labourlist--2020-07-26--Sunday shows: Spain quarantine is “shambolic”, says Labour’s Ashworth

Jonathan Ashworth described the government ’ s handling of a new quarantine for those travelling from Spain as “ shambolic ” .
He also discussed Labour ’ s settlement of the Panorama case , saying : “ I entirely support the decision ” .
• On Spain : “ I can understand why the government has made this decision… One of the big blunders from Boris Johnson back in March was not quarantining those coming from France and Spain and Italy.
” • On holidaymakers currently in Spain : “ The way in which the decision has been made in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They don ’ t know whether their employers will allow them to take two weeks to quarantine.
” • He added : “ The government just says ‘ oh we hope that employers cooperate ’ – well , you know , to be frank I hope that I win the lottery on Saturday , it doesn ’ t mean that it ’ s going to happen.
” • Put to him that the decision had to be taken quickly : “ I understand… but the way in which this was communicated – I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a very good Sunday journalist got hold of the story and then the government had to scramble to confirm it – that is no way to treat people.
” • On financial support : “ When the government makes decisions , whether it ’ s putting a city like Leicester into lockdown or telling holidaymakers that they ’ ve got to quarantine for 14 days , they ’ ve got to back it up with financial support.
” • He added : “ This virus will spread when people have no choice but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ why we ’ re not really getting on top of this virus.
” • On obesity : “ Tackling obesity has to be a much wider approach , you ’ ve got to tackle the circumstances in which people live.
” • On the government ’ s strategy due to be published tomorrow : “ Dieting advice is great .
More exercise , more cycling – yeah , that ’ s a good thing.
” • But he added : “ We need action around accessing nutritional food , we need to ban @ @ @ @ @ @ @ give families support , we need to give people healthy start vouchers not cut them , and also these high energy drinks kids can buy in shops – why aren ’ t we banning that ?
” • On Labour and Scottish independence : “ We ’ ve always believed since our founding days that we are stronger together.
” • Asked if Labour would support an independence referendum : “ We are not a pro-independence party… Our policy is not to support an independence referendum.
” • On antisemitism and settling the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shown exceptional leadership in dealing with this poison of antisemitism , which was allowed to go unchallenged for too long in the Labour Party .
I entirely support the decision.
” • He talked about changing the culture in the party : “ Where antisemitism complaints were too readily dismissed as smears or not taken seriously , or opinions were allowed to go unchallenged.
” • On Jeremy Corbyn ’ s comments on the settlement : “ I have great fondness for Jeremy Corbyn… but on this particular question , I think Keir @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week.
” • On antisemitic comments from Wiley : “ Twitter has been absolutely appalling in the last 24 hours in refusing to take on the antisemitic vile poison that we ’ ve seen coming out of that particular grime artist.
” The government says it hopes employers will cooperate on returnees from Spain quarantining – `` I hope I 'll win the lottery on Saturday , it does n't mean it 's going to happen '' says @ JonAshworth He wants clarity on government support if employers refuse to offer it.
# @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Labour Prime Minister Tony Blair .
He discussed coronavirus , Russian interference in the UK , China , Labour in Scotland and Keir Starmer ’ s performance as leader .
• On the government ’ s Covid strategy : “ The reality is we ’ re going to be living with Covid-19… for enough of the future that it means it ’ s worth putting in place the containment infrastructure that allows you to control it.
” • Asked whether government messaging on masks has been clear : “ No , and I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government wouldn ’ t say that .
I mean , they began by saying they weren ’ t necessary.
” • He added : “ Where they ’ ve used masks extensively , there ’ s no doubt they ’ ve been able better to control the disease.
” • On the Russia report published this week and Brexit : “ I don ’ t believe that the referendum result was because of Russian interference but you should know , and the government should investigate for the future.
” • On the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We need to have a strategy for dealing with China… You have to confront them where it ’ s necessary to confront them but you have to do it from a strategic position.
” • On Scotland : “ When Labour went off to the left and played around with nationalist sentiment instead of being clearly in the centre-left position and clearly in favour of the union , it lost its purchase as the opposition.
” • Asked about Keir Starmer ’ s leadership : “ I think he ’ s done @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Labour Party competitive again – there ’ s still a long way to go on policy – but , you know , he ’ s made a really impressive start.
” • He added : “ For a lot of people who had really given up on the Labour Party… I think they ’ re now looking at it much more sympathetically and I think they regard him as a serious figure.
” Dominic Raab also appeared on the show this morning .
Commenting on people travelling abroad , he said that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spain , we can ’ t give a guarantee ” , and concluded that “ there is an element of uncertainty this summer ” .
On people facing difficulties with their employers as they ’ re told to quarantine , the Foreign Secretary claimed that “ you can not be penalised in this country lawfully for following the rules and the law that ’ s in place ” .

Sophy Ridge on Sunday
Jonathan Ashworth described the government’s handling of a new quarantine for those travelling from Spain as “shambolic”. He also discussed Labour’s settlement of the Panorama case, saying: “I entirely support the decision”.
On Spain: “I can understand why the government has made this decision… One of the big blunders from Boris Johnson back in March was not quarantining those coming from France and Spain and Italy.”
On holidaymakers currently in Spain: “The way in which the decision has been made in the last 24 hours is frankly shambolic… They don’t know whether their employers will allow them to take two weeks to quarantine.”
He added: “The government just says ‘oh we hope that employers cooperate’ – well, you know, to be frank I hope that I win the lottery on Saturday, it doesn’t mean that it’s going to happen.”
Put to him that the decision had to be taken quickly: “I understand… but the way in which this was communicated – I mean it broke on Twitter, because a very good Sunday journalist got hold of the story and then the government had to scramble to confirm it – that is no way to treat people.”
On financial support: “When the government makes decisions, whether it’s putting a city like Leicester into lockdown or telling holidaymakers that they’ve got to quarantine for 14 days, they’ve got to back it up with financial support.”
He added: “This virus will spread when people have no choice but to go to work… It’s why we’re not really getting on top of this virus.”
On obesity: “Tackling obesity has to be a much wider approach, you’ve got to tackle the circumstances in which people live.”
On the government’s strategy due to be published tomorrow: “Dieting advice is great. More exercise, more cycling – yeah, that’s a good thing.”
But he added: “We need action around accessing nutritional food, we need to ban junk food advertising, we need to give families support, we need to give people healthy start vouchers not cut them, and also these high energy drinks kids can buy in shops – why aren’t we banning that?”
On Labour and Scottish independence: “We’ve always believed since our founding days that we are stronger together.”
Asked if Labour would support an independence referendum: “We are not a pro-independence party… Our policy is not to support an independence referendum.”
On antisemitism and settling the Panorama case: “Keir Starmer has shown exceptional leadership in dealing with this poison of antisemitism, which was allowed to go unchallenged for too long in the Labour Party. I entirely support the decision.”
He talked about changing the culture in the party: “Where antisemitism complaints were too readily dismissed as smears or not taken seriously, or opinions were allowed to go unchallenged.”
On Jeremy Corbyn’s comments on the settlement: “I have great fondness for Jeremy Corbyn… but on this particular question, I think Keir Starmer has done the correct thing this week.”
On antisemitic comments from Wiley: “Twitter has been absolutely appalling in the last 24 hours in refusing to take on the antisemitic vile poison that we’ve seen coming out of that particular grime artist.”
The government says it hopes employers will cooperate on returnees from Spain quarantining – "I hope I'll win the lottery on Saturday, it doesn't mean it's going to happen" says @JonAshworth He wants clarity on government support if employers refuse to offer it.#Ridge pic.twitter.com/HnO6VuH13u — Sophy Ridge on Sunday (@RidgeOnSunday) July 26, 2020
Sophy Ridge also interviewed former Labour Prime Minister Tony Blair. He discussed coronavirus, Russian interference in the UK, China, Labour in Scotland and Keir Starmer’s performance as leader.
On the government’s Covid strategy: “The reality is we’re going to be living with Covid-19… for enough of the future that it means it’s worth putting in place the containment infrastructure that allows you to control it.”
Asked whether government messaging on masks has been clear: “No, and I think even the most ardent supporter of the government wouldn’t say that. I mean, they began by saying they weren’t necessary.”
He added: “Where they’ve used masks extensively, there’s no doubt they’ve been able better to control the disease.”
On the Russia report published this week and Brexit: “I don’t believe that the referendum result was because of Russian interference but you should know, and the government should investigate for the future.”
On the UK’s relationship with China: “We need to have a strategy for dealing with China… You have to confront them where it’s necessary to confront them but you have to do it from a strategic position.”
On Scotland: “When Labour went off to the left and played around with nationalist sentiment instead of being clearly in the centre-left position and clearly in favour of the union, it lost its purchase as the opposition.”
Asked about Keir Starmer’s leadership: “I think he’s done a great job… He’s made the Labour Party competitive again – there’s still a long way to go on policy – but, you know, he’s made a really impressive start.”
He added: “For a lot of people who had really given up on the Labour Party… I think they’re now looking at it much more sympathetically and I think they regard him as a serious figure.”
Dominic Raab also appeared on the show this morning. Commenting on people travelling abroad, he said that “as we’ve found with Spain, we can’t give a guarantee”, and concluded that “there is an element of uncertainty this summer”.
On people facing difficulties with their employers as they’re told to quarantine, the Foreign Secretary claimed that “you cannot be penalised in this country lawfully for following the rules and the law that’s in place”.


labourlist--2020-07-26--Labour’s class of ’45 remembered

Labour’s class of ’45 remembered

In March 1976 , Harold Wilson shocked the world by announcing his resignation as Prime Minister .
In an address to the cabinet , he said he was handing over to “ the most experienced and talented team in this century ” .
That team was shaped by Labour ’ s historic 1945 election victory , the results of which were announced 75 years ago today .
The brightest star of Labour ’ s 1945 intake was the man who led the Labour Party to four election victories : Harold Wilson .
At the beginning of the Second World War @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the party and seemed destined for a career in academia as an Oxford don .
Upon entering the civil service , he soon attracted the attention of Hugh Dalton after working on a post-war plan for the coal industry .
He was encouraged to stand for Labour but only made it onto the B list of candidates .
In normal election times , he would have stood little chance of winning over a constituency party , particularly without any roots in the trade union movement .
His first attempt to stand was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Stanley Tiffany .
He had better luck in the north-west town of Ormskirk , where he drew on his knowledge of the coal industry to win over the 50 delegates in attendance .
Dubbed the “ brilliant young economist ” by The Times , he proved a popular candidate by advocating for a ‘ new deal ’ for the miners and the British people .
To the shock of many , he beat the independent candidate , commander Stephen King-Hall , which put him on course for a 30-year career at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who replaced Wilson as Prime Minister was James Callaghan , who remains the only individual to have held all four great offices of state : Prime Minister , Chancellor , Home and Foreign Secretary .
Plunged into poverty aged nine after the death of his father , he “ became staunch Labour for life ” after his MP , F.O .
Roberts , secured welfare support for his mother .
Becoming a trade unionist , he joined the party at its lowest point in 1931 .
After serving in the navy , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Harold Laski .
Having had little time to read the manifesto , he campaigned on a personal slogan : “ We built the spitfires .
Now we can build the houses.
” To his surprise , he won the seat and remained an MP in the Cardiff area for the next 42 years .
The man who replaced Callaghan as Labour leader in 1980 was perhaps the most high profile of the 1945 cohort .
Michael Foot stood as a Labour candidate in 1935 but failed to enter parliament .
Having made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the Evening Standard , he co-wrote Guilty Men under the pseudonym Cato , which attacked the British appeasement policy of the 1930s .
When he was selected to fight Devonport – coming up against the former cabinet minister Leslie Hore-Belisha – few gave Foot a chance .
Particularly as he was challenged on his lack of military service ( Foot had been excused conscription due to asthma ) .
He focused on the issue of housing , and benefited from the support of Nye Bevan .
On election day , the local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was overturned in one of the most stunning results of 1945 .
The difficulties Foot faced as Labour leader in the 1980s were characterised by the bitter split between Denis Healey , Roy Jenkins and Tony Benn , all of whom entered political life in 1945 .
Major Denis Healey was stationed in Italy when he received a letter asking him to apply to be the Labour candidate for two safe Conservative seats .
His statement to the selection panel in Pudsey and Otley was read out by a family friend who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ represent millions of soldiers , sailors and airmen who want socialism and who have been fighting magnificently to save a world in which socialism is possible ” .
Healey fell short of victory in 1945 but was encouraged to apply for the job of international secretary of the party , before finally entering the Commons in a by-election in 1952 .
Roy Jenkins was perhaps the best-connected candidate of the 1945 cohort .
The son of a miner and Labour MP , Jenkins had graduated from Oxford with the highest honours before working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the war .
During this time , his father was the parliamentary private secretary to Clement Attlee and the Labour leader even made an appearance at Roy Jenkins ’ wedding in 1945 .
But to his surprise and disappointment , he was unable to win Solihull .
Jenkins went away and penned a biography of Attlee , before entering the Commons in 1948 in the Southwark by-election .
Tony Benn was stationed in Palestine on VE Day and celebrated the victory with orange squash .
The son of William Wedgewood Benn , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cabinet , he was not yet old enough to vote in 1945 .
That did not stop him speaking in a hustings , Why I Will Vote Labour , onboard his ship back to Britain from war service .
Benn talked of his hopes for peace : “ Europe lies devastated and the worst legacy of all is the hatred of one nation for another.
” Upon his return , he volunteered to canvass for Labour ’ s Jeremy Hutchinson in Westminster .
On the day of the election result , Benn managed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Westminster Central Hall .
Benn was asked by a BBC reporter to say “ three cheers for Mr Attlee ” on the radio but he refused on account of being too shy .
Benn would get over his shyness and enter parliament in 1951 as the Baby of the House .
In Blackburn , few believed Barbara Castle could overturn the Tory seat .
Born in Bradford , she was radicalised by the poverty of the 1920s .
She once reflected how she “ walked through the streets where the workers lived and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of all the ugliness and squalor and think that if I had to live in conditions like that I ’ d start a revolution ” .
In 1943 , she rose to national prominence after an impassioned speech at Labour conference calling on the party to implement the Beveridge Report .
This gave her the platform to approach local parties in the run-up to 1945 .
She won over the “ rows and rows of men ” on the Blackburn panel by asking them to forget “ I am a woman and judge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then took her message to the people , holding meetings outside textile factories and mills , so workers could meet her on their dinner breaks .
In the landslide , Blackburn turned red and she remained the MP there until 1979 .
The Attlee government would go on to transform society with its interventions in industry , the building of the welfare state and creation of the NHS .
But after it was thrown out of office in 1951 , it was left to the new generation to rebuild it in the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this class of 1945 would go on to dominate the political , social and cultural life of the late 20th century .
From the introduction of equal pay to reforms on race relations , homosexuality and capital punishment , to the democratisation of our political parties , each of them played a crucial role in shaping the society we live in today .

In March 1976, Harold Wilson shocked the world by announcing his resignation as Prime Minister. In an address to the cabinet, he said he was handing over to “the most experienced and talented team in this century”. That team was shaped by Labour’s historic 1945 election victory, the results of which were announced 75 years ago today.
The brightest star of Labour’s 1945 intake was the man who led the Labour Party to four election victories: Harold Wilson. At the beginning of the Second World War, Wilson was not yet a member of the party and seemed destined for a career in academia as an Oxford don. Upon entering the civil service, he soon attracted the attention of Hugh Dalton after working on a post-war plan for the coal industry. He was encouraged to stand for Labour but only made it onto the B list of candidates. In normal election times, he would have stood little chance of winning over a constituency party, particularly without any roots in the trade union movement.
His first attempt to stand was in Peterborough, where he came runner-up to Stanley Tiffany. He had better luck in the north-west town of Ormskirk, where he drew on his knowledge of the coal industry to win over the 50 delegates in attendance. Dubbed the “brilliant young economist” by The Times, he proved a popular candidate by advocating for a ‘new deal’ for the miners and the British people. To the shock of many, he beat the independent candidate, commander Stephen King-Hall, which put him on course for a 30-year career at the top of British politics.
The man who replaced Wilson as Prime Minister was James Callaghan, who remains the only individual to have held all four great offices of state: Prime Minister, Chancellor, Home and Foreign Secretary. Plunged into poverty aged nine after the death of his father, he “became staunch Labour for life” after his MP, F.O. Roberts, secured welfare support for his mother. Becoming a trade unionist, he joined the party at its lowest point in 1931. After serving in the navy, he was approached to stand in South Cardiff by Harold Laski. Having had little time to read the manifesto, he campaigned on a personal slogan: “We built the spitfires. Now we can build the houses.” To his surprise, he won the seat and remained an MP in the Cardiff area for the next 42 years.
The man who replaced Callaghan as Labour leader in 1980 was perhaps the most high profile of the 1945 cohort. Michael Foot stood as a Labour candidate in 1935 but failed to enter parliament. Having made a name for himself as a journalist at the Evening Standard, he co-wrote Guilty Men under the pseudonym Cato, which attacked the British appeasement policy of the 1930s. When he was selected to fight Devonport – coming up against the former cabinet minister Leslie Hore-Belisha – few gave Foot a chance. Particularly as he was challenged on his lack of military service (Foot had been excused conscription due to asthma). He focused on the issue of housing, and benefited from the support of Nye Bevan. On election day, the local press predicted a 5,000 Tory majority but it was overturned in one of the most stunning results of 1945.
The difficulties Foot faced as Labour leader in the 1980s were characterised by the bitter split between Denis Healey, Roy Jenkins and Tony Benn, all of whom entered political life in 1945. Major Denis Healey was stationed in Italy when he received a letter asking him to apply to be the Labour candidate for two safe Conservative seats. His statement to the selection panel in Pudsey and Otley was read out by a family friend who recounted Healey’s ambition to “represent millions of soldiers, sailors and airmen who want socialism and who have been fighting magnificently to save a world in which socialism is possible”. Healey fell short of victory in 1945 but was encouraged to apply for the job of international secretary of the party, before finally entering the Commons in a by-election in 1952.
Roy Jenkins was perhaps the best-connected candidate of the 1945 cohort. The son of a miner and Labour MP, Jenkins had graduated from Oxford with the highest honours before working as a code breaker at Bletchley Park during the war. During this time, his father was the parliamentary private secretary to Clement Attlee and the Labour leader even made an appearance at Roy Jenkins’ wedding in 1945. But to his surprise and disappointment, he was unable to win Solihull. Jenkins went away and penned a biography of Attlee, before entering the Commons in 1948 in the Southwark by-election.
Tony Benn was stationed in Palestine on VE Day and celebrated the victory with orange squash. The son of William Wedgewood Benn, a member of Ramsay MacDonald’s cabinet, he was not yet old enough to vote in 1945. That did not stop him speaking in a hustings, Why I Will Vote Labour, onboard his ship back to Britain from war service. Benn talked of his hopes for peace: “Europe lies devastated and the worst legacy of all is the hatred of one nation for another.” Upon his return, he volunteered to canvass for Labour’s Jeremy Hutchinson in Westminster. On the day of the election result, Benn managed to watch Attlee deliver his address to Westminster Central Hall. Benn was asked by a BBC reporter to say “three cheers for Mr Attlee” on the radio but he refused on account of being too shy. Benn would get over his shyness and enter parliament in 1951 as the Baby of the House.
In Blackburn, few believed Barbara Castle could overturn the Tory seat. Born in Bradford, she was radicalised by the poverty of the 1920s. She once reflected how she “walked through the streets where the workers lived and I’d look at the horror of all the ugliness and squalor and think that if I had to live in conditions like that I’d start a revolution”. In 1943, she rose to national prominence after an impassioned speech at Labour conference calling on the party to implement the Beveridge Report. This gave her the platform to approach local parties in the run-up to 1945. She won over the “rows and rows of men” on the Blackburn panel by asking them to forget “I am a woman and judge me as a socialist”. She then took her message to the people, holding meetings outside textile factories and mills, so workers could meet her on their dinner breaks. In the landslide, Blackburn turned red and she remained the MP there until 1979.
The Attlee government would go on to transform society with its interventions in industry, the building of the welfare state and creation of the NHS. But after it was thrown out of office in 1951, it was left to the new generation to rebuild it in the country again. Few could have predicted how this class of 1945 would go on to dominate the political, social and cultural life of the late 20th century. From the introduction of equal pay to reforms on race relations, homosexuality and capital punishment, to the democratisation of our political parties, each of them played a crucial role in shaping the society we live in today.


labourlist--2020-07-28--Margaret Greer joins UNISON general secretary contest

Another candidate has joined the race to succeed Dave Prentis as general secretary of party-affiliated trade union UNISON following the announcement that he will retire at the end of 2021 .
Margaret Greer has announced that she will be seeking the nomination and votes of UNISON members to be the first female and first Black general secretary of the union .
Seeking to be “ the members ’ champion ” , Greer has put tackling “ inequalities ” and “ discrimination ” and the need to “ reduce deprivation ” at the centre of her new campaign to succeed Prentis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ equality officer with over 30 years of community and trade union activism , as well as a Labour councillor for the Lower Edmonton ward in London ’ s Enfield borough .
LabourList exclusively revealed in October last year that Greer had been shortlisted for Labour ’ s Enfield North parliamentary candidate selection , along with Feryal Clark who is now a Labour MP .
The Enfield councillor was nominated for that selection by UNISON and CWU , and she was endorsed by Labour MPs Bambos Charalambous , Eleanor Smith and David Lammy .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ secretary at UNISON , has also formally announced her intention to stand for the job this week and launched a campaign .
McAnea is currently responsible for UNISON ’ s collective bargaining , negotiations and equalities strategy , and has had a focus on health and social care workers .
Roger McKenzie , also an assistant general secretary at UNISON , launched his campaign last week .
He is considered to be on the left of the Labour-affiliated union .
He has said that he intends to run an “ optimistic ” campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UNISON to secure a “ much higher public and media profile than we have ever had ” .
Hugo Pierre , a member of UNISON ’ s national executive council – as a representative of Black members – and of the Socialist Party , has said he is “ looking to be the candidate of the left ” .
Prentis announced earlier this month that he would retire when his term of office ends in December 2020 .
Labour leader Keir Starmer thanked him for “ many years of outstanding leadership ” .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ far would make history if elected by becoming UNISON ’ s first female or first Black general secretary , or both .
Nominations open on August 10th .

Another candidate has joined the race to succeed Dave Prentis as general secretary of party-affiliated trade union UNISON following the announcement that he will retire at the end of 2021.
Margaret Greer has announced that she will be seeking the nomination and votes of UNISON members to be the first female and first Black general secretary of the union.
Seeking to be “the members’ champion”, Greer has put tackling “inequalities” and “discrimination” and the need to “reduce deprivation” at the centre of her new campaign to succeed Prentis.
Greer is a UNISON national race equality officer with over 30 years of community and trade union activism, as well as a Labour councillor for the Lower Edmonton ward in London’s Enfield borough.
LabourList exclusively revealed in October last year that Greer had been shortlisted for Labour’s Enfield North parliamentary candidate selection, along with Feryal Clark who is now a Labour MP.
The Enfield councillor was nominated for that selection by UNISON and CWU, and she was endorsed by Labour MPs Bambos Charalambous, Eleanor Smith and David Lammy.
Glasgow-born Christina McAnea, currently assistant general secretary at UNISON, has also formally announced her intention to stand for the job this week and launched a campaign.
McAnea is currently responsible for UNISON’s collective bargaining, negotiations and equalities strategy, and has had a focus on health and social care workers.
Roger McKenzie, also an assistant general secretary at UNISON, launched his campaign last week. He is considered to be on the left of the Labour-affiliated union.
He has said that he intends to run an “optimistic” campaign, and has highlighted the need for UNISON to secure a “much higher public and media profile than we have ever had”.
Hugo Pierre, a member of UNISON’s national executive council – as a representative of Black members – and of the Socialist Party, has said he is “looking to be the candidate of the left”.
Prentis announced earlier this month that he would retire when his term of office ends in December 2020. Labour leader Keir Starmer thanked him for “many years of outstanding leadership”.
All those candidates who have declared so far would make history if elected by becoming UNISON’s first female or first Black general secretary, or both. Nominations open on August 10th.


labourlist--2020-07-28--Shelly Asquith’s TU-esday round-up: Change at the top of unions and grassroots action

It ’ s all change at the top of the unions .
You likely will have read reports about the three biggest ( Unite , GMB , UNISON ) being set to choose new general secretaries .
Meanwhile , the BFAWU ’ s new general secretary – Sarah Woolley – has just taken up post , and members of actors ’ union Equity recently elected Labour councillor Paul Fleming as their leader .
But what about at the grassroots ?
Obviously , safety concerns continue to dominate the union agenda , as a growing number of Covid-19 outbreaks are reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Unite responded to a devastating report yesterday , which states that the government ’ s failure to introduce a lockdown sooner cost the lives of bus drivers .
It will likely prompt investigations into other sectors where workers ’ lives could have been safeguarded sooner and more sufficiently .
Since I last wrote , the government announced a new pay offer for certain public sector workers .
It is a move that some have pointed to as cynical , and has left many more workers demanding parity .
A petition by PCS calling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gathering pace , while nurses across the country are organising demonstrations over pay in all major cities from Wednesday 29th July .
Before the pandemic hit , I wrote about a planned walk-out by Bexley refuse workers fighting for a pay rise .
The strike was suspended part-way through as the Unite members continued performing a ‘ key ’ role during lockdown , but fresh dates have now been set .
The refuse and cleansing workers , who Bexley Council contracts out to Serco , will strike for five days starting Thursday 30th @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , decent pay and secure contracts .
Messages of support can be sent to @ StrikeBexley .
Housing repairs workers employed by Brighton Council , who have recently been brought back in-house , are fighting for the council to honour an 8 % pay rise .
GMB has named strike dates for Monday 3rd August , Wednesday 5th August and Wednesday 7th August .
There is more industrial action in the pipeline , as members threaten or vote to strike .
UNISON members employed by Edinburgh Napier University are balloting for a walk-out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Scotland are threatening strike action over employer Hoyer UK ’ s plans to make four of them redundant .
Unite claims the bosses are using Covid-19 as an excuse to attack members ’ jobs .
There ’ s a battle on between ministers and their own staff , as PCS fight the government ’ s plans to move the civil servants back to the workplace .
As health and safety concerns remain in the minds of many , and a number of roles can continue to be carried out from home , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t just accept it ’ if a boss orders you back .
Elsewhere , PCS is fighting the prospect of hundreds of job cuts at the Tate galleries , and kicked off the week with a socially distanced protest .
The union says the plans will disproportionately affect the lowest paid and Black and minority ethnic workers , and has threatened strike action .
Finally some good news , as Unite members who previously worked at Jamie ’ s Italian restaurants have been awarded a £2,000 pay-out each in lost wages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ favour after the chain did not consult the union over redundancies .
…but a similar fight has now spring up in Sheffield as Bakers ’ Union members spent Saturday 25th July protesting outside pizza chain Papa John ’ s , demanding the reimbursement of unpaid wages from before the franchise was taken over .
Let ’ s hope they deliver .

It’s all change at the top of the unions. You likely will have read reports about the three biggest (Unite, GMB, UNISON) being set to choose new general secretaries. Meanwhile, the BFAWU’s new general secretary – Sarah Woolley – has just taken up post, and members of actors’ union Equity recently elected Labour councillor Paul Fleming as their leader.
But what about at the grassroots? Obviously, safety concerns continue to dominate the union agenda, as a growing number of Covid-19 outbreaks are reported in workplaces. Transport unions RMT and Unite responded to a devastating report yesterday, which states that the government’s failure to introduce a lockdown sooner cost the lives of bus drivers. It will likely prompt investigations into other sectors where workers’ lives could have been safeguarded sooner and more sufficiently.
Since I last wrote, the government announced a new pay offer for certain public sector workers. It is a move that some have pointed to as cynical, and has left many more workers demanding parity. A petition by PCS calling for a rise for civil servants is gathering pace, while nurses across the country are organising demonstrations over pay in all major cities from Wednesday 29th July.
Councils of shame
Before the pandemic hit, I wrote about a planned walk-out by Bexley refuse workers fighting for a pay rise. The strike was suspended part-way through as the Unite members continued performing a ‘key’ role during lockdown, but fresh dates have now been set. The refuse and cleansing workers, who Bexley Council contracts out to Serco, will strike for five days starting Thursday 30th July. They are striking for dignity, decent pay and secure contracts. Messages of support can be sent to @StrikeBexley.
Housing repairs workers employed by Brighton Council, who have recently been brought back in-house, are fighting for the council to honour an 8% pay rise. GMB has named strike dates for Monday 3rd August, Wednesday 5th August and Wednesday 7th August.
Bite the ballot
There is more industrial action in the pipeline, as members threaten or vote to strike.
UNISON members employed by Edinburgh Napier University are balloting for a walk-out over compulsory redundancy plans.
Tanker drivers in Scotland are threatening strike action over employer Hoyer UK’s plans to make four of them redundant. Unite claims the bosses are using Covid-19 as an excuse to attack members’ jobs.
There’s a battle on between ministers and their own staff, as PCS fight the government’s plans to move the civil servants back to the workplace. As health and safety concerns remain in the minds of many, and a number of roles can continue to be carried out from home, the unions advice to members is ‘don’t just accept it’ if a boss orders you back.
Elsewhere, PCS is fighting the prospect of hundreds of job cuts at the Tate galleries, and kicked off the week with a socially distanced protest. The union says the plans will disproportionately affect the lowest paid and Black and minority ethnic workers, and has threatened strike action.
A pretty penne
Finally some good news, as Unite members who previously worked at Jamie’s Italian restaurants have been awarded a £2,000 pay-out each in lost wages, as a tribunal ruled in their favour after the chain did not consult the union over redundancies.
…but a similar fight has now spring up in Sheffield as Bakers’ Union members spent Saturday 25th July protesting outside pizza chain Papa John’s, demanding the reimbursement of unpaid wages from before the franchise was taken over. Let’s hope they deliver.


labourlist--2020-07-28--Labour calls for more targeted support as unions demand change to sick pay

The government has unnecessarily found itself in a big mess over a poorly-communicated , ill-thought-out coronavirus decision – stop me if you ’ ve heard this one before – and come under fire after suddenly imposing quarantine restrictions on travellers arriving from Spain .
The fact that Transport Secretary Grant Shapps had just flown to Spain for a holiday when the news emerged over the weekend adds a little humour to the situation .
But the Spanish Prime Minister is fuming after No 10 extended the UK ’ s ‘ essential travel only ’ recommendation to the Balearic and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out that we would be safer from Covid-19 there than at home in the UK .
In another twist , it is now being reported that the quarantine times may be cut to ten days with the introduction of more testing .
Labour has warned again that the government must drop its “ one-size-fits-all ” approach to business support during the crisis and protect travel jobs in particular .
We know that the aviation sector is in big trouble , and targeted intervention – with environmental conditions attached – is sorely needed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case when anyone considering a trip abroad will be put off by the events of the last few days .
Why take the risk of overseas travel , when Airbnb is available and the beautiful Cotswolds are right there ?
The other gaping hole in government plans , of course , is that there has been no change to the level of statutory sick pay , and No 10 has rejected the idea of offering it to those forced to quarantine .
Their solution ?
Claim Universal Credit .
Boris Johnson ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ would encourage employers to be understanding of those returning , and flexible in accommodating their need to self-isolate ” .
That ’ s alright , then !
If that doesn ’ t work out , there is always UC , he explained .
And although there can be a five-week wait , applicants can get an advance on their first payment .
( This is a loan that will need to be paid back . )
Or employees can seek arbitration with their workplace .
Would it not be easier to simply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it , as proposed by trade unions including the TUC ’ s Frances O ’ Grady ?
The government does not appear willing to consider the idea .
Scrapping the deeply flawed Universal Credit is just one of the many subjects I ’ ll be touching on in my latest ‘ in conversation ’ event with Labour ’ s work and pensions spokesperson Jonathan Reynolds MP tomorrow .
What other policies would you like to see explored by Labour ?
Join us here at 6pm on Wednesday for the live broadcast , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suggestions for questions about his policy brief via email .
Sign up to LabourList ’ s morning email for everything Labour , every weekday morning .

The government has unnecessarily found itself in a big mess over a poorly-communicated, ill-thought-out coronavirus decision – stop me if you’ve heard this one before – and come under fire after suddenly imposing quarantine restrictions on travellers arriving from Spain. The fact that Transport Secretary Grant Shapps had just flown to Spain for a holiday when the news emerged over the weekend adds a little humour to the situation. But the Spanish Prime Minister is fuming after No 10 extended the UK’s ‘essential travel only’ recommendation to the Balearic and the Canary Islands, with Pedro Sánchez pointing out that we would be safer from Covid-19 there than at home in the UK. In another twist, it is now being reported that the quarantine times may be cut to ten days with the introduction of more testing.
Labour has warned again that the government must drop its “one-size-fits-all” approach to business support during the crisis and protect travel jobs in particular. We know that the aviation sector is in big trouble, and targeted intervention – with environmental conditions attached – is sorely needed to defend workers. That is especially the case when anyone considering a trip abroad will be put off by the events of the last few days. Why take the risk of overseas travel, when Airbnb is available and the beautiful Cotswolds are right there? The other gaping hole in government plans, of course, is that there has been no change to the level of statutory sick pay, and No 10 has rejected the idea of offering it to those forced to quarantine. Their solution? Claim Universal Credit.
Boris Johnson’s spokesman told journalists yesterday that the government “would encourage employers to be understanding of those returning, and flexible in accommodating their need to self-isolate”. That’s alright, then! If that doesn’t work out, there is always UC, he explained. And although there can be a five-week wait, applicants can get an advance on their first payment. (This is a loan that will need to be paid back.) Or employees can seek arbitration with their workplace. Would it not be easier to simply extend statutory sick pay, and increase it, as proposed by trade unions including the TUC’s Frances O’Grady? The government does not appear willing to consider the idea.
Scrapping the deeply flawed Universal Credit is just one of the many subjects I’ll be touching on in my latest ‘in conversation’ event with Labour’s work and pensions spokesperson Jonathan Reynolds MP tomorrow. What other policies would you like to see explored by Labour? Join us here at 6pm on Wednesday for the live broadcast, and as usual do feel free to submit suggestions for questions about his policy brief via email. Sign up to LabourList’s morning email for everything Labour, every weekday morning.


labourlist--2020-07-28--WATCH: In conversation with… Jonathan Reynolds MP

Join us at 6pm on Wednesday , July 29th , for our latest “ In conversation with… ” online event @ @ @ @ @ and Labour ’ s Shadow Secretary for Work and Pensions Jonathan Reynolds .
If readers @ @ @ @ @ the policy brief held by Reynolds , which is the focus of the event , @ @ @ @ @ them to us in advance .
You will also be able to offer suggestions during @ @ @ @ @ page will refresh automatically to show the livestream below when the event starts at 6pm @ @ @ @ @ able to watch it directly on YouTube by clicking here .

Join us at 6pm on Wednesday, July 29th, for our latest “In conversation with…” online event featuring LabourList editor Sienna Rodgers and Labour’s Shadow Secretary for Work and Pensions Jonathan Reynolds.
If readers have suggestions for questions about the policy brief held by Reynolds, which is the focus of the event, please feel free to email them to us in advance. You will also be able to offer suggestions during the live broadcast.
This page will refresh automatically to show the livestream below when the event starts at 6pm. You will also be able to watch it directly on YouTube by clicking here.


labourlist--2020-07-28--Momentum urges Labour quitters to rejoin party and defend Corbyn

Momentum has launched a drive urging people who have recently left the Labour Party to rejoin as members and defend Jeremy Corbyn amid reports that the former leader could be sued over his Panorama settlement criticism .
“ The Labour right have made their intentions clear .
They want to push the left out of the party .
But what they don ’ t realise is that our movement is stronger than their machine , ” reads an email sent by Momentum on Wednesday evening .
“ In recent days , reports have emerged that Jeremy Corbyn could be sued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and that some former party staff said they would drop their lawsuits against the party if Jeremy is expelled from Labour membership .
“ Our movement mobilised to defend Jeremy , raising over £280,000 for a crowdfund , which has been shared over 40,000 times .
But Jeremy needs more than money – he needs allies .
If you ’ ve left the party , now is the time to rejoin.
” Labour apologised last week to seven former Labour staffers and BBC journalist John Ware , and agreed to pay “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a documentary last year on antisemitism within the party .
The settlement is believed to have cost the party between £600,000 and £750,000 , with around £200,000 in damages agreed for the eight individuals .
It has been reported that Corbynite figures are considering a challenge to the settlement .
Corbyn said the moves last week amounted to a “ political decision , not a legal one ” , described them as “ disappointing ” , and said Labour received legal advice indicating it had a strong defence in the Panorama libel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BBC journalist John Ware was planning to take legal action against Corbyn following these criticisms , a GoFundMe page was set up .
It has received over £305,000 in donations so far .
Although Momentum cites reports that the ex-staffers said they would drop their lawsuits if Corbyn were expelled , journalist Lee Harpin tweeted that a source close to them commented this “ isn ’ t true ” and “ isn ’ t helpful ” .
The email to Momentum members argues : “ Leaving the party now would not only undo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the last five years , it would gift the party back to the Labour right at a time when our country needs a left-wing Labour Party more than ever .
”

Momentum has launched a drive urging people who have recently left the Labour Party to rejoin as members and defend Jeremy Corbyn amid reports that the former leader could be sued over his Panorama settlement criticism.
“The Labour right have made their intentions clear. They want to push the left out of the party. But what they don’t realise is that our movement is stronger than their machine,” reads an email sent by Momentum on Wednesday evening.
“In recent days, reports have emerged that Jeremy Corbyn could be sued over his statement criticising the Panorama settlements, and that some former party staff said they would drop their lawsuits against the party if Jeremy is expelled from Labour membership.
“Our movement mobilised to defend Jeremy, raising over £280,000 for a crowdfund, which has been shared over 40,000 times. But Jeremy needs more than money – he needs allies. If you’ve left the party, now is the time to rejoin.”
Labour apologised last week to seven former Labour staffers and BBC journalist John Ware, and agreed to pay “substantial damages”, for its response to a documentary last year on antisemitism within the party.
The settlement is believed to have cost the party between £600,000 and £750,000, with around £200,000 in damages agreed for the eight individuals. It has been reported that Corbynite figures are considering a challenge to the settlement.
Corbyn said the moves last week amounted to a “political decision, not a legal one”, described them as “disappointing”, and said Labour received legal advice indicating it had a strong defence in the Panorama libel case.
After it was reported that BBC journalist John Ware was planning to take legal action against Corbyn following these criticisms, a GoFundMe page was set up. It has received over £305,000 in donations so far.
Although Momentum cites reports that the ex-staffers said they would drop their lawsuits if Corbyn were expelled, journalist Lee Harpin tweeted that a source close to them commented this “isn’t true” and “isn’t helpful”.
The email to Momentum members argues: “Leaving the party now would not only undo the great strides we have made in the last five years, it would gift the party back to the Labour right at a time when our country needs a left-wing Labour Party more than ever.”


labourlist--2020-07-28--69% of public think all NHS staff should get early pay rise, says new poll

69 % of the British public believe that all NHS staff should get an early pay rise before the end of the year , according to a new poll conducted by Savanta ComRes for Labour-affiliated trade union UNISON .
The research also found that two thirds – 66 % – think the wage increase for healthcare employees should be “ significant ” in light of the coronavirus pandemic context that has put frontline workers in danger .
NHS workers are currently in the final year of a three-year pay deal , and they are not due to pay rise until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this deal as a reason for not awarding them a pay rise in 2020 .
The Chancellor last week announced a pay bump of up to 3.1 % for public sector workers including doctors , teachers and police officers – but social care workers , nurses and others were left out of the new offer .
UNISON has cited the results of the new poll as proof that there is “ substantial public support for a new pay deal to be agreed now for health service workers , many of whom have risked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” .
NHS workers who say they have been “ criminally let down ” by the government ’ s decision will march on Downing Street on Wednesday 29th July at 5pm in a protest spearheaded by trade unionists .
Trade union Unite ’ s branch at Guy ’ s and St Thomas Hospital in London has partnered with the Keep Our NHS Public campaign and Nurses United , as part of a nationwide demand for an immediate pay rise .
The UNISON poll that surveyed over 2,000 people also found that 73 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff between now and the end of March 2021 , with 69 % saying it should be awarded before the end of 2020 .
Just one in ten believe that health workers should wait until April 2021 for a rise , according to the poll , while 66 % of those surveyed indicated that NHS should received a medium or large increase in pay .
Commenting on the findings , UNISON head of health Sara Gorton said : “ Last week was the perfect opportunity for the government to show it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to an early pay rise for NHS staff .
“ It ’ s clear the public backs an early increase and to ignore them would be at the government ’ s own peril .
Any attempt to deny staff a significant wage increase could rebound badly.
” The UK recorded a further 119 coronavirus deaths on Tuesday according to the official government update .
This Public Health England figure includes anyone who tested positive for Covid-19 and died , and does not include those who died from Covid without testing positive .
Amid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whole , the town of Oldham has reported a surge in coronavirus cases and health officials are therefore introducing new restrictions to avoid a local lockdown as seen in Leicester .
Meanwhile , there are fears of a resurgence during the winter in the UK , with a recent report suggesting that a “ reasonable worst case scenario ” could see 120,000 more hospital patients die from Covid-19 .
Gorton added : “ A wage increase needs sorting right away so the NHS is fit to face the winter ahead and all that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the economy too , as health workers spend the extra money in their pockets locally .
“ Health unions have made a clear and reasonable case – it ’ s down to the government to act and prove how much it values the NHS and its staff .
Enough of hands together – people want to see hands in pockets , and now .
”

69% of the British public believe that all NHS staff should get an early pay rise before the end of the year, according to a new poll conducted by Savanta ComRes for Labour-affiliated trade union UNISON.
The research also found that two thirds – 66% – think the wage increase for healthcare employees should be “significant” in light of the coronavirus pandemic context that has put frontline workers in danger.
NHS workers are currently in the final year of a three-year pay deal, and they are not due to pay rise until April 2021. The government has cited this deal as a reason for not awarding them a pay rise in 2020.
The Chancellor last week announced a pay bump of up to 3.1% for public sector workers including doctors, teachers and police officers – but social care workers, nurses and others were left out of the new offer.
UNISON has cited the results of the new poll as proof that there is “substantial public support for a new pay deal to be agreed now for health service workers, many of whom have risked their own safety to protect everyone else”.
NHS workers who say they have been “criminally let down” by the government’s decision will march on Downing Street on Wednesday 29th July at 5pm in a protest spearheaded by trade unionists.
Trade union Unite’s branch at Guy’s and St Thomas Hospital in London has partnered with the Keep Our NHS Public campaign and Nurses United, as part of a nationwide demand for an immediate pay rise.
The UNISON poll that surveyed over 2,000 people also found that 73% support an early pay rise for NHS staff between now and the end of March 2021, with 69% saying it should be awarded before the end of 2020.
Just one in ten believe that health workers should wait until April 2021 for a rise, according to the poll, while 66% of those surveyed indicated that NHS should received a medium or large increase in pay.
Commenting on the findings, UNISON head of health Sara Gorton said: “Last week was the perfect opportunity for the government to show it’s in tune with public opinion and commit to an early pay rise for NHS staff.
“It’s clear the public backs an early increase and to ignore them would be at the government’s own peril. Any attempt to deny staff a significant wage increase could rebound badly.”
The UK recorded a further 119 coronavirus deaths on Tuesday according to the official government update. This Public Health England figure includes anyone who tested positive for Covid-19 and died, and does not include those who died from Covid without testing positive.
Amid unreliable figures for the UK as a whole, the town of Oldham has reported a surge in coronavirus cases and health officials are therefore introducing new restrictions to avoid a local lockdown as seen in Leicester.
Meanwhile, there are fears of a resurgence during the winter in the UK, with a recent report suggesting that a “reasonable worst case scenario” could see 120,000 more hospital patients die from Covid-19.
Gorton added: “A wage increase needs sorting right away so the NHS is fit to face the winter ahead and all that may bring. It would help boost the economy too, as health workers spend the extra money in their pockets locally.
“Health unions have made a clear and reasonable case – it’s down to the government to act and prove how much it values the NHS and its staff. Enough of hands together – people want to see hands in pockets, and now.”


labourlist--2020-07-28--Starmer warns government of growing jobs crisis facing UK tourist towns

Keir Starmer has warned the government today of a growing jobs crisis faced by tourist towns across the UK amid the coronavirus pandemic that has seen the domestic tourism sector hit hard .
Ahead of a visit to Cornwall ’ s seaside town Falmouth , where he will meet local businesses , the Labour leader has praised the UK ’ s tourist destinations but said such towns are “ falling through the cracks ” .
The main opposition party is urging the government to introduce more targeted and more flexible support to protect jobs in the worst-affected areas of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Labour wants the Prime Minister and Chancellor to drop the “ one-size-fits-all ” approach and change course on the furlough scheme , which is ending across all sectors in October after being extended .
On the disproportionate impact of coronavirus on UK tourist hotspots , Starmer said : “ We are lucky to have many world-class tourist destinations across the UK .
But the jobs crisis facing tourist towns is stark .
“ There are fantastic domestic options for British holidaymakers , but the crucial summer season has been cut short .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ fully , the government ’ s one-size-fits-all approach to jobs risks these towns falling through the cracks.
” The Labour leader added : “ We need a targeted extension of the furlough scheme for the hardest-hit sectors and proper support in place to help those who are unemployed back into work .
“ People are worried about their job prospects .
The Labour Party is focused on fighting for every job and every part of the country.
” Starmer ’ s party has also proposed a new £1.7bn fightback fund to protect the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would aim to help help pubs , bars , hotels and other businesses unable to trade as normal .
The partially and fully shut down sectors could risk the loss of one million jobs , Labour cautioned earlier this month .
The proposed new fund would give councils more flexibility over support for their local economy .
Shadow frontbench minister Lucy Powell has said that the employer contribution aspect of the furlough scheme , which kicks in next month , will be a “ step too far ” for many businesses still struggling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Office for National Statistics data , areas with more workers in tourism-related industries have seen larger increases on average in the claimant count of unemployment .
In Falmouth , 24 % of workers are in tourism-related jobs and the claimant count among working-age adults has risen by 140 % since the start of the pandemic , compared to 110 % for the UK as a whole .
Centre for Towns research into the impact of Covid-19 on English and Welsh towns found that those reliant on tourism are particularly exposed as accommodation , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ depend on the tourist trade .

Keir Starmer has warned the government today of a growing jobs crisis faced by tourist towns across the UK amid the coronavirus pandemic that has seen the domestic tourism sector hit hard.
Ahead of a visit to Cornwall’s seaside town Falmouth, where he will meet local businesses, the Labour leader has praised the UK’s tourist destinations but said such towns are “falling through the cracks”.
The main opposition party is urging the government to introduce more targeted and more flexible support to protect jobs in the worst-affected areas of the economy and in communities reliant on tourism.
Labour wants the Prime Minister and Chancellor to drop the “one-size-fits-all” approach and change course on the furlough scheme, which is ending across all sectors in October after being extended.
On the disproportionate impact of coronavirus on UK tourist hotspots, Starmer said: “We are lucky to have many world-class tourist destinations across the UK. But the jobs crisis facing tourist towns is stark.
“There are fantastic domestic options for British holidaymakers, but the crucial summer season has been cut short. With many businesses still unable to reopen fully, the government’s one-size-fits-all approach to jobs risks these towns falling through the cracks.”
The Labour leader added: “We need a targeted extension of the furlough scheme for the hardest-hit sectors and proper support in place to help those who are unemployed back into work.
“People are worried about their job prospects. The Labour Party is focused on fighting for every job and every part of the country.”
Starmer’s party has also proposed a new £1.7bn fightback fund to protect the hospitality industry and high streets, which would aim to help help pubs, bars, hotels and other businesses unable to trade as normal.
The partially and fully shut down sectors could risk the loss of one million jobs, Labour cautioned earlier this month. The proposed new fund would give councils more flexibility over support for their local economy.
Shadow frontbench minister Lucy Powell has said that the employer contribution aspect of the furlough scheme, which kicks in next month, will be a “step too far” for many businesses still struggling.
According to new Labour analysis of Office for National Statistics data, areas with more workers in tourism-related industries have seen larger increases on average in the claimant count of unemployment.
In Falmouth, 24% of workers are in tourism-related jobs and the claimant count among working-age adults has risen by 140% since the start of the pandemic, compared to 110% for the UK as a whole.
Centre for Towns research into the impact of Covid-19 on English and Welsh towns found that those reliant on tourism are particularly exposed as accommodation, pubs, restaurants, art and leisure depend on the tourist trade.


labourlist--2020-07-28--UNISON’s general secretary election is an opportunity for the labour movement

It ’ s general secretary election time at UNISON , the UK ’ s largest trade union .
As a member , ex-shop steward , one time learning rep , and now employee , this contest feels like the most important in my working life .
The union has held up well during recent years .
We have returned to membership growth ( even through the pandemic ) and continued to secure important industrial and landmark legal victories .
But make no mistake , the challenges faced by the union are profound .
These include the huge conundrum of how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increasingly fragmented workplaces where union density is often low and there are few reps ; the difficulty of overcoming the demographic time bomb that will see a huge chunk of our membership retire in the coming years ; and addressing the need to remain authentic and relevant as a campaign and political force for a diverse working population across the UK who are sceptical about the union role in politics .
I could go on , but you get the picture .
If these challenges have a familiar ring to them , that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are the challenges unions have faced anew in every generation , now rendered daunting by the very different social , economic and cultural context in which we operate .
It is a world in which people at work in public services are less likely than they were 25 years ago to be members of a union and have access to a work rep but , due to low/falling pay , precarious employment , etc , more likely than ever to need the services of an effective trade union .
We need a fundamental @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And ultimately some difficult decisions will need to be taken about , for example , increasing subscription rates , allocation of resources and the way that the union is structured .
In an ideal world , those vying to be general secretary should be able to reflect and offer not just headline pledges , but also their analysis of what and how the union should deliver in a changing world and how their pledges will be make a difference .
This isn ’ t however , an ideal world .
Turnout in general @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Less than 10 % of members voted in 2015 .
Coupled with the requirement for candidates to secure branch nominations to get on the ballot paper , low turnout can skew the contest to activist priorities and left versus right X Factor trade union populism .
Not only does this risk detracting from a relentless focus on how we deliver for ordinary members .
It also carries within it an insidious conservatism , whereby change is offered , but it is ultimately variations of the same way we ’ ve always done things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which in turn risks a weaker mandate to make difficult choices for whoever wins .
A plea to fellow members , the union ’ s ruling lay members on the national executive council and the candidates : let ’ s really try to widen the debate this time .
Four things could make a difference .
First , as a union let ’ s do more to boost turnout .
The union goes to significant lengths to ensure high participation levels .
We know it isn ’ t easy , but given @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fresh look .
Secondly , branches could do more to promote engagement at their virtual nomination meetings , encouraging participation by those who don ’ t , in ordinary times , attend .
Third , the union nationally should hold some digital filmed interviews that scrutinise the candidates .
These could be informed by some member polling , facilitating a process aimed at focusing candidates on what they can do to address ordinary member priorities .
Finally , let ’ s prevail upon all the candidates and their supporters to conduct the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , transparent , open to all voices and positive .
This is a hugely significant election .
The candidates need to do it justice .
Saying the stakes could not be higher is a cliché .
But it is true – not just for UNISON but the wider union movement , too .
When interviewing John Monks a few years back for a Unions 21 research paper , I asked him about the new unionism initiative of the 1990s .
Although not without its detractors , new unionism was the last time we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ systemic decline .
I was keen to know what he saw as the magic ingredients for getting such an initiative off the ground .
The key , he said , was ensuring you have two or three major general secretaries on your side .
With the Unite and the GMB general secretary elections following hot on the heels of UNISON , planets might be aligning for some much-needed creativity and innovation , not just in UNISON but in the wider movement .
UNISON has always been a leader .
Let ’ s hope @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take office with the qualities and instincts that enable UNISON and trade unionism to flourish .

It’s general secretary election time at UNISON, the UK’s largest trade union. As a member, ex-shop steward, one time learning rep, and now employee, this contest feels like the most important in my working life. The union has held up well during recent years. We have returned to membership growth (even through the pandemic) and continued to secure important industrial and landmark legal victories. But make no mistake, the challenges faced by the union are profound.
These include the huge conundrum of how to provide first-class representation to members in increasingly fragmented workplaces where union density is often low and there are few reps; the difficulty of overcoming the demographic time bomb that will see a huge chunk of our membership retire in the coming years; and addressing the need to remain authentic and relevant as a campaign and political force for a diverse working population across the UK who are sceptical about the union role in politics.
I could go on, but you get the picture. If these challenges have a familiar ring to them, that’s because in some respects they are the challenges unions have faced anew in every generation, now rendered daunting by the very different social, economic and cultural context in which we operate. It is a world in which people at work in public services are less likely than they were 25 years ago to be members of a union and have access to a work rep but, due to low/falling pay, precarious employment, etc, more likely than ever to need the services of an effective trade union.
We need a fundamental rethink about how we do things. And ultimately some difficult decisions will need to be taken about, for example, increasing subscription rates, allocation of resources and the way that the union is structured. In an ideal world, those vying to be general secretary should be able to reflect and offer not just headline pledges, but also their analysis of what and how the union should deliver in a changing world and how their pledges will be make a difference.
This isn’t however, an ideal world. Turnout in general secretary elections is typically very low. Less than 10% of members voted in 2015. Coupled with the requirement for candidates to secure branch nominations to get on the ballot paper, low turnout can skew the contest to activist priorities and left versus right X Factor trade union populism. Not only does this risk detracting from a relentless focus on how we deliver for ordinary members. It also carries within it an insidious conservatism, whereby change is offered, but it is ultimately variations of the same way we’ve always done things. Difficult trade-offs aren’t discussed, which in turn risks a weaker mandate to make difficult choices for whoever wins.
A plea to fellow members, the union’s ruling lay members on the national executive council and the candidates: let’s really try to widen the debate this time. Four things could make a difference. First, as a union let’s do more to boost turnout. The union goes to significant lengths to ensure high participation levels. We know it isn’t easy, but given the high stakes it is surely worth a fresh look. Secondly, branches could do more to promote engagement at their virtual nomination meetings, encouraging participation by those who don’t, in ordinary times, attend.
Third, the union nationally should hold some digital filmed interviews that scrutinise the candidates. These could be informed by some member polling, facilitating a process aimed at focusing candidates on what they can do to address ordinary member priorities. Finally, let’s prevail upon all the candidates and their supporters to conduct the campaign in a way that is honest, transparent, open to all voices and positive. This is a hugely significant election. The candidates need to do it justice.
Saying the stakes could not be higher is a cliché. But it is true – not just for UNISON but the wider union movement, too. When interviewing John Monks a few years back for a Unions 21 research paper, I asked him about the new unionism initiative of the 1990s. Although not without its detractors, new unionism was the last time we saw a movement-wide programme aimed at addressing systemic decline. I was keen to know what he saw as the magic ingredients for getting such an initiative off the ground. The key, he said, was ensuring you have two or three major general secretaries on your side.
With the Unite and the GMB general secretary elections following hot on the heels of UNISON, planets might be aligning for some much-needed creativity and innovation, not just in UNISON but in the wider movement. UNISON has always been a leader. Let’s hope this contest enables a new general secretary to take office with the qualities and instincts that enable UNISON and trade unionism to flourish.
David Arnold is writing in a personal capacity.


labourlist--2020-07-28--Johnson’s obesity strategy does nothing to address the causes of poor health and diet

For a moment in time back in April , it seemed as if the Covid-19 pandemic were about to change everything we accept as normal in our society .
And yet with the unveiling of the government ’ s ‘ new ’ public health strategy to tackle obesity this week , it seems the focus is still very much on individual behaviour and eating habits rather than increasing wellbeing and improving health .
Undoubtedly , obesity is a public health concern ; undoubtedly , supermarkets abound with food choices that don ’ t follow most NHS guidelines for a nutritious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government is planning to introduce will do nothing to change the two interlinked issues of poverty and time poverty that are often the real cause of obesity .
Focusing on better labelling and banning supermarket promotions will do nothing to help the 8.4 million people in food poverty in the UK : many of them in work and many of them reliant on emergency food parcels that can ’ t meet the nutritious needs of adults , let alone children in the longer term .
They are also completely devoid of any joy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ January 2019 , the environmental audit committee published a report highlighting the danger in omitting food insecurity from the government ’ s anti-obesity strategy .
And yet there are no measures to tackle food poverty in this latest public health offensive .
According to research by The Food Foundation , in order to meet the recommendations of the Eatwell Guide , a household in the lowest two income deciles in the UK would have to spend around 42 % of their after-rent disposable income on food .
This is not a problem of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ practitioners , but lack of money .
In a society where many already can not afford proper nutrition , shamefully the government is worried that ‘ junk ’ food is too cheap and not worried that it is all some can afford .
On the other hand , our diets and our relationship to food is not purely an issue of poverty .
Even those of us lucky enough to have stable income make food choices dictated by an incredibly unhealthy work culture in the UK .
According to the TUC , British @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EU , but our productivity is lagging behind .
The average office worker spends a third of their day at work where they don ’ t perform a single physical activity and they complete tasks that are perfectly doable in shorter working days or a four-day week .
They are then forced to work out in a gym because it is the quickest way they can cram energy release and movement into a packed schedule .
Commuting has more or less done away with the idea of a good , non-rushed breakfast .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ afford a sit-down lunch every day of the week , which means they either have to buy a less healthy meal deal option , or batch cook .
In shared accommodation – increasingly the reality for many into their 30s – the pressures to cook your meal before quickly vacating the kitchen space for flatmates to use mean batch cooking and meal planning is not only daunting but positively anti-social .
Takeaway is an easy option – not because people are lazy but because it gives them an extra hour or so of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from work .
Cooking may be possible on a budget but it becomes a chore when , along with everything else , it is subordinated to work and crammed into our ‘ spare ’ time .
Increasing your activity levels is , again , something that most workers will probably be very happy to do if it didn ’ t have to come out of their time .
While many will offer well-meaning advice on walking or cycling to work , the reality of our built environment is that it ’ s neither @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but often a money-saving measure .
It is also much more difficult for those with caring responsibilities .
For those of us reliant on the welfare system , losing weight is not a priority nearly as important as paying the bills , not getting evicted or eating at least one meal a day .
For those of us doing two or three part-time jobs to make ends meet , to clothe and care for children , seeing the calorie count on menus of restaurants that we never visit and can not afford will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those of us who are spared most of the grinding cruelty of poverty ( always a couple of pay checks away ) , work doesn ’ t pay for a healthy work/life balance , for a meaningful relationship with food , for good access to outdoor space , for the time to enjoy food and movement .
None of that will be solved by yet another labelling system .

For a moment in time back in April, it seemed as if the Covid-19 pandemic were about to change everything we accept as normal in our society. And yet with the unveiling of the government’s ‘new’ public health strategy to tackle obesity this week, it seems the focus is still very much on individual behaviour and eating habits rather than increasing wellbeing and improving health.
Undoubtedly, obesity is a public health concern; undoubtedly, supermarkets abound with food choices that don’t follow most NHS guidelines for a nutritious diet. Yet the measures that the government is planning to introduce will do nothing to change the two interlinked issues of poverty and time poverty that are often the real cause of obesity. Focusing on better labelling and banning supermarket promotions will do nothing to help the 8.4 million people in food poverty in the UK: many of them in work and many of them reliant on emergency food parcels that can’t meet the nutritious needs of adults, let alone children in the longer term. They are also completely devoid of any joy in food preparation and cooking.
In January 2019, the environmental audit committee published a report highlighting the danger in omitting food insecurity from the government’s anti-obesity strategy. And yet there are no measures to tackle food poverty in this latest public health offensive. According to research by The Food Foundation, in order to meet the recommendations of the Eatwell Guide, a household in the lowest two income deciles in the UK would have to spend around 42% of their after-rent disposable income on food. This is not a problem of lack of information or guidance from health practitioners, but lack of money. In a society where many already cannot afford proper nutrition, shamefully the government is worried that ‘junk’ food is too cheap and not worried that it is all some can afford.
On the other hand, our diets and our relationship to food is not purely an issue of poverty. Even those of us lucky enough to have stable income make food choices dictated by an incredibly unhealthy work culture in the UK. According to the TUC, British workers work the longest weeks in the EU, but our productivity is lagging behind. The average office worker spends a third of their day at work where they don’t perform a single physical activity and they complete tasks that are perfectly doable in shorter working days or a four-day week. They are then forced to work out in a gym because it is the quickest way they can cram energy release and movement into a packed schedule.
Commuting has more or less done away with the idea of a good, non-rushed breakfast. Most people will not be able to afford a sit-down lunch every day of the week, which means they either have to buy a less healthy meal deal option, or batch cook. In shared accommodation – increasingly the reality for many into their 30s – the pressures to cook your meal before quickly vacating the kitchen space for flatmates to use mean batch cooking and meal planning is not only daunting but positively anti-social. Takeaway is an easy option – not because people are lazy but because it gives them an extra hour or so of their day they can ‘reclaim’ from work.
Cooking may be possible on a budget but it becomes a chore when, along with everything else, it is subordinated to work and crammed into our ‘spare’ time. Increasing your activity levels is, again, something that most workers will probably be very happy to do if it didn’t have to come out of their time. While many will offer well-meaning advice on walking or cycling to work, the reality of our built environment is that it’s neither enjoyable nor done to increase our wellbeing but often a money-saving measure. It is also much more difficult for those with caring responsibilities.
For those of us reliant on the welfare system, losing weight is not a priority nearly as important as paying the bills, not getting evicted or eating at least one meal a day. For those of us doing two or three part-time jobs to make ends meet, to clothe and care for children, seeing the calorie count on menus of restaurants that we never visit and cannot afford will make zero difference. And even for those of us who are spared most of the grinding cruelty of poverty (always a couple of pay checks away), work doesn’t pay for a healthy work/life balance, for a meaningful relationship with food, for good access to outdoor space, for the time to enjoy food and movement. None of that will be solved by yet another labelling system.


labourlist--2020-07-29--Labour demands “fuller investigation” after release of care homes Covid report

Labour ’ s Jonathan Reynolds has called for a “ fuller investigation ” into the government ’ s handling of care homes in the coronavirus crisis following the publication of the public accounts committee report .
In an interview with Sky News this morning , the Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary discussed the report published today , which looked at the government ’ s approach to social care in the health crisis .
The public accounts committee report found that Covid-19 had exposed the impact of years of inattention , funding cuts and delayed reforms , and criticised decisions made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reynolds said : “ When we look and get to the point where we ’ re investigating all aspects of how the government has responded to this crisis , we already knew that the treatment of care homes and of social care was going to be a very significant part of that.
” He added : “ I ’ m not surprised by these findings in this report today , but this is obviously something that requires an even fuller investigation to find out exactly how and why those decisions were made.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision to discharge 25,000 patients into care homes , without ensuring they had been tested for the virus , was an example of the government ’ s “ slow , inconsistent and at times negligent ” approach .
The committee went on to say that it is “ concerned ” that the Department of Health and Social Care ( DHSC ) had continued discharging patients without testing “ even once it was clear there was an emerging problem ” .
Hospitals in England were instructed to discharge patients on March 17th , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ test for coronavirus before being discharged until April 15th .
The government also didn ’ t introduce tests for all care homes staff and residents until the end of April , despite the fact that Public Health England told the committee that it had been aware of asymptomatic transmission in March .
Public accounts committee chairwoman Meg Hillier MP argued that care homes have been “ effectively thrown to the wolves ” by the government during the health crisis , and said that “ the virus has ravaged some of them ” .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ government to provide adequate protective equipment to staff and volunteers in the care sector during the pandemic as a “ sad , low moment in our national response ” .
Hillier said this morning : “ The deaths of people in care homes devastated many , many families .
They and we don ’ t have time for promises and slogans , or exercises in blame .
We weren ’ t prepared for the first wave .
“ Putting all else aside , government must use the narrow window we have now to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lives depend upon getting our response right.
” Keir Starmer highlighted that the government had been slow to update its advice on care homes in May , pointing out that until March 12th it had said “ it remains very unlikely that people receiving care in a care home will become infected ” .
Shadow social care minister Liz Kendall said : “ This report confirms what we have known for a long while – that the government was too slow to act to protect older and disabled people , and that a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warnings from what was happening in other countries and the experiences of those on the frontline .
“ Staff were left without vital protective equipment , thousands of older people were discharged from hospitals to care homes without tests , and ministers failed to ensure social care was given the focus and grip it needed to get through this crisis .
“ The government must learn from its mistakes to ensure the tragedy of Covid-19 in care homes is never repeated .
They must also put in place the long term reforms families @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system that is fit for the future.
” Reacting to the report ’ s publication , a DHSC spokesperson said : “ Throughout this unprecedented global pandemic we have been working closely with the sector and public health experts to put in place guidance and support for adult social care .
“ Alongside an extra £1.3bn to support the hospital discharge process , we have provided 172 million items of personal protective equipment to the social care sector since the start of the pandemic and are testing all residents and staff , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care homes for over-65 or those with dementia .
“ We know there is a need for a long-term solution for social care and we will bring forward a plan that puts social care on a sustainable footing to ensure the reforms will last long into the future.
” The public accounts committee has made several recommendations , including a review into which care homes received discharged patients and the identification of national leads for all critical elements of the pandemic response .
It has also called for the needs of the social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ given the same weight as those of the NHS , and has urged the government to respond to the points set out in its report ahead of a second wave of the virus .

Labour’s Jonathan Reynolds has called for a “fuller investigation” into the government’s handling of care homes in the coronavirus crisis following the publication of the public accounts committee report.
In an interview with Sky News this morning, the Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary discussed the report published today, which looked at the government’s approach to social care in the health crisis.
The public accounts committee report found that Covid-19 had exposed the impact of years of inattention, funding cuts and delayed reforms, and criticised decisions made in the height of the pandemic.
Reynolds said: “When we look and get to the point where we’re investigating all aspects of how the government has responded to this crisis, we already knew that the treatment of care homes and of social care was going to be a very significant part of that.”
He added: “I’m not surprised by these findings in this report today, but this is obviously something that requires an even fuller investigation to find out exactly how and why those decisions were made.”
“We desperately need to know exactly why decisions were made.” Shadow work and pensions secretary, @jreynoldsMP calls for a ”fuller investigation” into the govt’s decisions on care homes during the #COVID19 pandemic.#KayBurley
Get more here: https://t.co/21RBSgwsSK pic.twitter.com/DWjDrZRox5 — SkyNews (@SkyNews) July 29, 2020
The document published today stated that the decision to discharge 25,000 patients into care homes, without ensuring they had been tested for the virus, was an example of the government’s “slow, inconsistent and at times negligent” approach.
The committee went on to say that it is “concerned” that the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) had continued discharging patients without testing “even once it was clear there was an emerging problem”.
Hospitals in England were instructed to discharge patients on March 17th, but patients were not required to take a test for coronavirus before being discharged until April 15th.
The government also didn’t introduce tests for all care homes staff and residents until the end of April, despite the fact that Public Health England told the committee that it had been aware of asymptomatic transmission in March.
Public accounts committee chairwoman Meg Hillier MP argued that care homes have been “effectively thrown to the wolves” by the government during the health crisis, and said that “the virus has ravaged some of them”.
She also described the failure of the government to provide adequate protective equipment to staff and volunteers in the care sector during the pandemic as a “sad, low moment in our national response”.
Hillier said this morning: “The deaths of people in care homes devastated many, many families. They and we don’t have time for promises and slogans, or exercises in blame. We weren’t prepared for the first wave.
“Putting all else aside, government must use the narrow window we have now to plan for a second coronavirus wave. Lives depend upon getting our response right.”
Keir Starmer highlighted that the government had been slow to update its advice on care homes in May, pointing out that until March 12th it had said “it remains very unlikely that people receiving care in a care home will become infected”.
Shadow social care minister Liz Kendall said: “This report confirms what we have known for a long while – that the government was too slow to act to protect older and disabled people, and that a series of mistakes were made despite clear warnings from what was happening in other countries and the experiences of those on the frontline.
“Staff were left without vital protective equipment, thousands of older people were discharged from hospitals to care homes without tests, and ministers failed to ensure social care was given the focus and grip it needed to get through this crisis.
“The government must learn from its mistakes to ensure the tragedy of Covid-19 in care homes is never repeated. They must also put in place the long term reforms families desperately need to ensure a social care system that is fit for the future.”
Reacting to the report’s publication, a DHSC spokesperson said: “Throughout this unprecedented global pandemic we have been working closely with the sector and public health experts to put in place guidance and support for adult social care.
“Alongside an extra £1.3bn to support the hospital discharge process, we have provided 172 million items of personal protective equipment to the social care sector since the start of the pandemic and are testing all residents and staff, including repeat testing for staff and residents in care homes for over-65 or those with dementia.
“We know there is a need for a long-term solution for social care and we will bring forward a plan that puts social care on a sustainable footing to ensure the reforms will last long into the future.”
The public accounts committee has made several recommendations, including a review into which care homes received discharged patients and the identification of national leads for all critical elements of the pandemic response.
It has also called for the needs of the social care sector in the UK to be given the same weight as those of the NHS, and has urged the government to respond to the points set out in its report ahead of a second wave of the virus.


labourlist--2020-07-29--Community: You can’t make a recovery without manufacturing

On July 8th , Rishi Sunak delivered his summer economic update to parliament .
The measures announced were most notable for what they left out .
In a speech of over 3,000 words , the Chancellor did not make a single mention of our manufacturing sector .
Yet as we enter what looks like a severe recession , we need high-quality manufacturing jobs with good pay and conditions more than ever .
Investing in manufacturing creates thousands of jobs further up the supply chain , in secondary industries and in associated services .
Workers in manufacturing are some of most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ higher than the UK average in Q3 of 2019 .
Each worker in manufacturing produces far more than workers in most other sectors .
That level of productivity is what Britain needs , and the wealth it creates is what our schools and hospitals need to thrive .
Manufacturing is also the part of the economy where most innovation happens .
In 2018 , 65 % of spending on research and development was spent in manufacturing , for a total of £16.3bn .
Innovation and research are crucial for future prosperity in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK is currently the ninth largest manufacturing nation in the world .
But our government has failed over many years to acknowledge the importance of the sector and the wealth that it generates .
Manufacturing covers a wide range of sectors : from foundational industries , such as steel and textiles , to the manufacturing of machinery and equipment .
Each of these plays its own role in allowing us to supply the things that the people of Britain need .
That is something Community and the other steel unions have emphasised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our steel ’ campaign .
We must ensure that crucial foundational materials can be sourced within our shores to protect us from international volatility and ensure that high-quality materials are available .
The UK needs a renaissance for manufacturing ; for our government to recognise how important it is that we make things in the UK , and open opportunities for the sector to grow .
Not only are manufacturing jobs high-quality but making the goods we need here protects us from over-reliance on fragile international supply chains .
It was notable that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ import personal protective equipment from Turkey because we were unable to make it ourselves in enough volume .
Without manufacturing , the UK is vulnerable in a crisis .
Manufacturing has been badly hit by the coronavirus crisis , and although many manufacturers continued to operate throughout the crisis , many of them have lost orders .
The government needs to ensure that support is made available to these important businesses to ensure that they are not casualties of the forthcoming downturn .
There are some steps that we can take .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and ensure that it receives economic recovery stimulus .
The government should implement measures that will help stimulate demand for manufactured goods in the UK and supply low cost loans to aid the manufacturing sector to invest in innovation .
We also need to continue the long history of apprenticeships and training in the sector .
We know that by giving our young people the skills to get high quality manufacturing job , they will succeed .
If the government is serious about apprenticeships , manufacturing industries are some of the best places @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The government should look to create an ‘ Academy for Industry ’ to bring the next generation into these sectors .
Finally , the government should position manufacturing as a vital part of a plan for a green recovery .
In his statement , the Chancellor emphasised the need for new green jobs – but the jobs he envisages seem only to be related to fitting insulation to existing homes and building .
Whilst that is a major step , decarbonisation requires us to think bigger .
It means investment in electric @ @ @ @ @ @ @ generation technology .
The Chancellor ’ s plans fall far short of the measures required .
This was a missed opportunity to allow the UK to lead the world in green manufacturing .
We have seen repeatedly the short-sightedness of not supporting those businesses which will be integral to future flourishing .
The recent mothballing of the Orb Steel plant , with its capacity to produce electrical steel that powers green technology is just one example .
The government must push manufacturing much higher up the agenda – for the sake of high-quality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increasingly uncertain world .

On July 8th, Rishi Sunak delivered his summer economic update to parliament. The measures announced were most notable for what they left out. In a speech of over 3,000 words, the Chancellor did not make a single mention of our manufacturing sector. Yet as we enter what looks like a severe recession, we need high-quality manufacturing jobs with good pay and conditions more than ever.
Investing in manufacturing creates thousands of jobs further up the supply chain, in secondary industries and in associated services. Workers in manufacturing are some of most productive in the UK, 12% higher than the UK average in Q3 of 2019. Each worker in manufacturing produces far more than workers in most other sectors. That level of productivity is what Britain needs, and the wealth it creates is what our schools and hospitals need to thrive. Manufacturing is also the part of the economy where most innovation happens. In 2018, 65% of spending on research and development was spent in manufacturing, for a total of £16.3bn. Innovation and research are crucial for future prosperity in the UK.
Manufacturing is not dead: the UK is currently the ninth largest manufacturing nation in the world. But our government has failed over many years to acknowledge the importance of the sector and the wealth that it generates. Manufacturing covers a wide range of sectors: from foundational industries, such as steel and textiles, to the manufacturing of machinery and equipment. Each of these plays its own role in allowing us to supply the things that the people of Britain need. That is something Community and the other steel unions have emphasised in our ‘Britain, we need our steel’ campaign. We must ensure that crucial foundational materials can be sourced within our shores to protect us from international volatility and ensure that high-quality materials are available.
The UK needs a renaissance for manufacturing; for our government to recognise how important it is that we make things in the UK, and open opportunities for the sector to grow. Not only are manufacturing jobs high-quality but making the goods we need here protects us from over-reliance on fragile international supply chains. It was notable that during the Covid-19 crisis we had to import personal protective equipment from Turkey because we were unable to make it ourselves in enough volume. Without manufacturing, the UK is vulnerable in a crisis.
Manufacturing has been badly hit by the coronavirus crisis, and although many manufacturers continued to operate throughout the crisis, many of them have lost orders. The government needs to ensure that support is made available to these important businesses to ensure that they are not casualties of the forthcoming downturn.
There are some steps that we can take. The government needs to prioritise the manufacturing sector and ensure that it receives economic recovery stimulus. The government should implement measures that will help stimulate demand for manufactured goods in the UK and supply low cost loans to aid the manufacturing sector to invest in innovation.
We also need to continue the long history of apprenticeships and training in the sector. We know that by giving our young people the skills to get high quality manufacturing job, they will succeed. If the government is serious about apprenticeships, manufacturing industries are some of the best places for young people to learn their trades. The government should look to create an ‘Academy for Industry’ to bring the next generation into these sectors.
Finally, the government should position manufacturing as a vital part of a plan for a green recovery. In his statement, the Chancellor emphasised the need for new green jobs – but the jobs he envisages seem only to be related to fitting insulation to existing homes and building. Whilst that is a major step, decarbonisation requires us to think bigger. It means investment in electric cars, wind turbines and green energy generation technology.
The Chancellor’s plans fall far short of the measures required. This was a missed opportunity to allow the UK to lead the world in green manufacturing. We have seen repeatedly the short-sightedness of not supporting those businesses which will be integral to future flourishing. The recent mothballing of the Orb Steel plant, with its capacity to produce electrical steel that powers green technology is just one example. The government must push manufacturing much higher up the agenda – for the sake of high-quality jobs, innovation and security in an increasingly uncertain world.