institutionally sexist”, and states: “Bullying, misogyny, cronyism and sexual harassment are endemic within the GMB.” National president Barbara Plant has promised that the recommendations will now be acted on and “transformational change” achieved. Of course, a “masculine” culture in which bad behaviour is fuelled by alcohol consumption and sexual harassment is “common” is not limited to any one part of the movement, and needs rooting out across the board. A full reckoning is well overdue.
There is also the publication of Left Out by Gabriel Pogrund and Patrick Maguire today. Expect to see more on its contents very soon. Sign up to LabourList’s morning email for everything Labour, every weekday morning.


labourlist--2020-09-03--WATCH: Hancock dismisses homophobia and misogyny of potential UK trade envoy Tony Abbott

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has defended former Australian Prime Minister and prospective UK trade envoy Tony Abbott , despite accusations of homophobia and misogyny , by saying he is “ an expert on trade ” .
Appearing on Kay Burley ’ s breakfast show on Sky , Hancock said he didn ’ t “ think it was true ” that Abbott was homophobic or sexist .
When the host reiterated the allegations against Abbott , and asked whether it was okay that a potential government representative held these views , the Health Secretary responded by saying : “ Well , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” .
While Abbott was Prime Minister of Australia , he fought against the introduction of same sex marriage and accused the “ gay lobby ” or “ moral bullying ” .
He was also the subject of a now famous speech by Australian Labor leader Julia Gillard in 2012 after several misogynistic text messages he sent became public .
In a parliamentary select committee meeting on Tuesday he also suggested elderly Covid patients should be made “ as comfortable as possible while nature takes its course ” .
He railed against coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ let fear of falling sick stop us from being fully alive ” .
When challenged on whether his trade expertise somehow excuses Abbott ’ s previous behaviour , Hancock said : “ What I ’ m saying is we need experts in different areas and somebody who is the former Prime Minister of Australia is obviously an enormous expert in the field of trade .
It doesn ’ t change my views.
” He added : “ I ’ m doing everything in my power to prevent a second wave and protect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best thing to say is I am totally focused on the coronavirus crisis and the future of the NHS and of social care .
That is my area .
I do know Mr Abbott is very good and very experienced in the area of trade .
“ It is clearly a very important decision that the Prime Minister and the Trade Secretary are across , because we do want experts absolutely and people who have huge experience , especially when we ’ re putting together an area of policy and trade that frankly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the last 35 years .
But I ’ ve been totally focused on the health area .
”

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has defended former Australian Prime Minister and prospective UK trade envoy Tony Abbott, despite accusations of homophobia and misogyny, by saying he is “an expert on trade”.
Appearing on Kay Burley’s breakfast show on Sky, Hancock said he didn’t “think it was true” that Abbott was homophobic or sexist.
When the host reiterated the allegations against Abbott, and asked whether it was okay that a potential government representative held these views, the Health Secretary responded by saying: “Well, he is also an expert on trade”.
While Abbott was Prime Minister of Australia, he fought against the introduction of same sex marriage and accused the “gay lobby” of “moral bullying”.
He was the subject of a now famous speech by Australian Labor leader Julia Gillard in 2012 after several misogynistic text messages he sent became public.
In a parliamentary select committee meeting on Tuesday, Abbott also suggested that elderly Covid patients should be made “as comfortable as possible while nature takes its course”.
He railed against coronavirus “hysteria” and said governments have “let fear of falling sick stop us from being fully alive”.
When challenged on whether his trade expertise somehow excuses Abbott’s previous behaviour, Hancock said: “What I’m saying is we need experts in different areas and somebody who is the former Prime Minister of Australia is obviously an enormous expert in the field of trade. It doesn’t change my views.”
He added: “I’m doing everything in my power to prevent a second wave and protect people from coronavirus. I think the best thing to say is I am totally focused on the coronavirus crisis and the future of the NHS and of social care. That is my area. I do know Mr Abbott is very good and very experienced in the area of trade.
“It is clearly a very important decision that the Prime Minister and the Trade Secretary are across, because we do want experts absolutely and people who have huge experience, especially when we’re putting together an area of policy and trade that frankly has been given over to the EU for the last 35 years. But I’ve been totally focused on the health area.”


labourlist--2020-09-03--WATCH: Rachel Reeves calls on Richard Leonard to “consider his position”

UK Labour shadow cabinet member Rachel Reeves has called on Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard to “ consider his position ” after four Labour MSPs demanded his resignation ahead of 2021 Holyrood elections .
She told Sky News : “ I think that Richard Leonard needs to think about his position .
The opinion polls in Scotland are pretty dire for Labour .
We ’ ve got important elections next year .
But those are decisions for Scottish Labour.
” Asked whether that was code for ‘ he should go ’ , Reeves replied : “ It is a decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to consider his position and do what he thinks is right for Scotland and for Scottish Labour.
” She added : “ It ’ s not a decision for me to make .
It wouldn ’ t be right for me as an English MP to instruct what happens in the Scottish Labour Party .
But he needs to look at the opinion polls , consider his position and do what he thinks is right for Scotland and for Scottish Labour.
” The comments from the Shadow Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Keir Starmer ’ s spokesperson would not be drawn on the resignation calls by Labour MSPs .
Asked about the dissent in Scottish Labour on Wednesday , the UK Labour leader ’ s spokesperson replied : “ This is a matter for Scottish Labour .
But Keir and Richard have a very good working relationship .
“ They ’ re both focused on next year ’ s Scottish elections , where we are determined to take on the SNP and challenge them on their domestic record.
” Asked about Labour ’ s poor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ Keir has set out his determination to rebuild people ’ s trust in Labour across all corners of the United Kingdom .
Matters of leadership are for Scottish Labour.
” Responding to the Tuesday resignation of James Kelly , who was justice spokesperson , Leonard said : “ It is deeply disappointing that disgruntled MSPs who never supported my leadership would choose the day when the Scottish government finally accepted a Labour policy demand of ten years – for a National Care Service – to try and wage an internal war.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ he added : “ I ’ m concerned that this is a signal that there is too much inward-looking inside the group at Holyrood and not enough outward-facing , and I think that that calls into question some of these people are the best people to stand for the Labour Party next year.
” In an interview with Good Morning Scotland today , Leonard pointed out after the Sky News interview with Reeves this morning that she was not a member of Scottish Labour .
A well-placed Scottish Labour source this morning told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spirits .
The plotters don ’ t have a plan and are now floundering .
“ They timed their intervention to divert attention from the SNP conceding a National care Service – but this has massively backfired .
Members are furious that once again these chancers are more concerned about their places on the regional lists than they are about pushing our policies .
“ Richard has tried since he became leader to find common ground with these people .
He removed someone from his 2017 leadership campaign team for talking about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in spite of Richard ’ s optimism and good faith , the reality is that the Jackie Baillie pish has continued to flow ever since .
She was elected deputy leader on a unity ticket only a few months ago , so she has a responsibility more than anyone to sort this out .
“ Richard ’ s supporters in the MSP group have been telling him for ages that these people aren ’ t interested in working with him , but he has tried relentlessly to keep them in the tent .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , James Kelly and Jenny Marra have succeeded in persuading him that the MSP group needs a change of personnel .
”

UK Labour shadow cabinet member Rachel Reeves has called on Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard to “consider his position” after four Labour MSPs demanded his resignation ahead of 2021 Holyrood elections.
She told Sky News: “I think that Richard Leonard needs to think about his position. The opinion polls in Scotland are pretty dire for Labour. We’ve got important elections next year. But those are decisions for Scottish Labour.”
Asked whether that was code for ‘he should go’, Reeves replied: “It is a decision for Scottish Labour… I think he needs to consider his position and do what he thinks is right for Scotland and for Scottish Labour.”
She added: “It’s not a decision for me to make. It wouldn’t be right for me as an English MP to instruct what happens in the Scottish Labour Party. But he needs to look at the opinion polls, consider his position and do what he thinks is right for Scotland and for Scottish Labour.”
The comments from the Shadow Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and shadow Cabinet Office minister come after Keir Starmer’s spokesperson would not be drawn on the resignation calls by Labour MSPs.
Asked about the dissent in Scottish Labour on Wednesday, the UK Labour leader’s spokesperson replied: “This is a matter for Scottish Labour. But Keir and Richard have a very good working relationship.
“They’re both focused on next year’s Scottish elections, where we are determined to take on the SNP and challenge them on their domestic record.”
Asked about Labour’s poor polling in Scotland, the spokesperson added: “Keir has set out his determination to rebuild people’s trust in Labour across all corners of the United Kingdom. Matters of leadership are for Scottish Labour.”
Responding to the Tuesday resignation of James Kelly, who was justice spokesperson, Leonard said: “It is deeply disappointing that disgruntled MSPs who never supported my leadership would choose the day when the Scottish government finally accepted a Labour policy demand of ten years – for a National Care Service – to try and wage an internal war.”
Talking to the BBC yesterday, he added: “I’m concerned that this is a signal that there is too much inward-looking inside the group at Holyrood and not enough outward-facing, and I think that that calls into question some of these people are the best people to stand for the Labour Party next year.”
In an interview with Good Morning Scotland today, Leonard pointed out after the Sky News interview with Reeves this morning that she was not a member of Scottish Labour.
A well-placed Scottish Labour source this morning told LabourList: “Richard is in good spirits. The plotters don’t have a plan and are now floundering.
“They timed their intervention to divert attention from the SNP conceding a National care Service – but this has massively backfired. Members are furious that once again these chancers are more concerned about their places on the regional lists than they are about pushing our policies.
“Richard has tried since he became leader to find common ground with these people. He removed someone from his 2017 leadership campaign team for talking about the “latest Jackie Baillie pish” but in spite of Richard’s optimism and good faith, the reality is that the Jackie Baillie pish has continued to flow ever since. She was elected deputy leader on a unity ticket only a few months ago, so she has a responsibility more than anyone to sort this out.
“Richard’s supporters in the MSP group have been telling him for ages that these people aren’t interested in working with him, but he has tried relentlessly to keep them in the tent. Now in the space of 36 hours, James Kelly and Jenny Marra have succeeded in persuading him that the MSP group needs a change of personnel.”


labourlist--2020-09-03--TUC warns government not to “throw away” good work of furlough scheme

The TUC has told the government not to risk a “ tsunami of unemployment ” when it ends the job retention scheme in October , as the union body launched its own blueprint for saving jobs and retraining workers affected by coronavirus .
The ‘ job protection and upskilling deal ’ being proposed would offer subsidies of up to 70 % of participating companies ’ pay and overhead costs to bring back workers from the job retention scheme .
If employees were brought back for less than 50 % of their normal hours , the government would also fund retraining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ less impacted by the pandemic .
Nearly ten million people are on furlough as part of the job retention scheme and think tanks have predicted ‘ Great Depression ’ levels of unemployment , with 2.5m jobs at risk when the programme ends in the autumn .
The TUC says its follow-on policy would offer more “ targeted ” support than furlough by adding conditions to the financial assistance offered by the government .
Companies would have to prove that they had been significantly affected by Covid-19 restrictions , were bringing back workers for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paying their share of income tax , to receive support .
TUC general secretary Frances O ’ Grady said : “ The job retention scheme showed what the government can do during a crisis .
It saved many people from the dole queue and stopped good companies going to the wall .
“ Ministers can not afford to throw away the good work of the job retention scheme .
There is still time to avoid a tsunami of unemployment .
“ The TUC ’ s jobs protection and upskilling deal will help firms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and protect the jobs and incomes of millions .
And workers in companies taking longer to recover will get the skills they may need for future jobs .
“ The deal isn ’ t a free ride for employers .
Businesses that get help will have to pay a fair rate of tax in the UK , pay their staff fairly and treat them well .
“ Working people carried the burden of the pandemic .
They must not bear the brunt of this recession too .
Protecting decent jobs with fair pay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policy mirrors actions taken elsewhere in Europe , where countries such as France , Austria and Germany have all extended their own short-term work schemes beyond 2020 .
Germany ’ s ‘ Kurzarbeit ’ short-term work programme that provides an income “ replacement rate ” of 60 % for lost work time has helped the country save 1.5 million jobs during the pandemic .
A similar scheme during the financial crash allowed Germany to be the only G7 country not to experience a fall in employment in 2009 .
Labour has described ending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ simultaneously a “ historic mistake ” when many otherwise healthy sectors , such as manufacturing or aviation , are still not operating at full capacity .
Responding to the TUC report , Shadow Chancellor Anneliese Dodds said : “ Labour has repeatedly warned that the Chancellor ’ s one-size-fits-all withdrawal of wage support across the economy risks plunging the country deeper into a jobs crisis this autumn .
“ With businesses , trade unions and the devolved governments in Wales , Scotland and Northern Ireland also sounding the alarm , it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of his ears and started listening .
“ There are plenty of ideas and examples out there – from other countries , from think tanks and trade unions here in the UK – that show it ’ s possible to adapt support schemes to changing circumstances .
“ There ’ s no room for stubbornness in a crisis like this .
The Chancellor needs to think creatively , show flexibility and target support to protect jobs in the hardest-hit sectors.
” Shadow Chancellor Anneliese Dodds has called for the job retention scheme to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worst-hit sectors and for a £1.7bn fund to prevent companies from closing down to be set up .

The TUC has told the government not to risk a “tsunami of unemployment” when it ends the job retention scheme in October, as the union body launched its own blueprint for saving jobs and retraining workers affected by coronavirus.
The ‘job protection and upskilling deal’ being proposed would offer subsidies of up to 70% of participating companies’ pay and overhead costs to bring back workers from the job retention scheme.
If employees were brought back for less than 50% of their normal hours, the government would also fund retraining so that they could transition into industries less impacted by the pandemic.
Nearly ten million people are on furlough as part of the job retention scheme and think tanks have predicted ‘Great Depression’ levels of unemployment, with 2.5m jobs at risk when the programme ends in the autumn.
The TUC says its follow-on policy would offer more “targeted” support than furlough by adding conditions to the financial assistance offered by the government.
Companies would have to prove that they had been significantly affected by Covid-19 restrictions, were bringing back workers for a significant number of shifts and were paying their share of income tax, to receive support.
TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady said: “The job retention scheme showed what the government can do during a crisis. It saved many people from the dole queue and stopped good companies going to the wall.
“Ministers cannot afford to throw away the good work of the job retention scheme. There is still time to avoid a tsunami of unemployment.
“The TUC’s jobs protection and upskilling deal will help firms with a future keep people on – and protect the jobs and incomes of millions. And workers in companies taking longer to recover will get the skills they may need for future jobs.
“The deal isn’t a free ride for employers. Businesses that get help will have to pay a fair rate of tax in the UK, pay their staff fairly and treat them well.
“Working people carried the burden of the pandemic. They must not bear the brunt of this recession too. Protecting decent jobs with fair pay is how we recover.”
The TUC policy mirrors actions taken elsewhere in Europe, where countries such as France, Austria and Germany have all extended their own short-term work schemes beyond 2020.
Germany’s ‘Kurzarbeit’ short-term work programme that provides an income “replacement rate” of 60% for lost work time has helped the country save 1.5 million jobs during the pandemic.
A similar scheme during the financial crash allowed Germany to be the only G7 country not to experience a fall in employment in 2009.
Labour has described ending the job retention scheme for every industry simultaneously a “historic mistake” when many otherwise healthy sectors, such as manufacturing or aviation, are still not operating at full capacity.
Responding to the TUC report, Shadow Chancellor Anneliese Dodds said: “Labour has repeatedly warned that the Chancellor’s one-size-fits-all withdrawal of wage support across the economy risks plunging the country deeper into a jobs crisis this autumn.
“With businesses, trade unions and the devolved governments in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland also sounding the alarm, it’s time the Chancellor took his fingers out of his ears and started listening.
“There are plenty of ideas and examples out there – from other countries, from think tanks and trade unions here in the UK – that show it’s possible to adapt support schemes to changing circumstances.
“There’s no room for stubbornness in a crisis like this. The Chancellor needs to think creatively, show flexibility and target support to protect jobs in the hardest-hit sectors.”
Shadow Chancellor Anneliese Dodds has called for the job retention scheme to be extended in the UK’s worst-hit sectors and for a £1.7bn fund to prevent companies from closing down to be set up.


labourlist--2020-09-03--WATCH: Questioning leadership now is “act of sabotage”, says Leonard

Richard Leonard has said that questioning his leadership now is an “ act of sabotage ” and that he can not see anybody who would make a better leader of the Scottish Labour Party .
In an interview with BBC News , the Scottish Labour leader discussed the possibility of a leadership challenge and emphasised how the party is just nine months away from voters going to the polls in the Holyrood elections .
Leonard urged against what he described as a “ pavlovian response ” to attempt to oust the leader just because the party ’ s fortunes are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be at all time ” .
He said : “ At this point , nine months from an election at the very point when we are winning these national arguments… at the very point that we are doing that , it just seems to me to be an act of sabotage to question the leadership of the party .
“ This pavlovian response that if our fortunes are not as we would want them to be at all times means you ditch the leader , that doesn ’ t work .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Labour Party in the period of devolution.
” He added : “ This idea that there could be five MSPs who could trigger a leadership ballot – my understanding is that is not provided for in the rules.
” Asked if he would accept the challenge if one was made , he said : “ I would stand against them… I can not see anybody at the moment who I think would make a better leader of the Scottish Labour Party.
” UK Labour shadow cabinet member Rachel Reeves called on Leonard to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after four Labour MSPs demanded his resignation ahead of the 2021 Holyrood elections .
But the Scottish Labour leader has declared that he will be leading the party into the electoral contest next year .
He said he would “ fulfil the mandate ” of the members who elected him and claimed to be “ confident ” about his chances at the polls .
A Scottish Labour source told LabourList today : “ Richard is in good spirits .
The plotters don ’ t have a plan and are now floundering.
” They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the MSP group needs a change of personnel ” .

Richard Leonard has said that questioning his leadership now is an “act of sabotage” and that he cannot see anybody who would make a better leader of the Scottish Labour Party.
In an interview with BBC News, the Scottish Labour leader discussed the possibility of a leadership challenge and emphasised how the party is just nine months away from voters going to the polls in the Holyrood elections.
Leonard urged against what he described as a “pavlovian response” to attempt to oust the leader just because the party’s fortunes are “not as we would want them to be at all times”.
He said: “At this point, nine months from an election at the very point when we are winning these national arguments… at the very point that we are doing that, it just seems to me to be an act of sabotage to question the leadership of the party.
“This pavlovian response that if our fortunes are not as we would want them to be at all times means you ditch the leader, that doesn’t work. It hasn’t worked for the Scottish Labour Party in the period of devolution.”
He added: “This idea that there could be five MSPs who could trigger a leadership ballot – my understanding is that is not provided for in the rules.”
Asked if he would accept the challenge if one was made, he said: “I would stand against them… I cannot see anybody at the moment who I think would make a better leader of the Scottish Labour Party.”
“I cannot see anybody … who would make a better leader” Richard Leonard @LabourRichard says attempts to oust him as @scottishlabour leader are an “act of sabotage” But he confirms to @BBCScotlandNews he is prepared to fight a leadership challenge pic.twitter.com/NA6bxmmOQq — Glenn Campbell (@GlennBBC) September 3, 2020
UK Labour shadow cabinet member Rachel Reeves called on Leonard to “consider his position” this morning after four Labour MSPs demanded his resignation ahead of the 2021 Holyrood elections.
But the Scottish Labour leader has declared that he will be leading the party into the electoral contest next year. He said he would “fulfil the mandate” of the members who elected him and claimed to be “confident” about his chances at the polls.
A Scottish Labour source told LabourList today: “Richard is in good spirits. The plotters don’t have a plan and are now floundering.” They added that he is now convinced “the MSP group needs a change of personnel”.


labourlist--2020-09-03--Labour calls on government to reverse Tony Abbott decision

The Labour Party has called on the government to reverse its controversial decision to appoint former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott to a senior trade role and described the move as “ completely unacceptable ” .
In a letter sent today to the International Trade Secretary and women and equalities minister Liz Truss , Labour ’ s Marsha de Cordova urged her to look for “ an expert with views on women and equalities that better reflect our British values ” .
The Shadow Women and Equalities Secretary highlighted Abbott ’ s record for misogynistic and homophobic comments , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” of two female politicians .
De Cordova also criticised Truss for refusing to condemn Abbott ’ s remarks in the Commons and described Health Secretary Matt Hancock ’ s defence of the former Australian Prime Minister this morning as “ deeply disturbing ” .
The letter follows reports that Abbott will be appointed as joint president of the UK ’ s relaunched Board of Trade .
Critics have been quick to point out the numerous controversial remarks he has made over the course of his career .
Labour leader Keir Starmer told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ real concerns about Tony Abbott ” and that if he were Prime Minister he would not appoint the former Australian politician to the senior trade role .
Commenting on the decision earlier this week , Emily Thornberry said : “ On a personal level , it is shameful that Boris Johnson thinks this offensive , aggressive , leering , gaffe-prone misogynist is the right person to represent our country overseas.
” The Shadow International Trade Secretary added : “ This is someone with no hands-on experience of negotiating trade agreements , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should be at the heart of our trade policy , and who clearly has no concept of the importance of Britain ’ s trade with the EU .
“ He was ousted by his own colleagues after just two years in power , and rejected by his own constituents just last year .
“ They are the people who know him best , and wanted rid of him , yet here we are now , hiring him to negotiate our trade deals around the world .
It ’ s yet more breathtaking incompetence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into an art-form.
” Below is the full text of the letter sent to Liz Truss this evening .
The Labour Party takes great pride in being the party of equality , tolerance and respect for all communities .
It has a proud record of taking action which supports women , the LGBT community and marginalised groups , both in government and in opposition .
Labour therefore finds reports that Tony Abbott will be appointed to the Board of Trade completely unacceptable .
Tony Abbott ’ s offensive and outdated views on women @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as housewives who did the ironing and suggesting that uppermost in two female politicians ’ qualities for office were their ‘ sex appeal ’ .
His views on homosexuality , including his admission that he feels threatened by the LGBT community , and that ‘ most people do ’ , are both dangerous and divisive .
That the Health Secretary should attempt to excuse these views by saying ‘ he is also an expert on trade ’ is deeply disturbing , not to mention inaccurate , as my colleague , the Shadow Secretary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out .
As you are also the Minister for Women and Equalities , I was disappointed to see your own refusal to condemn these comments at the dispatch box earlier today , twice refusing to answer questions on the appointment .
Nor have you condemned Mr Abbott ’ s track record of other offensive and inflammatory statements , towards Muslims , immigrants and indigenous Australians .
This is yet another example of incompetence from this government and a failure to respect the diversity of our communities .
The Labour Party urges the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ instead for an expert with views on women and equalities that better reflect our British values .
I look forward to hearing from you .
Member of Parliament for Battersea Shadow Secretary of State for Women and Equalities

The Labour Party has called on the government to reverse its controversial decision to appoint former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott to a senior trade role and described the move as “completely unacceptable”.
In a letter sent today to the International Trade Secretary and women and equalities minister Liz Truss, Labour’s Marsha de Cordova urged her to look for “an expert with views on women and equalities that better reflect our British values”.
The Shadow Women and Equalities Secretary highlighted Abbott’s record for misogynistic and homophobic comments, including his comments on the “sex appeal” of two female politicians.
De Cordova also criticised Truss for refusing to condemn Abbott’s remarks in the Commons and described Health Secretary Matt Hancock’s defence of the former Australian Prime Minister this morning as “deeply disturbing”.
The letter follows reports that Abbott will be appointed as joint president of the UK’s relaunched Board of Trade. Critics have been quick to point out the numerous controversial remarks he has made over the course of his career.
Labour leader Keir Starmer told Sky News this afternoon that he has “real concerns about Tony Abbott” and that if he were Prime Minister he would not appoint the former Australian politician to the senior trade role.
Commenting on the decision earlier this week, Emily Thornberry said: “On a personal level, it is shameful that Boris Johnson thinks this offensive, aggressive, leering, gaffe-prone misogynist is the right person to represent our country overseas.”
The Shadow International Trade Secretary added: “This is someone with no hands-on experience of negotiating trade agreements, who denies the climate change that we believe should be at the heart of our trade policy, and who clearly has no concept of the importance of Britain’s trade with the EU.
“He was ousted by his own colleagues after just two years in power, and rejected by his own constituents just last year.
“They are the people who know him best, and wanted rid of him, yet here we are now, hiring him to negotiate our trade deals around the world. It’s yet more breathtaking incompetence from a government that has turned it into an art-form.”
Below is the full text of the letter sent to Liz Truss this evening.
3 September 2020
Dear Secretary of State,
The Labour Party takes great pride in being the party of equality, tolerance and respect for all communities. It has a proud record of taking action which supports women, the LGBT community and marginalised groups, both in government and in opposition.
Labour therefore finds reports that Tony Abbott will be appointed to the Board of Trade completely unacceptable.
Tony Abbott’s offensive and outdated views on women are well known, including characterising women as housewives who did the ironing and suggesting that uppermost in two female politicians’ qualities for office were their ‘sex appeal’. His views on homosexuality, including his admission that he feels threatened by the LGBT community, and that ‘most people do’, are both dangerous and divisive.
That the Health Secretary should attempt to excuse these views by saying ‘he is also an expert on trade’ is deeply disturbing, not to mention inaccurate, as my colleague, the Shadow Secretary of State for International Trade has pointed out.
As you are also the Minister for Women and Equalities, I was disappointed to see your own refusal to condemn these comments at the dispatch box earlier today, twice refusing to answer questions on the appointment. Nor have you condemned Mr Abbott’s track record of other offensive and inflammatory statements, towards Muslims, immigrants and indigenous Australians.
This is yet another example of incompetence from this government and a failure to respect the diversity of our communities. The Labour Party urges the government not to make this appointment and look instead for an expert with views on women and equalities that better reflect our British values.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Marsha de Cordova MP
Member of Parliament for Battersea
Shadow Secretary of State for Women and Equalities


labourlist--2020-09-03--To rebuild trust among voters, Labour must unify behind Keir Starmer

Keir Starmer has made an excellent start in his first six months as Labour leader .
The vast majority of party members are very happy that Labour has a credible leader and that we are neck and neck with the Tories in opinion polls .
But the real test is next year ’ s elections that will take place across the country .
Keir knows better than anyone how important it is that the party performs well in those first electoral tests .
This makes the recent attacks on him from the hard left of the Labour Party frustrating and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ predictable .
The truth is that the hard left have always defined themselves by their hatred of the rest of the labour movement , who they consider to be sell-outs lacking in purity .
For them , it ’ s the internal struggle that matters above all else .
The growing dislike for the Tories can be felt across the country , and people are crying out for change .
But that is not enough on its own to restore the electorate ’ s trust in Labour .
Voters were angry with us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to offer them an alternative they could trust .
They wanted change but thought we lacked the competence to deliver it .
The writing has been on the red wall for a long time .
It came first in seats in the South East , where working-class communities stopped believing Labour represented their best interests .
This was followed by our seaside towns and then , in 2019 , the fall of seats in the Labour heartland .
Voting Tory for them was seismic .
Things had consistently gotten worse in their communities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , so how could it get any worse if they voted Tory ?
It has become a cliché to say that Labour needs to reconnect with these people but there are signs that we are now beginning to move in the right direction .
Keir ’ s popularity alone will not be enough for Labour to win , however .
The Labour Party has to win back support among a range of voters , including those we lost in 2019 .
As Keir ’ s new head of policy Claire Ainsley concludes in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ winning back voters is not primarily about detailed policies .
It is more about whether our general philosophy connects with people and how our message is articulated and by whom .
Labour ’ s first task is to be credible .
That means we must look like a party that voters can trust , whether it ’ s in their town hall , or in regional and national governments .
Constant attacks from within our own party make this task much harder .
When attacks come from high ranking people in our movement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s ruling national executive committee ( NEC ) they are all the more self-defeating .
Throughout my 43 years as a Labour Party activist , I have defined myself as being on the Tribunite left of the party .
In my early days , I followed Michael Foot and revered Nye Bevan .
Bevan ’ s influence led a group of left-of-centre MPs to form the Tribune group in parliament in the 1960s .
Sadly , the group was disbanded in the early 1990s .
I resurrected the Tribune group out of frustration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the party had been sidelined for too long .
We needed a forum to debate policy and influence the direction of our party , where left-of-centre MPs could interact with like-minded members at all levels of the party .
I also refuse to have my position on the left defined by a minority who make a disproportionate degree of noise while being prepared to scupper the party ’ s chances of regaining its credibility .
In just a few years , the Tribune group has become extremely influential in parliament .
Keir quickly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MP and has actively engaged in our discussions .
Keir , along with many Tribune group members on the frontbench , helped write the 2017 manifesto .
Our group believes that this manifesto is a solid foundation on which future policies can be built .
To win the next general election , the Labour Party needs to win a landslide victory .
This can only happen if we unite now to rebuild trust among our natural supporters .
None of us need to abandon our core beliefs and principles to achieve that aim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the future of our party without self-defeating public attacks and social media bullying .
If you want to join discussions with the Tribune group , please sign up on our website .

Keir Starmer has made an excellent start in his first six months as Labour leader. The vast majority of party members are very happy that Labour has a credible leader and that we are neck and neck with the Tories in opinion polls. But the real test is next year’s elections that will take place across the country. Keir knows better than anyone how important it is that the party performs well in those first electoral tests.
This makes the recent attacks on him from the hard left of the Labour Party frustrating and annoying. Sadly, this aggression is predictable. The truth is that the hard left have always defined themselves by their hatred of the rest of the labour movement, who they consider to be sell-outs lacking in purity. For them, it’s the internal struggle that matters above all else.
The growing dislike for the Tories can be felt across the country, and people are crying out for change. But that is not enough on its own to restore the electorate’s trust in Labour. Voters were angry with us at the last election because we failed to offer them an alternative they could trust. They wanted change but thought we lacked the competence to deliver it.
The writing has been on the red wall for a long time. It came first in seats in the South East, where working-class communities stopped believing Labour represented their best interests. This was followed by our seaside towns and then, in 2019, the fall of seats in the Labour heartland. Voting Tory for them was seismic. Things had consistently gotten worse in their communities for decades, even under Labour governments, so how could it get any worse if they voted Tory? It has become a cliché to say that Labour needs to reconnect with these people but there are signs that we are now beginning to move in the right direction.
Keir’s popularity alone will not be enough for Labour to win, however. The Labour Party has to win back support among a range of voters, including those we lost in 2019. As Keir’s new head of policy Claire Ainsley concludes in her book The New Working Class, winning back voters is not primarily about detailed policies. It is more about whether our general philosophy connects with people and how our message is articulated and by whom.
Labour’s first task is to be credible. That means we must look like a party that voters can trust, whether it’s in their town hall, or in regional and national governments. Constant attacks from within our own party make this task much harder. When attacks come from high ranking people in our movement such as members of our party’s ruling national executive committee (NEC) they are all the more self-defeating.
Throughout my 43 years as a Labour Party activist, I have defined myself as being on the Tribunite left of the party. In my early days, I followed Michael Foot and revered Nye Bevan. Bevan’s influence led a group of left-of-centre MPs to form the Tribune group in parliament in the 1960s. Sadly, the group was disbanded in the early 1990s.
I resurrected the Tribune group out of frustration because I felt the mainstream left of the party had been sidelined for too long. We needed a forum to debate policy and influence the direction of our party, where left-of-centre MPs could interact with like-minded members at all levels of the party. I also refuse to have my position on the left defined by a minority who make a disproportionate degree of noise while being prepared to scupper the party’s chances of regaining its credibility.
In just a few years, the Tribune group has become extremely influential in parliament. Keir quickly joined our group after he became an MP and has actively engaged in our discussions. Keir, along with many Tribune group members on the frontbench, helped write the 2017 manifesto. Our group believes that this manifesto is a solid foundation on which future policies can be built.
To win the next general election, the Labour Party needs to win a landslide victory. This can only happen if we unite now to rebuild trust among our natural supporters. None of us need to abandon our core beliefs and principles to achieve that aim. We can debate policy and discuss the future of our party without self-defeating public attacks and social media bullying.
If you want to join discussions with the Tribune group, please sign up on our website.


labourlist--2020-09-03--Islamophobia complaint against Haringey leader hopeful sent to Labour London board

A Haringey councillor hoping to replace Joseph Ejiofor as the local council leader has been accused of Islamophobia in a complaint by colleagues that has now been sent to the London regional board .
In an email seen by LabourList , councillor Pat Berryman appears to have accused a member of “ weaponising your religion ” when they asked for arrangements to be made in meetings for those fasting during Ramadan .
The Constituency Labour Party observer to Haringey Labour group had complained that Berryman refused to make reasonable adjustments for Muslim councillors and other participants .
They also alleged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the race card ” when raising concerns about racist social media posts targeting incumbent Labour leader of the council Joseph Ejiofor .
A complaint was originally submitted to the party on July 23rd but the complainants have said that councillor Berryman has not been suspended .
It has now been sent to members of Labour ’ s London regional executive , ahead of elections of officers for the Haringey Labour group – including that of leader – taking place next week .
Commenting on the allegations , Berryman told LabourList : “ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I don ’ t know the full substance of it , and it will be handled by the Labour Party .
“ Until then , due process must be allowed to take place and it would be wrong for me to comment .
However , I am confident that once the complaints procedure examination runs its proper course it will find in my favour.
” Haringey councillors voted in July to hold the council ’ s annual general meeting this month .
This followed an earlier decision by Ejiofor in consultation with mayor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next May due to Covid .
Party guidance says that where councils have decided to delay their annual meetings , local Labour groups should also postpone their AGMs .
But as this is no longer the case , the group ’ s annual meeting will go ahead on September 7th .
Berryman is understood to be standing for leader against incumbent Ejiofor .
A source within the Labour-run local authority told LabourList that Ejiofor is expected to win , but that the contest will be close .
Berryman served as the cabinet member @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resigned , citing “ decisions being taken over [ his ] head ” , and complained of concerns about the leadership of the council under Ejiofor .
Labour does not comment on individual cases for confidentiality and data protection reasons .
LabourList understands that the regional executive committee does not have a role in investigating breaches of Labour Party rules .

A Haringey councillor hoping to replace Joseph Ejiofor as the local council leader has been accused of Islamophobia in a complaint by colleagues that has now been sent to the London regional board.
In an email seen by LabourList, councillor Pat Berryman appears to have accused a member of “weaponising your religion” when they asked for arrangements to be made in meetings for those fasting during Ramadan.
The Constituency Labour Party observer to Haringey Labour group had complained that Berryman refused to make reasonable adjustments for Muslim councillors and other participants.
They also alleged that Berryman accused them of “playing the race card” when raising concerns about racist social media posts targeting incumbent Labour leader of the council Joseph Ejiofor.
A complaint was originally submitted to the party on July 23rd but the complainants have said that councillor Berryman has not been suspended.
It has now been sent to members of Labour’s London regional executive, ahead of elections of officers for the Haringey Labour group – including that of leader – taking place next week.
Commenting on the allegations, Berryman told LabourList: “I am aware of a complaint, though I don’t know the full substance of it, and it will be handled by the Labour Party.
“Until then, due process must be allowed to take place and it would be wrong for me to comment. However, I am confident that once the complaints procedure examination runs its proper course it will find in my favour.”
Haringey councillors voted in July to hold the council’s annual general meeting this month. This followed an earlier decision by Ejiofor in consultation with mayor Sheila Peacock to postpone the meeting until next May due to Covid.
Party guidance says that where councils have decided to delay their annual meetings, local Labour groups should also postpone their AGMs. But as this is no longer the case, the group’s annual meeting will go ahead on September 7th.
Berryman is understood to be standing for leader against incumbent Ejiofor. A source within the Labour-run local authority told LabourList that Ejiofor is expected to win, but that the contest will be close.
Berryman served as the cabinet member for finance until March 2020. He resigned, citing “decisions being taken over [his] head”, and complained of concerns about the leadership of the council under Ejiofor.
Labour does not comment on individual cases for confidentiality and data protection reasons. LabourList understands that the regional executive committee does not have a role in investigating breaches of Labour Party rules.


labourlist--2020-09-03--My priorities as Labour’s new Shadow Transport Secretary

Transport is the lifeblood of our economy .
It is something I have long held an interest in – both in the big projects that attract attention and in the day-to-day experiences of people as they travel around the places where they live , work and socialise .
The Covid-19 crisis has posed significant challenges for the transport industry that will remain with us for years or decades to come , and the job of the opposition is to work constructively with the government over this period .
We will offer support – and scrutinise , too .
This is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which plays a crucial role in the immediate crisis response and the longer-term recovery .
We welcomed the furlough scheme , but we also called on the government to recognise that there are areas within the transport sector that will be some of the last to get back on their feet .
For example , we called on the government to follow the example of other countries , by intervening and bringing forward a sectoral deal to protect jobs in our aviation industry – which contributes £22bn , 267,000 jobs and a further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But in doing so , we should recognise that the aviation sector must become environmentally sustainable .
We can do that , alongside protecting against short-term unemployment .
Labour can help to stimulate that change from a position of strength .
We are also clear that public funds must be spent in the national interest in a transparent manner and with conditions clearly set out .
Companies should not be able to take from the job retention scheme and use it on hard-working staff whom they plan to make redundant .
Aside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rest of the shadow transport team are keen to continue to build strong working relationships .
We want to act on the most relevant issues affecting transport users , staff and operators , as well as focus on future policy planning and investment .
We know that , for many , the cost of using public transport is too high and accessing public transport is too difficult .
There is also a lack of ability to influence those that decide the future of the transport sector and future transport investment .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than just about trains and buses , and we must present policies to improve all modes of transport .
No interest is too niche , no concern too small .
As a shadow transport team , we will give more attention than ever before to sectors such as our maritime industry and fight for all those in it to be paid a fair wage .
Thousands more people are cycling compared to six months ago .
We have a unique opportunity to build on this progress , but the government is squandering it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ levels of pollution and congestion we saw before the lockdown began , but if we fail to make our roads safe enough to cycle , people will revert back to car use .
The government should be developing a comprehensive new national cycling safety campaign targeted at both cyclists and motorists .
It is not just modes of transport but also infrastructure that must be a focus of our attention .
We need to make sure that our national infrastructure building programmes are focused on projects that will deliver for local people and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country – something the Tories have failed to do over the last decade .
Labour has a proud history in office of developing and investing in our public and wider transport services .
We will continue that legacy in government .
Until then , over the next four years , Labour will work with the government to challenge and improve our transport sector – and we will produce a manifesto fit for the transport challenges we will face when we come to power .
This piece is part of a series by members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us for our upcoming online event ‘ LabourList in conversation with Jim McMahon ’ on Monday , September 7th , at 7pm .

Transport is the lifeblood of our economy. It is something I have long held an interest in – both in the big projects that attract attention and in the day-to-day experiences of people as they travel around the places where they live, work and socialise.
The Covid-19 crisis has posed significant challenges for the transport industry that will remain with us for years or decades to come, and the job of the opposition is to work constructively with the government over this period. We will offer support – and scrutinise, too. This is particularly important in the transport sector, which plays a crucial role in the immediate crisis response and the longer-term recovery.
We welcomed the furlough scheme, but we also called on the government to recognise that there are areas within the transport sector that will be some of the last to get back on their feet. For example, we called on the government to follow the example of other countries, by intervening and bringing forward a sectoral deal to protect jobs in our aviation industry – which contributes £22bn, 267,000 jobs and a further million supply chain jobs to our economy. But in doing so, we should recognise that the aviation sector must become environmentally sustainable. We can do that, alongside protecting against short-term unemployment. Labour can help to stimulate that change from a position of strength.
We are also clear that public funds must be spent in the national interest in a transparent manner and with conditions clearly set out. Companies should not be able to take from the job retention scheme and use it on hard-working staff whom they plan to make redundant.
Aside from the Covid-19 crisis, I and the rest of the shadow transport team are keen to continue to build strong working relationships. We want to act on the most relevant issues affecting transport users, staff and operators, as well as focus on future policy planning and investment.
We know that, for many, the cost of using public transport is too high and accessing public transport is too difficult. There is also a lack of ability to influence those who decide the future of the transport sector and future transport investment.
I am also clear that transport is more than just trains and buses, and we must present policies to improve all modes of transport. No interest is too niche, no concern too small. As a shadow transport team, we will give more attention than ever before to sectors such as our maritime industry and fight for all those in it to be paid a fair wage.
Thousands more people are cycling compared to six months ago. We have a unique opportunity to build on this progress, but the government is squandering it. Nobody wants a return to the levels of pollution and congestion we saw before the lockdown began, but if we fail to make our roads safe enough to cycle, people will revert back to car use. The government should be developing a comprehensive new national cycling safety campaign targeted at both cyclists and motorists.
It is not just modes of transport but also infrastructure that must be a focus of our attention. We need to make sure that our national infrastructure building programmes are focused on projects that will deliver for local people and that spending is spread fairly across the country – something the Tories have failed to do over the last decade.
Labour has a proud history in office of developing and investing in our public and wider transport services. We will continue that legacy in government. Until then, over the next four years, Labour will work with the government to challenge and improve our transport sector – and we will produce a manifesto fit for the transport challenges we will face when we come to power.
This piece is part of a series by members of the new shadow cabinet.
Join us for our upcoming online event ‘LabourList in conversation with Jim McMahon’ on Monday, September 7th, at 7pm.


labourlist--2020-09-03--Government still needs to answer “basic questions” on kickstart scheme, says Labour


labourlist--2020-09-04--“Poverty” sick pay could force over 80% of ill care staff into work, says GMB

GMB is calling for all social care staff to receive full pay when sick after a recent survey of its members showed the vast majority of care workers would be forced to work when ill .
The union , which represents people working in social care , consulted almost 1,000 people working in the industry and found that 81 % of them were unable to afford to take time off sick .
As a result of the findings , GMB has launched its ‘ care full pay ’ programme that is advocating for care providers and government to ensure full @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The UK has the second lowest statutory sick pay policy in Europe , with workers being offered just £95.85 a week when they can ’ t go to work due to illness .
Sick pay rates are significantly higher in countries such as France , Spain and Italy , whilst in Norway and Germany all workers receive their full wage when they ’ re unable to go to work .
The GMB survey also showed that 80 % of care workers would be forced to take on debt or borrow from family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taking time off sick .
Rachel Harrison , GMB national officer said : “ The issue is this – workers in a healthcare setting on statutory sick pay is an infection control risk .
“ Most social care staff simply can not afford to be sick under the current arrangements .
They are being presented with a terrible choice and getting penalised with poverty sick pay just for doing the right thing .
“ The findings clearly show a trend across social care – that the statutory sick pay system represents a significant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ It ’ s time for the government and care providers to take action and provide the full sick pay that will ensure care staff aren ’ t forced into contemplating working whilst sick.
” According to Amnesty International , the UK has one of the highest coronavirus death rates for health and social care workers as many staff couldn ’ t afford to self-isolate when they developed symptoms .
Currently , statutory sick pay covers less than 20 % of the average UK weekly income of £544 .
The figure is so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system was ruled to be in breach of EU law .
In March , Health Secretary Matt Hancock admitted that he wouldn ’ t be able to live on the money provided by the UK ’ s sick pay scheme , but the government has offered no plans to increase the rate of sick pay .

GMB is calling for all social care staff to receive full pay when sick after a recent survey of its members showed the vast majority of care workers would be forced to work when ill.
The union, which represents people working in social care, consulted almost 1,000 people working in the industry and found that 81% of them were unable to afford to take time off sick.
As a result of the findings, GMB has launched its ‘care full pay’ programme that is advocating for care providers and government to ensure full sick pay is introduced in the industry.
The UK has the second lowest statutory sick pay policy in Europe, with workers being offered just £95.85 a week when they can’t go to work due to illness.
Sick pay rates are significantly higher in countries such as France, Spain and Italy, whilst in Norway and Germany all workers receive their full wage when they’re unable to go to work.
The GMB survey also showed that 80% of care workers would be forced to take on debt or borrow from family and friends to make ends meet after taking time off sick.
Rachel Harrison, GMB national officer said: “The issue is this – workers in a healthcare setting on statutory sick pay is an infection control risk.
“Most social care staff simply cannot afford to be sick under the current arrangements. They are being presented with a terrible choice and getting penalised with poverty sick pay just for doing the right thing.
“The findings clearly show a trend across social care – that the statutory sick pay system represents a significant risk, heightened during a pandemic.
“It’s time for the government and care providers to take action and provide the full sick pay that will ensure care staff aren’t forced into contemplating working whilst sick.”
According to Amnesty International, the UK has one of the highest coronavirus death rates for health and social care workers as many staff couldn’t afford to self-isolate when they developed symptoms.
Currently, statutory sick pay covers less than 20% of the average UK weekly income of £544. The figure is so low that two years ago the UK system was ruled to be in breach of EU law.
In March, Health Secretary Matt Hancock admitted that he wouldn’t be able to live on the money provided by the UK’s sick pay scheme, but the government has offered no plans to increase the rate of sick pay.


labourlist--2020-09-04--Bermondsey Labour MP Neil Coyle’s texts to Jeremy Corbyn revealed

Personal text messages sent by Labour ’ s Bermondsey and Old Southwark MP Neil Coyle to Jeremy Corbyn when he was leader of the Labour Party have been revealed by Sunday Times journalist Gabriel Pogrund today .
The author of new book Left Out : The Inside Story of Labour Under Corbyn has tweeted photos of exchanges between the two from August 2016 to September 2017 , which appear to have been provided by Corbyn ’ s team .
The screenshots show the London MP telling Corbyn : “ You make me ashamed to have ever tried to work with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ idea how you sleep at night ” ; and “ you ’ re weaker than a mosquito on an elephant hide ” .
The then party leader appears to have replied only occasionally to Coyle , whose first text about an Observer splash ( “ absolute disgrace ” ) prompted the reply : “ Sorry for that .
I don ’ t recognise the number .
Jeremy ” .
The messages and poor relations between Coyle and Corbyn are described in Left Out as such : Another PLP irreconcilable , the combative Bermondsey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been dressed down earlier that year by Nick Brown , the chief whip , over a barrage of dozens of abusive texts to Corbyn .
LOTO [ the leader ’ s office ] had printed off page after page of ranting sent by Coyle to his leader , often late at night , occasionally alternative with businesslike exchanges .
Having nominated Corbyn for the leadership in 2015 in an act of misguided charity , Coyle was among those MPs who could not live with the consequences .
One LOTO aide recalled that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MP was when he uttered the unforgettable greeting : “ Why don ’ t you just fuck off ?
” The book also reports that communications director Seumas Milne filed a complaint of physical assault to Labour HQ when Caerphilly MP Wayne David “ jabbed ’ Corbyn with a rolled-up order paper ” .
David , described as “ cantankerous ” in Left Out , was shadow minister for the armed forces from 2016 until Corbyn stepped down this year .
Under Keir Starmer , he is now shadow minister for the Middle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a strong advocate of the fresh EU referendum policy that was reluctantly adopted by Corbyn ’ s Labour last year , and a proponent of continued European free movement , as outlined in a piece for LabourList .
Left Out by Gabriel Pogrund and Patrick Maguire review – inside story of Labour under Corbyn

Personal text messages sent by Labour’s Bermondsey and Old Southwark MP Neil Coyle to Jeremy Corbyn when he was leader of the Labour Party have been revealed by Sunday Times journalist Gabriel Pogrund today.
The author of new book Left Out: The Inside Story of Labour Under Corbyn has tweeted photos of exchanges between the two from August 2016 to September 2017, which appear to have been provided by Corbyn’s team.
The screenshots show the London MP telling Corbyn: “You make me ashamed to have ever tried to work with you”; “I have no idea how you sleep at night”; and “you’re weaker than a mosquito on an elephant hide”.
The then party leader appears to have replied only occasionally to Coyle, whose first text about an Observer splash (“absolute disgrace”) prompted the reply: “Sorry for that. I don’t recognise the number. Jeremy”.
The messages and poor relations between Coyle and Corbyn are described in Left Out as such:
Another PLP irreconcilable, the combative Bermondsey and Old Southwark MP Neil Coyle, had been dressed down earlier that year by Nick Brown, the chief whip, over a barrage of dozens of abusive texts to Corbyn. LOTO [the leader’s office] had printed off page after page of ranting sent by Coyle to his leader, often late at night, occasionally alternative with businesslike exchanges. Having nominated Corbyn for the leadership in 2015 in an act of misguided charity, Coyle was among those MPs who could not live with the consequences. One LOTO aide recalled that their first and only conversation with the MP was when he uttered the unforgettable greeting: “Why don’t you just fuck off?”
The book also reports that communications director Seumas Milne filed a complaint of physical assault to Labour HQ when Caerphilly MP Wayne David “‘jabbed’ Corbyn with a rolled-up order paper”.
Update, 5pm: David has denied that the incident occurred, saying: “I have never been involved in any altercation with Jeremy Corbyn, let alone jabbed him with an order paper. In fact, Jeremy Corbyn and I always had a civilised relationship, even though we disagreed on many issues.”
David, described as “cantankerous” in Left Out, was shadow minister for the armed forces from 2016 until Corbyn stepped down this year. Under Keir Starmer, he is now shadow minister for the Middle East and North Africa.
Coyle was a strong advocate of the fresh EU referendum policy that was reluctantly adopted by Corbyn’s Labour last year, and a proponent of continued European free movement, as outlined in a piece for LabourList.
Left Out by Gabriel Pogrund and Patrick Maguire review – inside story of Labour under Corbyn


labourlist--2020-09-04--Labour is the party of work – and must become the natural party of business

Labour ’ s relationship with the business community over the past decade has been less than satisfactory .
That much was evident in the description of some firms as “ predators ” under Ed Miliband and in polls showing that businesses were just as concerned about the prospect of a Labour government under Jeremy Corbyn as they were about Brexit .
While businesses have supported the ideas behind Labour ’ s plans for improving infrastructure , they feared the tax burden and the risk to private investment .
Sir Keir Starmer has begun to transform Labour , and one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needs to make serious inroads is with the business community .
Labour must become the natural party of business if it is to win again .
It must demonstrate economic competence and an affiliation with those who strive to earn a living – in the private sector as well as the public sector .
We need small business owners to feel at home within the labour movement , just as nurses and social workers do .
Covid-19 has highlighted the importance of family-run and family-owned businesses in the UK .
Labour must be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recovery from the lockdown , but now is the time to turn on the engines of the British economy .
Labour means work , not furlough .
Labour means self-enterprise , not welfare .
Labour should be at the forefront of returning people to work , boosting employment and helping our recovery .
Labour should oppose measures by the government to increase income tax and corporation tax .
These measures will stifle the recovery and limit the spending power of individuals and business .
Proposed tax increases at this precise moment would remove @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unemployment , slow growth and deepening the recession we are already in .
Labour could show it has moved back to the centre ground by supporting business and entrepreneurship .
Labour and the government need to focus on macroeconomic policies to expand the economy and create jobs .
The UK is less productive , less competitive and exports less than many other comparable countries .
This needs to change following Covid and Brexit .
We don ’ t invest anywhere near as much as other countries such as Germany , our connectivity is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in parts of the country .
This should be an opportunity to renew the nation and recover from Covid .
The UK needs more investment and conditions where it is affordable to increase manufacturing and subsequently boost exports .
At present , it is cheaper to produce goods in Germany , China or Vietnam than it is in the UK .
Why is the British government content to allow other countries to get ahead of us on manufacturing ?
Surely , the patriotic and economically sensible thing to do would be to reduce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Covid-19 and make more things here at home .
This will require a more competitive exchange rate , increased investment and policies to drive down energy costs .
Labour should also take inspiration from Franklin D. Roosevelt ’ s New Deal , which helped to restore the American economy following the great depression .
The great depression we are entering has been enforced by the state , and so the state has a responsibility to aid the recovery .
Labour should consider redistributing wealth by cutting the pensions and salaries of higher earners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jobs in infrastructure and associated services .
Labour should advocate a firmer approach to tax on multinationals that currently avoid paying tax , and maintain existing rates for smaller firms – or even reduce them .
Looking ahead , Covid-19 has transformed the way in which business operates .
Remote working and virtual meetings are now the new norm .
Flexible working hours and individual operations have been established .
Traditional work models have been fundamentally altered .
Workers , on the whole , enjoy flexible working .
Labour must adapt with workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the economy is as flexible as possible , and ensures that new work freedoms can be enjoyed and maintained .
Trade unions are going to need to find new ways of organising workers operating out of a common workplace .
Labour is , above all things , the party of work .
Labour means work , and we should be at the forefront of encouraging the government to get workers back to where they belong – in work .
Of course , it is important to continue to maintain the social distancing rules @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we can create safe conditions for employment to resume .
It is vitally important for the welfare of workers that they are engaged in meaningful activity .
Labour should not be seeking an extension to furlough , or the slowing of a return to normal , but should be encouraging a speedy return to work and prosperity .

Labour’s relationship with the business community over the past decade has been less than satisfactory. That much was evident in the description of some firms as “predators” under Ed Miliband and in polls showing that businesses were just as concerned about the prospect of a Labour government under Jeremy Corbyn as they were about Brexit. While businesses have supported the ideas behind Labour’s plans for improving infrastructure, they feared the tax burden and the risk to private investment.
Sir Keir Starmer has begun to transform Labour, and one of the most important areas where the party needs to make serious inroads is with the business community. Labour must become the natural party of business if it is to win again. It must demonstrate economic competence and an affiliation with those who strive to earn a living – in the private sector as well as the public sector. We need small business owners to feel at home within the labour movement, just as nurses and social workers do.
Covid-19 has highlighted the importance of family-run and family-owned businesses in the UK. Labour must be on their side as we start to recovery from the lockdown, but now is the time to turn on the engines of the British economy. Labour means work, not furlough. Labour means self-enterprise, not welfare. Labour should be at the forefront of returning people to work, boosting employment and helping our recovery.
Labour should oppose measures by the government to increase income tax and corporation tax. These measures will stifle the recovery and limit the spending power of individuals and business. Proposed tax increases at this precise moment would remove vital capacity from the recovery – creating unemployment, slow growth and deepening the recession we are already in. Labour could show it has moved back to the centre ground by supporting business and entrepreneurship.
Labour and the government need to focus on macroeconomic policies to expand the economy and create jobs. The UK is less productive, less competitive and exports less than many other comparable countries. This needs to change following Covid and Brexit. We don’t invest anywhere near as much as other countries such as Germany, our connectivity is poor and our infrastructure is falling behind in parts of the country. This should be an opportunity to renew the nation and recover from Covid.
The UK needs more investment and conditions where it is affordable to increase manufacturing and subsequently boost exports. At present, it is cheaper to produce goods in Germany, China or Vietnam than it is in the UK. Why is the British government content to allow other countries to get ahead of us on manufacturing? Surely, the patriotic and economically sensible thing to do would be to reduce the risk to our supply chains following Covid-19 and make more things here at home. This will require a more competitive exchange rate, increased investment and policies to drive down energy costs.
Labour should also take inspiration from Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal, which helped to restore the American economy following the great depression. The great depression we are entering has been enforced by the state, and so the state has a responsibility to aid the recovery. Labour should consider redistributing wealth by cutting the pensions and salaries of higher earners in the public sector and creating new jobs in infrastructure and associated services. Labour should advocate a firmer approach to tax on multinationals that currently avoid paying tax, and maintain existing rates for smaller firms – or even reduce them.
Looking ahead, Covid-19 has transformed the way in which business operates. Remote working and virtual meetings are now the new norm. Flexible working hours and individual operations have been established. Traditional work models have been fundamentally altered. Workers, on the whole, enjoy flexible working. Labour must adapt with workers and make sure the future management of the economy is as flexible as possible, and ensures that new work freedoms can be enjoyed and maintained. Trade unions are going to need to find new ways of organising workers operating out of a common workplace.
Labour is, above all things, the party of work. Labour means work, and we should be at the forefront of encouraging the government to get workers back to where they belong – in work. Of course, it is important to continue to maintain the social distancing rules, but by working with the unions we can create safe conditions for employment to resume. It is vitally important for the welfare of workers that they are engaged in meaningful activity. Labour should not be seeking an extension to furlough, or the slowing of a return to normal, but should be encouraging a speedy return to work and prosperity.


labourlist--2020-09-04--Testing figures going in the wrong direction – and millions of jobs at risk next month

The right-wing press are in uproar over the lack of airport testing , as the Daily Mail screams : “ Boris , let ’ s get flying again !
” .
Heathrow has actually set up a testing facility , ready for it to replace the existing quarantine system , but the government has not made progress on the rapid testing front .
That is despite more than 30 other countries , including Germany and France , having an airport testing system in place .
The rest of the testing regime failures are more worrying : the latest weekly stats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ close contacts ” were reached and told to self-isolate , when we ’ ve been told that 80 % is the level above which this process works .
These figures are going in the wrong direction – and the performance gap between local public health teams and outsourced firms is growing .
Hardly “ world-beating ” and hardly a glowing endorsement of NHS Test and Trace head Dido Harding , the Tory peer who will be chairing the replacement for Public Health England .
She has had to apologise because it was pointed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 100 miles away from their homes to get tested .
Health experts are warning that the strategy of moving capacity around the country , giving more support to areas where Covid-19 cases are higher , is fundamentally flawed : it leads to people being sent far away and means new spikes are more difficult to identify early .
We will constantly be playing catch up .
This is not the situation that the UK wants to be in ahead of the usual winter NHS pressures and a potential second wave of coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the jobs crisis .
The TUC has released a new report today that warns the government of a “ tsunami of unemployment ” once the job retention scheme ends next month .
Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak so far have refused to take on board Labour ’ s suggestion of extending furlough in worst-hit sectors , instead going ahead with a pitiful plan to offer a ‘ job retention bonus ’ that will see employers given £1,000 for every furloughed worker they bring back .
By the Chancellor ’ s own admission @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” cost to the scheme .
The TUC is proposing an alternative : offering subsidies of up to 70 % , which would have more conditions attached than furlough .
It is clear that something bold needs to be done – millions of jobs are at risk .
On LabourList today , I ’ ve published a review of Left Out by Gabriel Pogrund and Patrick Maguire .
The new book has revealed that Ian Murray , now in the shadow cabinet , was one of the ‘ Independent Group ’ quitters before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what a week for that detail to emerge .
For more , check out my piece .
Sign up to LabourList ’ s morning email for everything Labour , every weekday morning .

The right-wing press are in uproar over the lack of airport testing, as the Daily Mail screams: “Boris, let’s get flying again!”. Heathrow has actually set up a testing facility, ready for it to replace the existing quarantine system, but the government has not made progress on the rapid testing front. That is despite more than 30 other countries, including Germany and France, having an airport testing system in place. The rest of the testing regime failures are more worrying: the latest weekly stats showed that under 70% of “close contacts” were reached and told to self-isolate, when we’ve been told that 80% is the level above which this process works. These figures are going in the wrong direction – and the performance gap between local public health teams and outsourced firms is growing.
Hardly “world-beating” and hardly a glowing endorsement of NHS Test and Trace head Dido Harding, the Tory peer who will be chairing the replacement for Public Health England. She has had to apologise because it was pointed out that people are being sent more than 100 miles away from their homes to get tested. Health experts are warning that the strategy of moving capacity around the country, giving more support to areas where Covid-19 cases are higher, is fundamentally flawed: it leads to people being sent far away and means new spikes are more difficult to identify early. We will constantly be playing catch up. This is not the situation that the UK wants to be in ahead of the usual winter NHS pressures and a potential second wave of coronavirus. And then there’s Brexit… and the jobs crisis.
The TUC has released a new report today that warns the government of a “tsunami of unemployment” once the job retention scheme ends next month. Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak so far have refused to take on board Labour’s suggestion of extending furlough in worst-hit sectors, instead going ahead with a pitiful plan to offer a ‘job retention bonus’ that will see employers given £1,000 for every furloughed worker they bring back. By the Chancellor’s own admission, there will be a “deadweight” cost to the scheme. The TUC is proposing an alternative: offering subsidies of up to 70%, which would have more conditions attached than furlough. It is clear that something bold needs to be done – millions of jobs are at risk.
On LabourList today, I’ve published a review of Left Out by Gabriel Pogrund and Patrick Maguire. The new book has revealed that Ian Murray, now in the shadow cabinet, was one of the ‘Independent Group’ quitters before pulling out at the last minute – what a week for that detail to emerge. For more, check out my piece. Sign up to LabourList’s morning email for everything Labour, every weekday morning.