labourlist--2020-10-02--Teachers have no faith in government to handle Covid, NEU survey finds

Faith in the government among teaching staff is at rock bottom according to new research from the National Education Union ( NEU ) , as 84 % of those polled said they did not trust that schools would be kept safe .
The survey , which included 5,451 union members working across primary , secondary and early years education , confirms that there is widespread concern over a lack of access to testing for teachers and students .
Commenting on the results , NEU joint general secretary Kevin Courtney said : “ School and college staff are doing everything they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pupils , but the government is not pulling its weight .
“ Our survey shows all too clearly that a lack of access to testing and the disruption of self-isolation , often due to the lack of a test result , is undermining the ability of schools to maintain fully-staffed on-site learning for all those who need it… “ This was completely foreseeable .
A return to schools and colleges , matched with the opening-up of society , offices , and the movement of university students across the UK , was always likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Staff and pupils alike have been forced to self-isolate , or struggle to find a test to establish whether or not they should self-isolate .
The government had months to prepare a fit-for-purpose test , track and trace system , and they failed .
“ It is clear the government has completely lost the trust of school leaders , teachers and school staff .
This is no surprise .
Boris Johnson ’ s promises have regularly been exposed as bluster , while Gavin Williamson ’ s mismanagement not just of guidance to schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ results has been dizzyingly poor.
” Kevin Courtney concluded : “ The message from our members is clear .
Schools kept their side of the bargain in getting schools open this September ; it is time for the government to keep theirs.
” 84 % of teachers surveyed said they had no trust in the government ’ s ability to protect workers , listen to the profession , keep schools safe , manage next year ’ s exams or support vulnerable children .
80 % of those polled by the education union also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or a shortage of tests , with 20 % reporting “ significant ” absences as a result of the virus .
The polling revealed a lack of preparedness for the move to remote learning in schools .
Only 54 % of primary and 64 % of secondary teachers reported that more than half of their intake was able to learn from home .
When asked what was needed to help keep schools open , 74 % of the consulted teachers named prioritised access to and wider availability of coronavirus tests as the most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saw 51 % of respondents report that they had seen a “ significant increase ” in hardship for pupils or families in their school community since the start of lockdown in March .
It was predicted earlier this month by the Trussell Trust that UK destitution rates and food bank usage could double by Christmas as coronavirus support schemes have started to be wound down .
The survey results have been released on the eve of a special NEU conference that will focus on critical issues facing the profession , such as health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 2021 exams .

Faith in the government among teaching staff is at rock bottom according to new research from the National Education Union (NEU), as 84% of those polled said they did not trust that schools would be kept safe.
The survey, which included 5,451 union members working across primary, secondary and early years education, confirms that there is widespread concern over a lack of access to testing for teachers and students.
Commenting on the results, NEU joint general secretary Kevin Courtney said: “School and college staff are doing everything they can to keep schools open for all pupils, but the government is not pulling its weight.
“Our survey shows all too clearly that a lack of access to testing and the disruption of self-isolation, often due to the lack of a test result, is undermining the ability of schools to maintain fully-staffed on-site learning for all those who need it…
“This was completely foreseeable. A return to schools and colleges, matched with the opening-up of society, offices, and the movement of university students across the UK, was always likely to heighten the case count.
“Staff and pupils alike have been forced to self-isolate, or struggle to find a test to establish whether or not they should self-isolate. The government had months to prepare a fit-for-purpose test, track and trace system, and they failed.
“It is clear the government has completely lost the trust of school leaders, teachers and school staff. This is no surprise. Boris Johnson’s promises have regularly been exposed as bluster, while Gavin Williamson’s mismanagement not just of guidance to schools but also this year’s exams results has been dizzyingly poor.”
Kevin Courtney concluded: “The message from our members is clear. Schools kept their side of the bargain in getting schools open this September; it is time for the government to keep theirs.”
84% of teachers surveyed said they had no trust in the government’s ability to protect workers, listen to the profession, keep schools safe, manage next year’s exams or support vulnerable children.
80% of those polled by the education union also reported classroom absences due to self-isolating pupils or a shortage of tests, with 20% reporting “significant” absences as a result of the virus.
The polling revealed a lack of preparedness for the move to remote learning in schools. Only 54% of primary and 64% of secondary teachers reported that more than half of their intake was able to learn from home.
When asked what was needed to help keep schools open, 74% of the consulted teachers named prioritised access to and wider availability of coronavirus tests as the most important factor.
The NEU survey also saw 51% of respondents report that they had seen a “significant increase” in hardship for pupils or families in their school community since the start of lockdown in March.
It was predicted earlier this month by the Trussell Trust that UK destitution rates and food bank usage could double by Christmas as coronavirus support schemes have started to be wound down.
The survey results have been released on the eve of a special NEU conference that will focus on critical issues facing the profession, such as health and safety, workload pressures under Covid and 2021 exams.


labourlist--2020-10-02--Half of all hospitality jobs could be at risk under new support scheme, says Labour

Labour has warned of a bleak Christmas for the hospitality sector because the Chancellor ’ s new job support scheme will not offer enough financial aid or sufficiently incentivise short-hours working .
New analysis by the party has revealed that under the programme , employing two bar or restaurant managers part-time would cost £2,647 a month , compared to £1,973 a month to have one full-time staffer .
The costs to employers – including wages , National Insurance and employer contributions to non-working hours – mean firms would pay over £4,000 for each job they saved under the new six-month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Shadow Business Secretary Ed Miliband said : “ The government presents the job support scheme as a measure that will save jobs .
But the facts tell a different story .
“ Struggling employers where work has reduced have zero incentive to keep staff on , with it still being significantly cheaper to sack one out of every two members of staff .
“ Businesses won ’ t want to do this but the government is stacking the odds so it makes financial sense for them to do so .
They ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to decide which person to lay off .
“ The hospitality sector is already at huge risk of redundancies , operating at reduced capacity and on a shrunken income , hit by a 10pm curfew , and approaching a bleak Christmas season .
“ Ultimately , the government has decided to accept mass unemployment in certain sectors – they have decided it is a price worth paying .
It is the wrong choice for business , workers and our whole economy and society.
” Labour has pointed out that the job retention bonus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ monetary incentive for businesses to retain staff , will have little to no effect on potential job losses .
The extra £1,000 given to businesses for keeping on two staff members is a fraction of the thousands of pounds of extra costs and will only be paid at the end of January 2021 – too late for many struggling firms .
Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced the new job support scheme in parliament last week as part of his winter economic plan .
The programme will serve as a replacement for the job retention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who work at least one third of their normal hours have their worked hours paid by their employer and their hours not worked paid jointly by the government and their employer .
Labour welcomed the “ U-turn ” on replacing furlough but has highlighted flaws in the policy .
Designed to only protect “ viable jobs ” , it does not offer specific help for sectors such as hospitality .
Anneliese Dodds wrote to her counterpart Sunak on Tuesday to highlight seven ways that the winter plan “ fails Britain ’ s workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ returning to Margaret Thatcher ’ s “ sink or swim ” jobs mentality .
Labour predicted earlier this week that as many as three million employees from small and medium-sized businesses who have been furloughed could be at risk of losing their jobs from next month .

Labour has warned of a bleak Christmas for the hospitality sector because the Chancellor’s new job support scheme will not offer enough financial aid or sufficiently incentivise short-hours working.
New analysis by the party has revealed that under the programme, employing two bar or restaurant managers part-time would cost £2,647 a month, compared to £1,973 a month to have one full-time staffer.
The costs to employers – including wages, National Insurance and employer contributions to non-working hours – mean firms would pay over £4,000 for each job they saved under the new six-month scheme.
Commenting on the new data, Shadow Business Secretary Ed Miliband said: “The government presents the job support scheme as a measure that will save jobs. But the facts tell a different story.
“Struggling employers where work has reduced have zero incentive to keep staff on, with it still being significantly cheaper to sack one out of every two members of staff.
“Businesses won’t want to do this but the government is stacking the odds so it makes financial sense for them to do so. They’re essentially having to flip a coin to decide which person to lay off.
“The hospitality sector is already at huge risk of redundancies, operating at reduced capacity and on a shrunken income, hit by a 10pm curfew, and approaching a bleak Christmas season.
“Ultimately, the government has decided to accept mass unemployment in certain sectors – they have decided it is a price worth paying. It is the wrong choice for business, workers and our whole economy and society.”
Labour has pointed out that the job retention bonus, a separate scheme that provides a monetary incentive for businesses to retain staff, will have little to no effect on potential job losses.
The extra £1,000 given to businesses for keeping on two staff members is a fraction of the thousands of pounds of extra costs and will only be paid at the end of January 2021 – too late for many struggling firms.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced the new job support scheme in parliament last week as part of his winter economic plan. The programme will serve as a replacement for the job retention scheme.
The scheme will see employees who work at least one third of their normal hours have their worked hours paid by their employer and their hours not worked paid jointly by the government and their employer.
Labour welcomed the “U-turn” on replacing furlough but has highlighted flaws in the policy. Designed to only protect “viable jobs”, it does not offer specific help for sectors such as hospitality.
Anneliese Dodds wrote to her counterpart Sunak on Tuesday to highlight seven ways that the winter plan “fails Britain’s workers”. She accused the Chancellor of returning to Margaret Thatcher’s “sink or swim” jobs mentality.
Labour predicted earlier this week that as many as three million employees from small and medium-sized businesses who have been furloughed could be at risk of losing their jobs from next month.


labourlist--2020-10-02--UNISON’s McAnea rejects “continuity candidate” label as “patronising”

Christina McAnea has strongly rejected any suggestion that she is the “ continuity candidate ” in UNISON ’ s general secretary election and described use of the label as “ patronising with a big dose of misogyny ” .
Commenting on the perception that she will follow in the footsteps of outgoing general secretary Dave Prentis , the contender told Left Foot Forward : “ Others are saying I ’ m the continuity candidate .
“ I think it ’ s patronising with a big dose of misogyny that it ’ s only being said about the woman candidate – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she can continue the work of the predecessor .
I find it annoying.
” Asked what it would mean to be the first female general secretary in UNISON ’ s history , McAnea replied : “ I think it would send a strong message given that the union is 80 % women .
“ I ’ m astonished that I ’ m the only woman who stood and amazed that no other political grouping put up women… You ’ d think in a union of 80 % women , out of five candidates… @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been the reverse .
“ I ’ ve been saying this in all the hustings – not asking people to vote for me just because I ’ m a woman , but because I ’ m the best person for the job.
” On Keir Starmer , McAnea said : “ I know [ Keir ] – he was based in our office .
We don ’ t have a close relationship .
I don ’ t have Labour Party endorsements .
I ’ m a member of the Labour Party and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heart ’ s in the union.
” The UNISON assistant general secretary concluded : “ We would support the party on issues we support .
Where they bring in policies we don ’ t support , we would campaign against them – across the UK.
” McAnea distanced herself from the idea backed by some of her contenders that UNISON should reduce its donations to the Labour Party , and said non-members should not be part of the union ’ s financial donation decisions .
She said : “ There ’ s this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all-powerful figure – the general secretary still has to follow union rules set by members , conference , and the national executive council .
“ No-one who comes in as general secretary can suddenly say ‘ I will stop this ’ – one [ area ] in particular is our political fund .
I strongly believe that decisions on Labour Link should only be taken by members of the Labour Party.
” She also criticised what she saw as the over-prominent role played by fringe left-wing parties such as the Socialist Party and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she felt it “ puts some people off ” from getting more involved with the union .
McAnea added : “ People are entitled to be in whatever party they want , I ’ m glad they want to get involved and take on difficult jobs – that ’ s great .
But you do wonder if that focus may put off other people who aren ’ t as politically active.
” The Glasgow-born union officer is one of four candidates who have made it to the ballot in the race to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The others are Paul Holmes , Roger McKenzie and Hugo Pierre .
Outgoing general secretary Dave Prentis has been in the role for 20 years but announced his retirement in July .
He has been very supportive of Keir Starmer ’ s as Labour leader after endorsing him in the party leadership election .
UNISON members will vote on their preferred candidate to replace Prentis from October 28th to November 27th , with the results set to be announced on January 11th , 2021 .

Christina McAnea has strongly rejected any suggestion that she is the “continuity candidate” in UNISON’s general secretary election and described use of the label as “patronising with a big dose of misogyny”.
Commenting on the perception that she will follow in the footsteps of outgoing general secretary Dave Prentis, the contender told Left Foot Forward: “Others are saying I’m the continuity candidate.
“I think it’s patronising with a big dose of misogyny that it’s only being said about the woman candidate – that she can only do it if she can continue the work of the predecessor. I find it annoying.”
Asked what it would mean to be the first female general secretary in UNISON’s history, McAnea replied: “I think it would send a strong message given that the union is 80% women.
“I’m astonished that I’m the only woman who stood and amazed that no other political grouping put up women… You’d think in a union of 80% women, out of five candidates… you’d have thought it would have been the reverse.
“I’ve been saying this in all the hustings – not asking people to vote for me just because I’m a woman, but because I’m the best person for the job.”
On Keir Starmer, McAnea said: “I know [Keir] – he was based in our office. We don’t have a close relationship. I don’t have Labour Party endorsements. I’m a member of the Labour Party and support the Labour Link. But my heart’s in the union.”
The UNISON assistant general secretary concluded: “We would support the party on issues we support. Where they bring in policies we don’t support, we would campaign against them – across the UK.”
McAnea distanced herself from the idea backed by some of her contenders that UNISON should reduce its donations to the Labour Party, and said non-members should not be part of the union’s financial donation decisions.
She said: “There’s this perception that the general secretary becomes this all-powerful figure – the general secretary still has to follow union rules set by members, conference, and the national executive council.
“No-one who comes in as general secretary can suddenly say ‘I will stop this’ – one [area] in particular is our political fund. I strongly believe that decisions on Labour Link should only be taken by members of the Labour Party.”
She also criticised what she saw as the over-prominent role played by fringe left-wing parties such as the Socialist Party and the SWP in UNISON, saying that she felt it “puts some people off” from getting more involved with the union.
McAnea added: “People are entitled to be in whatever party they want, I’m glad they want to get involved and take on difficult jobs – that’s great. But you do wonder if that focus may put off other people who aren’t as politically active.”
The Glasgow-born union officer is one of four candidates who have made it to the ballot in the race to be UNISON’s next general secretary. The others are Paul Holmes, Roger McKenzie and Hugo Pierre.
Outgoing general secretary Dave Prentis has been in the role for 20 years but announced his retirement in July. He has been very supportive of Keir Starmer’s as Labour leader after endorsing him in the party leadership election.
UNISON members will vote on their preferred candidate to replace Prentis from October 28th to November 27th, with the results set to be announced on January 11th, 2021.


labourlist--2020-10-02--Keir Starmer must articulate his view of democratic socialism

There are many in the Labour Party who are concerned that Keir Starmer has yet to articulate any sense of what he sees as the future of democratic socialism under his leadership .
Instead , he has limited himself to close forensic questioning of Boris Johnson and generally highlighting the Conservative government ’ s shambolic and incompetent mismanagement of the pandemic .
Starmer would no doubt argue that now is not the time for big policy statements because there is no appetite for new political ideas given everyone ’ s preoccupation with the pandemic .
There is some force to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But you also can ’ t help but get the sense that Starmer does not actually have the capability or desire to articulate radical democratic socialist ideas .
Whatever the case may be for not presenting a vision of what democratic socialism is , and how it could transform the quality of life for working people in Britain , there is one exception that does present itself precisely due to Covid-19 .
That is the failure of Downing Street to properly involve local government in the management and control of the virus when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so , and instead give powers to unaccountable private companies such as Serco , who have no such expertise .
Starmer was interviewed by HuffPost UK this week and , as usual , spoke in measured language and exuded common sense .
He made several practical points , especially concerning the lack of ongoing involvement in Covid-19 decision-making of local leaders , who have both legitimacy and detailed knowledge of their communities and , therefore , can speak authoritatively .
The Labour leader also commented on the government ’ s failure to provide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown .
The interview offers an excellent short critique of the government ’ s Covid-19 mismanagement , but its weakness is that it is purely reactive and has no thematic context .
I may not be a scientist , but I do understand the difference between a linear progression and a geometric progression and the paramount importance of prompt testing and tracing in controlling Covid-19 .
Local government authorities have access to their own electoral and school databases and have personnel who speak foreign languages , meaning they could better reach out to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus .
Thanks to all of this , they are much better equipped to act promptly than Serco .
But under the current system , they are only involved when Serco fails , which may be days later and too late .
Labour spokespersons will make this point , but they do not make it in a wider context , which they should .
And really , to gain maximum attention with the electorate , this bigger vision should come from the top – from Starmer himself .
That vision is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government , together with electoral reform to make local authorities more democratically accountable for their increased powers and responsibilities .
This is the major theme of grassroots or bottom-up democratic socialism as distinct from top-down socialism on the Attlee model .
It was understandable that Clement Attlee ’ s government should adopt the approach it did because he and Ernest Bevin had served in the wartime coalition government , where state control – the command economy – was necessary to win the war .
Of course , the achievements of Attlee ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not change or challenge the institutions or constitution of the state .
Modern Britain is a fundamentally changed place , with a more educated populace , which could properly and effectively handle more devolved powers .
Many Labour activists and other progressives recognise that Britain is over-centralised – more so than many other modern states – and that power should be devolved to local authorities .
Specifically , local government needs to be given greater discretionary powers to act , with a progressive local tax base , including a reformed council tax based @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of domestic properties and greater borrowing powers for spending .
But the necessary complement to devolved power is greater democratic accountability .
Specifically , local government elections , alongside general elections , should be done under proportional representation .
That would break-up party strongholds , both Labour and Conservative , and encourage and empower communities , making local government more open to ideas and less complacent than when they are bound to first-past-the-post .
Many progressives would argue that Britain is not only over-centralised but also far too secretive .
This secrecy is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ idea of democratic devolution and accountability can be linked to the need for greater transparency at all levels of public life .
For example , the Freedom of Information Act does not apply to the City of London nor to the monarchy .
And yet , it should , because in a proper democratic society nobody should be above the law .
Labour should therefore back the extension of the act .
In the context of Covid-19 , this is an idea that can be articulated by Labour now .
A wider vision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thematic approach would put down an important marker that Labour is in the business of seriously empowering and engaging working people to control and improve their own lives .
It could also create the scope for an integrated and holistic vision of democratic socialism that could form the basis of a winning election campaign and even the radical transformative programme of a future Labour government .

There are many in the Labour Party who are concerned that Keir Starmer has yet to articulate any sense of what he sees as the future of democratic socialism under his leadership. Instead, he has limited himself to close forensic questioning of Boris Johnson and generally highlighting the Conservative government’s shambolic and incompetent mismanagement of the pandemic. Starmer would no doubt argue that now is not the time for big policy statements because there is no appetite for new political ideas given everyone’s preoccupation with the pandemic.
There is some force to the Labour leader’s argument. But you also can’t help but get the sense that Starmer does not actually have the capability or desire to articulate radical democratic socialist ideas. Whatever the case may be for not presenting a vision of what democratic socialism is, and how it could transform the quality of life for working people in Britain, there is one exception that does present itself precisely due to Covid-19. That is the failure of Downing Street to properly involve local government in the management and control of the virus when it has a proven ability to do so, and instead give powers to unaccountable private companies such as Serco, who have no such expertise.
Starmer was interviewed by HuffPost UK this week and, as usual, spoke in measured language and exuded common sense. He made several practical points, especially concerning the lack of ongoing involvement in Covid-19 decision-making of local leaders, who have both legitimacy and detailed knowledge of their communities and, therefore, can speak authoritatively. The Labour leader also commented on the government’s failure to provide tailored financial support to communities in local lockdown. The interview offers an excellent short critique of the government’s Covid-19 mismanagement, but its weakness is that it is purely reactive and has no thematic context.
I may not be a scientist, but I do understand the difference between a linear progression and a geometric progression and the paramount importance of prompt testing and tracing in controlling Covid-19. Local government authorities have access to their own electoral and school databases and have personnel who speak foreign languages, meaning they could better reach out to the minority ethnic communities especially susceptible to the virus. Thanks to all of this, they are much better equipped to act promptly than Serco. But under the current system, they are only involved when Serco fails, which may be days later and too late.
Labour spokespersons will make this point, but they do not make it in a wider context, which they should. And really, to gain maximum attention with the electorate, this bigger vision should come from the top – from Starmer himself. That vision is the devolution of power and responsibility to local government, together with electoral reform to make local authorities more democratically accountable for their increased powers and responsibilities.
This is the major theme of grassroots or bottom-up democratic socialism as distinct from top-down socialism on the Attlee model. It was understandable that Clement Attlee’s government should adopt the approach it did because he and Ernest Bevin had served in the wartime coalition government, where state control – the command economy – was necessary to win the war. Of course, the achievements of Attlee’s government were considerable, but it did not change or challenge the institutions or constitution of the state. Modern Britain is a fundamentally changed place, with a more educated populace, which could properly and effectively handle more devolved powers.
Many Labour activists and other progressives recognise that Britain is over-centralised – more so than many other modern states – and that power should be devolved to local authorities. Specifically, local government needs to be given greater discretionary powers to act, with a progressive local tax base, including a reformed council tax based on a percentage of up-to-date capital values of domestic properties and greater borrowing powers for spending.
But the necessary complement to devolved power is greater democratic accountability. Specifically, local government elections, alongside general elections, should be done under proportional representation. That would break-up party strongholds, both Labour and Conservative, and encourage and empower communities, making local government more open to ideas and less complacent than when they are bound to first-past-the-post.
Many progressives would argue that Britain is not only over-centralised but also far too secretive. This secrecy is inimical to democratic accountability, so the idea of democratic devolution and accountability can be linked to the need for greater transparency at all levels of public life. For example, the Freedom of Information Act does not apply to the City of London nor to the monarchy. And yet, it should, because in a proper democratic society nobody should be above the law. Labour should therefore back the extension of the act.
In the context of Covid-19, this is an idea that can be articulated by Labour now. A wider vision can come later, but this limited thematic approach would put down an important marker that Labour is in the business of seriously empowering and engaging working people to control and improve their own lives. It could also create the scope for an integrated and holistic vision of democratic socialism that could form the basis of a winning election campaign and even the radical transformative programme of a future Labour government.


labourlist--2020-10-02--Here’s what Rishi Sunak must do next to avoid a cliff edge in November

It is no secret that areas like Brent have been amongst the worst affected by the pandemic thus far , with the burden of the virus falling heaviest on disadvantaged and Black , Asian and minority ethnic ( BAME ) communities in some of the most deprived neighbourhoods of our borough .
But less has been said about the fact that the economic impact of Covid-19 has often fallen hardest on these very same communities .
Over a third – 35 % – of Brent ’ s workforce has been on the job retention scheme during the pandemic , placing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ uptake of furlough across the UK .
Within our borough , the parliamentary constituency of Brent Central is within the top ten constituencies on furlough , and second in London after Tottenham .
Brent North is in the top 50 .
But the furlough stats alone do not give the full picture .
Over one in seven , 15.4 % , of our workers are self-employed , which is above the London and Great Britain average .
These tend to be the very same workers who have been unable to access support on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fallen through the cracks in the government ’ s existing support measures for the self-employed .
Our residents are also over-represented in the sectors worst-hit by the pandemic .
Nearly a fifth of our workforce are in the wholesale and retail trade .
We have three times more workers in the manufacturing sector , and 50 % more in human health and social work , than London as a whole .
Investment in skills and good work has long been a central priority for the council .
Micro-businesses , which employ up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lifeblood of Brent ’ s local economy .
And we have relatively few medium and large-sized businesses operating here .
Yet these small firms , too , have often found it hard to access the business support on offer from the government compared with their larger competitors .
I welcome the Chancellor ’ s recent announcement of a job support scheme , and the Prime Minister ’ s more recent commitment of a national skills guarantee for adults needing vocational and other training .
But neither go nearly far enough in addressing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Chancellor could start by taking the following four steps .
1 .
Link job support to investment in skills , jobs quality and better pay .
The job support scheme , and the furlough scheme that preceded it , have been a huge missed opportunity to invest in skills , improve job quality and raise the pay of our workforce .
These are all critical long-standing issues in Brent ’ s economy , with average weekly earnings in our borough being the fourth lowest in London , and have made our borough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic .
Brent already has outstanding local schemes in place to invest in skills and retraining .
Our Brent Works jobs brokerage service regularly places 200-250 local residents in employment each year , and Brent Start – our very own adult education college – delivers training and education to 2,500 residents annually .
The government has missed a crucial chance to link these local schemes into their national support programmes .
The Prime Minister ’ s new commitment to expand post-18 education and training does not go far enough .
It will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for workers who have been on furlough , and hasn ’ t been linked in with the support schemes for employers .
As the TUC argued , the government should work with employers to ensure that anyone accessing government schemes sets out plans for fair pay and decent jobs and guarantee that anyone earning the minimum wage receives 100 % of their normal pay .
An employee working half their normal working time should also be offered funded training .
Councils like Brent stand ready to play their part in delivering this ambitious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government has ignored us .
I fear that employers in the hardest-hit sectors , which still face challenges being viable , will find it hard to retain employees on the job support scheme – especially if further lockdown measures are implemented .
Analysis by the Resolution Foundation has suggested that the scheme will not stem a sharp rise in unemployment in the months ahead .
Indeed , as LabourList has pointed out , the scheme actually disincentives employers from keeping part-time workers on the payroll .
To address this , I continue to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s welcome call for a new , targeted furlough scheme from November – focused on those worst-impacted areas .
This is along the lines of similar schemes in Europe , and would allow employees and businesses the vital time to review how they work and , where necessary , invest in skills and re-training to adapt to this new reality .
3 .
Fill in the cracks in support for the self-employed and others .
As I highlighted earlier , the furlough stats alone only give a partial picture of the challenges faced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our self-employed workers and small businesses have been unable to access help during the lockdown .
Even many on furlough have been under-supported , with those on low or zero-hours contracts only paid for their contracted hours – often a fraction of the hours that they actually worked before lockdown .
Last week , the Chancellor had an opportunity to redress this imbalance and think creatively about ways to support those who have been ignored thus far .
Sadly , the job support scheme simply retains the same gaps as the furlough scheme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for those Brent residents who have been neglected since March .
Finally , none of these job support schemes would be complete without a proper safety net for people worst hit by the pandemic .
Those who fall ill , residents on the shielding list and people who are affected by local lockdowns require additional support over and above the meagre statutory sick pay offered by the government .
Better support will pay dividends in the long run , helping people to stay in work whilst also improving public heath by supporting people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the outstanding work of my colleague councillor Eleanor Southwood , Brent has established a £2.5m resident support fund for people worst-affected by the events of the past months .
But this support will only go so far .
Central government needs to show similar ambition and deliver a comprehensive package of support for the most vulnerable , whilst retaining the safeguards provided during the pandemic – not least the support for private renters .
Taken together , this package of measures would provide workers , and their families , with the crucial stability @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As Anneliese Dodds has rightly argued , the pandemic calls for a comprehensive plan to recover jobs , retrain workers and rebuild business .
Yet in the face of these calls , the government has cancelled the Budget , and simply made piecemeal announcements about a limited set of measures .
If we are to avoid a cliff edge in November , residents in Brent and across the country deserve better .
We need a more ambitious programme for skills , job retention and social security , delivered in partnership with local councils @ @ @ @ @ @

It is no secret that areas like Brent have been amongst the worst affected by the pandemic thus far, with the burden of the virus falling heaviest on disadvantaged and Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities in some of the most deprived neighbourhoods of our borough. But less has been said about the fact that the economic impact of Covid-19 has often fallen hardest on these very same communities.
Over a third – 35% – of Brent’s workforce has been on the job retention scheme during the pandemic, placing us in the top 15 councils for uptake of furlough across the UK. Within our borough, the parliamentary constituency of Brent Central is within the top ten constituencies on furlough, and second in London after Tottenham. Brent North is in the top 50.
But the furlough stats alone do not give the full picture. Over one in seven, 15.4%, of our workers are self-employed, which is above the London and Great Britain average. These tend to be the very same workers who have been unable to access support on the job retention scheme, and have fallen through the cracks in the government’s existing support measures for the self-employed.
Our residents are also over-represented in the sectors worst-hit by the pandemic. Nearly a fifth of our workforce are in the wholesale and retail trade. We have three times more workers in the manufacturing sector, and 50% more in human health and social work, than London as a whole. Investment in skills and good work has long been a central priority for the council.
Micro-businesses, which employ up to nine members of staff, are the lifeblood of Brent’s local economy. And we have relatively few medium and large-sized businesses operating here. Yet these small firms, too, have often found it hard to access the business support on offer from the government compared with their larger competitors.
I welcome the Chancellor’s recent announcement of a job support scheme, and the Prime Minister’s more recent commitment of a national skills guarantee for adults needing vocational and other training. But neither go nearly far enough in addressing the challenges faced in economies like Brent. The Chancellor could start by taking the following four steps.
1. Link job support to investment in skills, jobs quality and better pay.
The job support scheme, and the furlough scheme that preceded it, have been a huge missed opportunity to invest in skills, improve job quality and raise the pay of our workforce. These are all critical long-standing issues in Brent’s economy, with average weekly earnings in our borough being the fourth lowest in London, and have made our borough especially vulnerable to the economic effects of the pandemic.
Brent already has outstanding local schemes in place to invest in skills and retraining. Our Brent Works jobs brokerage service regularly places 200-250 local residents in employment each year, and Brent Start – our very own adult education college – delivers training and education to 2,500 residents annually. The government has missed a crucial chance to link these local schemes into their national support programmes.
The Prime Minister’s new commitment to expand post-18 education and training does not go far enough. It will come as too little, too late for workers who have been on furlough, and hasn’t been linked in with the support schemes for employers. As the TUC argued, the government should work with employers to ensure that anyone accessing government schemes sets out plans for fair pay and decent jobs and guarantee that anyone earning the minimum wage receives 100% of their normal pay. An employee working half their normal working time should also be offered funded training. Councils like Brent stand ready to play their part in delivering this ambitious programme. It is disappointing that the government has ignored us.
2. Target support to the worst-hit sectors.
I fear that employers in the hardest-hit sectors, which still face challenges being viable, will find it hard to retain employees on the job support scheme – especially if further lockdown measures are implemented. Analysis by the Resolution Foundation has suggested that the scheme will not stem a sharp rise in unemployment in the months ahead. Indeed, as LabourList has pointed out, the scheme actually disincentives employers from keeping part-time workers on the payroll.
To address this, I continue to support the Alliance for Full Employment’s welcome call for a new, targeted furlough scheme from November – focused on those worst-impacted areas. This is along the lines of similar schemes in Europe, and would allow employees and businesses the vital time to review how they work and, where necessary, invest in skills and re-training to adapt to this new reality.
3. Fill in the cracks in support for the self-employed and others.
As I highlighted earlier, the furlough stats alone only give a partial picture of the challenges faced by Brent residents, and many of our self-employed workers and small businesses have been unable to access help during the lockdown. Even many on furlough have been under-supported, with those on low or zero-hours contracts only paid for their contracted hours – often a fraction of the hours that they actually worked before lockdown.
Last week, the Chancellor had an opportunity to redress this imbalance and think creatively about ways to support those who have been ignored thus far. Sadly, the job support scheme simply retains the same gaps as the furlough scheme it will replace, offering scant reprieve for those Brent residents who have been neglected since March.
4. Provide a safety net for the worst-affected residents.
Finally, none of these job support schemes would be complete without a proper safety net for people worst hit by the pandemic. Those who fall ill, residents on the shielding list and people who are affected by local lockdowns require additional support over and above the meagre statutory sick pay offered by the government. Better support will pay dividends in the long run, helping people to stay in work whilst also improving public heath by supporting people to self-isolate when needed.
Thanks to the outstanding work of my colleague councillor Eleanor Southwood, Brent has established a £2.5m resident support fund for people worst-affected by the events of the past months. But this support will only go so far. Central government needs to show similar ambition and deliver a comprehensive package of support for the most vulnerable, whilst retaining the safeguards provided during the pandemic – not least the support for private renters.
Taken together, this package of measures would provide workers, and their families, with the crucial stability they need during this difficult time. As Anneliese Dodds has rightly argued, the pandemic calls for a comprehensive plan to recover jobs, retrain workers and rebuild business.
Yet in the face of these calls, the government has cancelled the Budget, and simply made piecemeal announcements about a limited set of measures. If we are to avoid a cliff edge in November, residents in Brent and across the country deserve better. We need a more ambitious programme for skills, job retention and social security, delivered in partnership with local councils, businesses and trade unions.


labourlist--2020-10-02--Ed Miliband reveals himself to be a “sympathiser” of universal basic income

Ed Miliband has described himself as a “ sympathiser ” of universal basic income and backed proposals to pilot the policy proposal that would see the government offer regular payments to individuals without a means test .
The Labour frontbencher , who says he has “ become more radical with age ” , was asked about UBI when he appeared live on the podcast ‘ It ’ s Bloody Complicated ’ of progressive think tank Compass on Thursday evening .
Setting out his views on the bold policy idea , the former Labour leader and current shadow cabinet member said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not going to happen tomorrow ” but that there should be pilots to test the scheme .
“ I am a sympathiser of the UBI , ” Miliband said .
“ One because I think that the current welfare system Universal Credit is not only intrusive , not only demeaning , not only doesn ’ t have that much popular support – in terms of the people on it , rightly – and it has caused terrible hardship and misery… “ Secondly , there ’ s a chap called Matthew Taylor who runs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this thing , which is the power to choose… I think it ’ s a very good way of putting it , which is the attraction of a UBI is it gives people more choice in life .
“ More choice about caring , and properly values caring roles .
More choices about the jobs they take .
It gives people a platform.
” Miliband added that automation is “ not the main reason for it ” but “ in the background ” as another good argument in favour of adopting UBI .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ big change , ” the Shadow Business Secretary continued .
“ It ’ s not going to happen tomorrow and it ’ s not going to happen in the first term of a Labour government either – sorry to disappoint some people on the podcast.
” But he added : “ We should at least do some pilots on this .
Because all the pilots and trials that have been done on this say that quite the opposite from it discouraging work , either that is marginal or a non-existent issue .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both ways here : yes you might be helping people to exercise their caring responsibilities , which is a good thing , but the current welfare system has a massive marginal tax rate where for extra pound , you go into work and you ’ re hardly better off .
“ You earn more and you lose 70 % of your income .
We got rid of those very high marginal tax rates at the top , but we still have them at the bottom .
“ So my view about this is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it ’ s not going to happen tomorrow .
I think it is important to give it a chance and give it a hearing .
That ’ s why I would find some ways of piloting it as other countries are doing.
” Miliband added that the coronavirus crisis had “ exposed and highlighted ” the case in favour of introducing a basic income , and he challenged UBI opponents to “ tell me other things that we can do which are big interventions ” .
The Shadow Business Secretary concluded on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there ’ s a big cost to it .
That ’ s partly why I say it can ’ t be done overnight .
But I think it ’ s got to be kept alive as an idea.
” Labour figures including Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham and London mayor Sadiq Khan have supported the introduction of a UBI .
A LabourList survey in May found that our readers overwhelmingly back the idea .
The party leadership has rejected the idea of starting a UBI amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Speaking in April @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its implementation was “ unlikely to be possible during the crisis ” .
Labour ’ s 2019 general election manifesto included proposals to pilot the policy in several towns and cities across the UK , with bids from Liverpool and Sheffield among other areas .
Compass director Neal Lawson has written for LabourList to argue that Labour can not “ afford politically to be outflanked and left behind ” on UBI and instead “ must be part of this radical debate for change ” .

Ed Miliband has described himself as a “sympathiser” of universal basic income and backed proposals to pilot the policy proposal that would see the government offer regular payments to individuals without a means test.
The Labour frontbencher, who says he has “become more radical with age”, was asked about UBI when he appeared live on the podcast ‘It’s Bloody Complicated’ of progressive think tank Compass on Thursday evening.
Setting out his views on the bold policy idea, the former Labour leader and current shadow cabinet member said the “massive change” was “not going to happen tomorrow” but that there should be pilots to test the scheme.
“I am a sympathiser of the UBI,” Miliband said. “One because I think that the current welfare system Universal Credit is not only intrusive, not only demeaning, not only doesn’t have that much popular support – in terms of the people on it, rightly – and it has caused terrible hardship and misery…
“Secondly, there’s a chap called Matthew Taylor who runs the RSA. He’s got this thing, which is the power to choose… I think it’s a very good way of putting it, which is the attraction of a UBI is it gives people more choice in life.
“More choice about caring, and properly values caring roles. More choices about the jobs they take. It gives people a platform.” Miliband added that automation is “not the main reason for it” but “in the background” as another good argument in favour of adopting UBI.
“It’s a big, big change,” the Shadow Business Secretary continued. “It’s not going to happen tomorrow and it’s not going to happen in the first term of a Labour government either – sorry to disappoint some people on the podcast.”
But he added: “We should at least do some pilots on this. Because all the pilots and trials that have been done on this say that quite the opposite from it discouraging work, either that is marginal or a non-existent issue.
“Actually you’ve got things going both ways here: yes you might be helping people to exercise their caring responsibilities, which is a good thing, but the current welfare system has a massive marginal tax rate where for extra pound, you go into work and you’re hardly better off.
“You earn more and you lose 70% of your income. We got rid of those very high marginal tax rates at the top, but we still have them at the bottom.
“So my view about this is that it’s a massive change, it’s not going to happen tomorrow. I think it is important to give it a chance and give it a hearing. That’s why I would find some ways of piloting it as other countries are doing.”
Miliband added that the coronavirus crisis had “exposed and highlighted” the case in favour of introducing a basic income, and he challenged UBI opponents to “tell me other things that we can do which are big interventions”.
The Shadow Business Secretary concluded on the Compass podcast: “Yes, there’s a big cost to it. That’s partly why I say it can’t be done overnight. But I think it’s got to be kept alive as an idea.”
Labour figures including Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham and London mayor Sadiq Khan have supported the introduction of a UBI. A LabourList survey in May found that our readers overwhelmingly back the idea.
The party leadership has rejected the idea of starting a UBI amid the coronavirus pandemic. Speaking in April, Keir Starmer’s spokesperson said its implementation was “unlikely to be possible during the crisis”.
Labour’s 2019 general election manifesto included proposals to pilot the policy in several towns and cities across the UK, with bids from Liverpool and Sheffield among other areas.
Compass director Neal Lawson has written for LabourList to argue that Labour cannot “afford politically to be outflanked and left behind” on UBI and instead “must be part of this radical debate for change”.


labourlist--2020-10-02--Unite threatens Heathrow with strike over ‘fire and rehire’ tactics

Unite the Union has announced today that it is preparing to ballot members at Heathrow Airport on proposed industrial action in the face of attempts to ‘ fire and rehire ’ staff on lower wages and worse terms and conditions .
The Labour-affiliated union proposed the strike plans as 4,000 workers employed directly by Heathrow Airport Limited are being confronted with pay cuts of up to £8,000 a year – around 25 % of their pay – via the controversial tactic .
Unite has dismissed claims that the wage cuts are a necessary response to the coronavirus pandemic , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Heathrow of “ using the cover of Covid ” to justify “ picking the pockets of loyal workers ” .
Commenting on the concerns that workers could be pushed into poverty and on the plans for industrial action , Unite regional co-ordinating officer Wayne King said : “ The opportunism of HAL ’ s highly-paid managers is truly shocking .
“ They are using the cover of Covid to impose brutal cuts on workers trying to get by in one of the most expensive cities on the planet .
They are picking the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lifeblood of the local economy yet leaving their super-salaries unscathed and shareholders ’ bounties untouched .
“ It is an immoral act born from boardroom greed with nothing whatsoever to do with financial need and it will be condemned as such by all right-thinking people .
“ These pay cuts are so great that workers face losing their homes with hard-working families being plunged into poverty .
HAL ’ s directors and shareholders must look to their consciences not just their riches and step back from this now .
“ Unite has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to find cost savings but rather than advance such talks they have decided it is better to fire and rehire staff on vastly inferior rates of pay.
” The union ’ s regional officer concluded : “ We urge HAL to drop these appalling fire and rehire plans and instead enter into constructive and honest negotiations with Unite.
” Unite has criticised the decision to cut workers ’ wages despite the huge pay cheques of many company executives .
Heathrow ’ s 49 directors earned over £21m last year , and the chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Heathrow said it had a £3.2bn war chest when the Covid-19 pandemic first hit the UK , and the company predicted that the robust position meant it could have survived without a single flight leaving the airport for the following 12 months .
Labour leader Keir Starmer has voiced his opposition to ‘ fire and rehire ’ , describing the tactic as “ not just wrong but against British values ” .
In his speech to the 2020 TUC Congress , he called on the government to outlaw the practice .
Unite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discuss alternative money-saving measures with the company , which would avoid permanent cuts to staff wages , but management has rejected the proposals .
Airport officials have said Heathrow is still guaranteeing a job at the airport for anyone who wishes to stay .
The company has stressed that Covid has “ decimated ” the aviation industry via an unprecedented drop in passenger numbers .

Unite the Union has announced today that it is preparing to ballot members at Heathrow Airport on proposed industrial action in the face of attempts to ‘fire and rehire’ staff on lower wages and worse terms and conditions.
The Labour-affiliated union proposed the strike plans as 4,000 workers employed directly by Heathrow Airport Limited are being confronted with pay cuts of up to £8,000 a year – around 25% of their pay – via the controversial tactic.
Unite has dismissed claims that the wage cuts are a necessary response to the coronavirus pandemic, which has hit aviation hard, and accused Heathrow of “using the cover of Covid” to justify “picking the pockets of loyal workers”.
Commenting on the concerns that workers could be pushed into poverty and on the plans for industrial action, Unite regional co-ordinating officer Wayne King said: “The opportunism of HAL’s highly-paid managers is truly shocking.
“They are using the cover of Covid to impose brutal cuts on workers trying to get by in one of the most expensive cities on the planet. They are picking the pockets of loyal workers whose earnings are the lifeblood of the local economy yet leaving their super-salaries unscathed and shareholders’ bounties untouched.
“It is an immoral act born from boardroom greed with nothing whatsoever to do with financial need and it will be condemned as such by all right-thinking people.
“These pay cuts are so great that workers face losing their homes with hard-working families being plunged into poverty. HAL’s directors and shareholders must look to their consciences not just their riches and step back from this now.
“Unite has made repeated attempts to work with HAL to find cost savings but rather than advance such talks they have decided it is better to fire and rehire staff on vastly inferior rates of pay.”
The union’s regional officer concluded: “We urge HAL to drop these appalling fire and rehire plans and instead enter into constructive and honest negotiations with Unite.”
Unite has criticised the decision to cut workers’ wages despite the huge pay cheques of many company executives. Heathrow’s 49 directors earned over £21m last year, and the chief executive received £2.6m in pay and pensions.
Heathrow said it had a £3.2bn war chest when the Covid-19 pandemic first hit the UK, and the company predicted that the robust position meant it could have survived without a single flight leaving the airport for the following 12 months.
Labour leader Keir Starmer has voiced his opposition to ‘fire and rehire’, describing the tactic as “not just wrong but against British values”. In his speech to the 2020 TUC Congress, he called on the government to outlaw the practice.
Unite the Union says it has tried to discuss alternative money-saving measures with the company, which would avoid permanent cuts to staff wages, but management has rejected the proposals.
Airport officials have said Heathrow is still guaranteeing a job at the airport for anyone who wishes to stay. The company has stressed that Covid has “decimated” the aviation industry via an unprecedented drop in passenger numbers.


labourlist--2020-10-02--How we should mark 60 years of Nigerian independence

I joined with members of the Nigerian diaspora in the UK and with all Nigerians yesterday to celebrate the country ’ s independence from the British Empire .
Nigeria has grown significantly since its independence from British colonial rule .
Nigeria is now the economic powerhouse of Africa and on course to have a larger population than that of the US within the next 30 years .
I am proud of my Nigerian heritage and have been looking forward to these celebrations of 60 years of independence .
This is of particular importance to me as I am the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a constituency in the West Midlands – the people of Coventry North West .
The International Organisation for Peace and Social Justice ( PSJ UK ) , various church groups and The Nigerian Chaplaincy hosted a prayer event to mark this great occasion , and I was delighted to be able to participate .
But this event was not just about celebrating Nigeria ’ s independence .
It also recognised the challenges that the nation is facing , including the insecurity for many and the particular targeting of Christians in Nigeria by Boko @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still requires a response from the Conservative government , the Nigerian government and the international community .
I joined the Labour Party because it shares my values : decency , fairness , opportunity , compassion and a desire for security .
It is those values that are compelling me to speak out against this crisis and to urge governments to do better in safeguarding oppressed and vulnerable minorities around the world to create a better , safer and fairer future for all of us .
There is so much more that the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those at risk around the world – be that the Uighurs in China , Christians in Nigeria or refugees in Calais and the Mediterranean .
As the Covid-19 pandemic has shown us , we all live in a global village and do need to be the keepers of our brothers and sisters .
In Nigeria , a recent report from ICON discloses a staggering toll of almost 100,000 deaths since 2000 and almost 30,000 violent attacks on vulnerable communities yet both of our governments seem content to trot out the same , tired @ @ @ @ @ @ @ action to bring an end to the killings , incidents of maiming and frequent kidnappings – particularly in the middle belt and northern parts of this beautiful country .
I hope that the various Nigerian Independence Day events this week will highlight and prompt the media to cover the darker side of these diamond jubilee celebrations .
With over 100 of the Chibok girls still missing six years on , and with Leah Sharibu still being held in captivity for not renouncing her Christian faith , some will argue that there is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an increased awareness of persecution – including the examples of the Rohingya and the Uighurs – and yet these stories and examples can too often be pushed off front pages by non-stories about the inane .
In addition to my devotion to the people of Coventry , I hope to continue to lead efforts to recognise the plight of our global relatives so that the UK will indeed be a leading force for good on the global stage .

I joined with members of the Nigerian diaspora in the UK and with all Nigerians yesterday to celebrate the country’s independence from the British Empire. Nigeria has grown significantly since its independence from British colonial rule. Nigeria is now the economic powerhouse of Africa and on course to have a larger population than that of the US within the next 30 years.
I am proud of my Nigerian heritage and have been looking forward to these celebrations of 60 years of independence. This is of particular importance to me as I am the first of MP of Nigerian heritage to represent a constituency in the West Midlands – the people of Coventry North West. The International Organisation for Peace and Social Justice (PSJ UK), various church groups and The Nigerian Chaplaincy hosted a prayer event to mark this great occasion, and I was delighted to be able to participate.
But this event was not just about celebrating Nigeria’s independence. It also recognised the challenges that the nation is facing, including the insecurity for many and the particular targeting of Christians in Nigeria by Boko Haram. This is an injustice that still requires a response from the Conservative government, the Nigerian government and the international community.
I joined the Labour Party because it shares my values: decency, fairness, opportunity, compassion and a desire for security. It is those values that are compelling me to speak out against this crisis and to urge governments to do better in safeguarding oppressed and vulnerable minorities around the world to create a better, safer and fairer future for all of us. There is so much more that the UK government can and should do to help those at risk around the world – be that the Uighurs in China, Christians in Nigeria or refugees in Calais and the Mediterranean.
As the Covid-19 pandemic has shown us, we all live in a global village and do need to be the keepers of our brothers and sisters. In Nigeria, a recent report from ICON discloses a staggering toll of almost 100,000 deaths since 2000 and almost 30,000 violent attacks on vulnerable communities yet both of our governments seem content to trot out the same, tired lines of rhetoric and even less decisive action to bring an end to the killings, incidents of maiming and frequent kidnappings – particularly in the middle belt and northern parts of this beautiful country.
I hope that the various Nigerian Independence Day events this week will highlight and prompt the media to cover the darker side of these diamond jubilee celebrations. With over 100 of the Chibok girls still missing six years on, and with Leah Sharibu still being held in captivity for not renouncing her Christian faith, some will argue that there is not much to celebrate. There has been an increased awareness of persecution – including the examples of the Rohingya and the Uighurs – and yet these stories and examples can too often be pushed off front pages by non-stories about the inane.
In addition to my devotion to the people of Coventry, I hope to continue to lead efforts to recognise the plight of our global relatives so that the UK will indeed be a leading force for good on the global stage.


labourlist--2020-10-02--“They remain my priorities”: Starmer recommits to leadership campaign pledges

Labour leader Keir Starmer has renewed his commitment to the ten pledges announced during the party leadership election earlier this year – including the hike in income tax for top earners – and described them as “ priorities ” .
As a leadership contender in February , Starmer announced that – if elected to replace Jeremy Corbyn as Labour leader – he would increase income tax for the top 5 % of earners and reverse Conservative cuts to corporation tax .
But Shadow Foreign Secretary Lisa Nandy recently appeared to suggest that this commitment had been dropped due to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ itself as a result of the coronavirus pandemic .
Asked whether the increased tax on high earners pledge had been scrapped , in light of the shadow cabinet recently expressing its opposition to any tax increases , Nandy replied : “ I expect so , based on what you just said .
“ In the middle of a global pandemic… the idea of raising taxes and squeezing people who are in work and trying to make ends meet is just completely the wrong priority for the country.
” Asked about Starmer ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , mail , energy and water , Nandy said : “ I think giving the public much more control over how those things work , so that they work in the public interest , is right.
” She added : “ We want to see those public utilities work much better .
There are different ways to do that .
Bringing them back into public hands is one way of doing it ; giving the public much more control is another.
” But in a new interview with HuffPost UK Starmer has denied @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – and even given Labour members hope that the scale of his ambitions may have grown since the leadership due to Covid-19 .
Asked whether his pledges had changed , he told HuffPost : “ No , they were important pledges – very important pledges – in terms of the approach I would take and the priorities I would have as leader of the Labour Party , and they remain my priorities .
“ What I ’ m saying is , the work and the challenge now is so much more profound than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Or even this year before the pandemic hit .
It actually means we might have to be bolder than we might have imagined.
” Economic policies that may be considered “ bolder ” could include wealth taxation .
Anneliese Dodds advised the government in July to consider using wealth taxes to fund the UK ’ s coronavirus recovery and emphasised the popularity of the idea .
Starmer told HuffPost UK : “ The next general election is in 2024 , so I don ’ t think it ’ s prudent at this stage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , when we don ’ t know the size of the debt , we don ’ t know the damage that has been done .
“ And we haven ’ t yet set out what the strategic priorities will be for the next Labour government .
So that ’ s the kind of work that will necessarily have to be done closer to the election .
We will then set it out in full detail and in a costed way.
” The full list of pledges as listed by Starmer ’ s leadership @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : • Economic justice : Increase income tax for the top 5 % of earners , reverse cuts to corporation tax and clamp down on tax avoidance .
• Social justice : Abolish universal credit and the welfare sanctions regime , set a wellbeing goal and prioritise it equally with GDP , stand up for universal services , defend the NHS and scrap university tuition fees .
• Climate justice : A green new deal , introduce a Clean Air Act to tackle pollution locally and demand international action on climate rights .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ No more illegal wars , introduce a Prevention of Military Intervention Act , put human rights at the heart of foreign policy and review all UK arms sales .
• Common ownership : Support common ownership of rail , mail , energy and water , end outsourcing in our NHS , local government and justice system .
• Defend migrants ’ rights : Full voting rights for EU nationals , defend freedom of movement post-Brexit , create an immigration system based on dignity and compassion , end indefinite detention and call for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Wood .
• Strengthen workers ’ rights and trade unions : Work with trade unions , tackle insecure work and low pay , repeal the Trade Union Act , oppose Tory attacks on workers ’ rights .
• Devolve power , wealth and opportunity : Introduce a federal system , including a regional investment bank and control over regional industrial strategy , abolish the House of Lords and replace it with an elected chamber .
• Equality Act : Remove obstacles to limit opportunities and talent by building on the achievements of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pay Act , Sure Start , BAME representation and the abolition of Section 28 .
• Provide effective opposition to the Tories : Provide “ forensic ” opposition to the government linked with the membership and a “ professional election operation ” , unite the party , promote pluralism and improve the party ’ s culture , take robust action to eradicate antisemitism and maintain effective links with trade unions .
Starmer also responded to stinging criticisms recently made by Gogglebox stars who were watching him be interviewed by Andrew Marr .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ answers and for not opposing government restrictions .
“ You ’ ve got to take all this on the chin .
Frankly if you can get through my household with my kids not taking anything I do seriously , then you can take Gogglebox .
This is all part and parcel of being leader of a political party , ” Starmer said .
“ It ’ s perfectly open to everybody to challenge , laugh , joke , cajole .
All of my friends and family do it to me all of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used to it .
Some people do think that if you ’ re the opposition you should oppose everything the government does .
I don ’ t agree .
”

Labour leader Keir Starmer has renewed his commitment to the ten pledges announced during the party leadership election earlier this year – including the hike in income tax for top earners – and described them as “priorities”.
As a leadership contender in February, Starmer announced that – if elected to replace Jeremy Corbyn as Labour leader – he would increase income tax for the top 5% of earners and reverse Conservative cuts to corporation tax.
But Shadow Foreign Secretary Lisa Nandy recently appeared to suggest that this commitment had been dropped due to the new circumstances in which the country found itself as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Asked whether the increased tax on high earners pledge had been scrapped, in light of the shadow cabinet recently expressing its opposition to any tax increases, Nandy replied: “I expect so, based on what you just said.
“In the middle of a global pandemic… the idea of raising taxes and squeezing people who are in work and trying to make ends meet is just completely the wrong priority for the country.”
Asked about Starmer’s fifth pledge on common ownership of rail, mail, energy and water, Nandy said: “I think giving the public much more control over how those things work, so that they work in the public interest, is right.”
She added: “We want to see those public utilities work much better. There are different ways to do that. Bringing them back into public hands is one way of doing it; giving the public much more control is another.”
But in a new interview with HuffPost UK Starmer has denied that the policies have been thrown out – and even given Labour members hope that the scale of his ambitions may have grown since the leadership due to Covid-19.
Asked whether his pledges had changed, he told HuffPost: “No, they were important pledges – very important pledges – in terms of the approach I would take and the priorities I would have as leader of the Labour Party, and they remain my priorities.
“What I’m saying is, the work and the challenge now is so much more profound than we thought it was in 2019. Or even this year before the pandemic hit. It actually means we might have to be bolder than we might have imagined.”
Economic policies that may be considered “bolder” could include wealth taxation. Anneliese Dodds advised the government in July to consider using wealth taxes to fund the UK’s coronavirus recovery and emphasised the popularity of the idea.
Starmer told HuffPost UK: “The next general election is in 2024, so I don’t think it’s prudent at this stage to set out tax arrangements for 2024, when we don’t know the size of the debt, we don’t know the damage that has been done.
“And we haven’t yet set out what the strategic priorities will be for the next Labour government. So that’s the kind of work that will necessarily have to be done closer to the election. We will then set it out in full detail and in a costed way.”
The full list of pledges as listed by Starmer’s leadership campaign earlier this year were as follows:
Economic justice: Increase income tax for the top 5% of earners, reverse cuts to corporation tax and clamp down on tax avoidance. Social justice: Abolish universal credit and the welfare sanctions regime, set a wellbeing goal and prioritise it equally with GDP, stand up for universal services, defend the NHS and scrap university tuition fees. Climate justice: A green new deal, introduce a Clean Air Act to tackle pollution locally and demand international action on climate rights. Promote peace and human rights: No more illegal wars, introduce a Prevention of Military Intervention Act, put human rights at the heart of foreign policy and review all UK arms sales. Common ownership: Support common ownership of rail, mail, energy and water, end outsourcing in our NHS, local government and justice system. Defend migrants’ rights: Full voting rights for EU nationals, defend freedom of movement post-Brexit, create an immigration system based on dignity and compassion, end indefinite detention and call for the closure of centres such as Yarl’s Wood. Strengthen workers’ rights and trade unions: Work with trade unions, tackle insecure work and low pay, repeal the Trade Union Act, oppose Tory attacks on workers’ rights. Devolve power, wealth and opportunity: Introduce a federal system, including a regional investment bank and control over regional industrial strategy, abolish the House of Lords and replace it with an elected chamber. Equality Act: Remove obstacles to limit opportunities and talent by building on the achievements of the party, which include the Equal Pay Act, Sure Start, BAME representation and the abolition of Section 28. Provide effective opposition to the Tories: Provide “forensic” opposition to the government linked with the membership and a “professional election operation”, unite the party, promote pluralism and improve the party’s culture, take robust action to eradicate antisemitism and maintain effective links with trade unions.
Starmer also responded to stinging criticisms recently made by Gogglebox stars who were watching him be interviewed by Andrew Marr. They slammed Starmer for refusing to give some answers and for not opposing government restrictions.
“You’ve got to take all this on the chin. Frankly if you can get through my household with my kids not taking anything I do seriously, then you can take Gogglebox. This is all part and parcel of being leader of a political party,” Starmer said.
“It’s perfectly open to everybody to challenge, laugh, joke, cajole. All of my friends and family do it to me all of the time, so I’m pretty used to it. Some people do think that if you’re the opposition you should oppose everything the government does. I don’t agree.”


labourlist--2020-10-02--Alarm raised over safety practices of private firms given Covid contracts

Labour has urged the government to ensure private firms awarded contracts in the pandemic have Covid-secure workplaces after one such company was found to have endangered staff via multiple health and safety breaches .
A leaked report by the Health and Safety Executive ( HSE ) found that The Doctors ’ Laboratory ( TDL ) broke health and safety law in its treatment of staff .
The company has testing contracts with Superdrug , the Premier League and the government .
According to the HSE , the health of couriers who transport Covid tests for the company was put at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clean boxes used to transport samples once a week and socially distancing could not be followed in rest areas .
Noting that TDL ’ s Covid-19 risk assessment was “ not suitable ” , the report stated that couriers were not offered adequate training for the safe use of personal protective equipment and its guidance for the use of gloves was flawed .
Commenting on the leaked health and safety report by HSE , Labour ’ s shadow employment minister Seema Malhotra told LabourList : “ Covid-secure workplaces are essential to the economic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employers , especially testing contractors , to do the right thing and ensure workplaces are safe .
The number of health and safety inspectors have been cut by a third by this government.
” The Labour frontbencher concluded : “ The government must make sure that companies it is giving contracts to in the fight against Covid-19 are following new workplace regulations themselves.
” Inspectors found that TDL couriers in May were not fully informed of proper PPE guidelines or given comprehensive guidance about how to handle spilt samples .
This was described @ @ @ @ @ @ @ significant risk of contamination .
The HSE also raised concerns about a parking bay rest area where riders would struggle to socially distance , as well as a “ specimen reception area ” – a room measuring 1m by 1.5m – that constituted a “ potential pinch point ” .
TDL was instructed by HSE to pay a fee for its material breach of health and safety law .
The firm is a key provider of Covid testing and couriers to the NHS and the Department for Health and Social Care , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the concerns raised in the report , an email from TDL chief executive David Byrne seen by LabourList confirms that the company has been offered a new contract by DHSC to create a high-volume Covid-19 testing facility .
TDL has accepted that improvements need to be made to its safety procedures .
The company has stressed that there were PPE shortages during the period to which the investigation relates – the height of the pandemic in May – and government advice changed frequently at that time .
Reacting to the findings of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : “ At the height of the pandemic new Covid-related guidance was issued on a daily , and sometimes hourly basis .
“ Despite superhuman efforts by our safety team to implement these at speed , not every detail could be captured in real-time .
Where points for improvement to our safety systems were highlighted by the Health and Safety Executive , they were fully accepted and implemented immediately.
” The HSE investigation was conducted as a response to concerns raised by couriers represented by the Independent Workers ’ Union of Great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which advocates for precarious workers and challenges practices in the gig economy .
TDL is one of a number of private contractors that has faced criticism for its role in the government ’ s coronavirus operations .
Labour earlier this month accused the government of “ rewarding private sector failings ” .
Outsourcing firm Serco , which plays a key role in the UK ’ s contact tracing system , last month admitted that it only managed to reach 60 % of those in contact with people who tested positive for Covid-19 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in May .
Serco and Sitel , the two firms hired by the government to help run the national test and trace programme , are set to receive over £1bn for their work on the scheme .
Serco receives 40 % of its annual revenue from running UK public services .
Questions have also been raised about the relationship between the private firms hired to handle public health contracts during the pandemic and the Conservative Party after it was revealed that companies connected to party donors frequently benefited .
In one example , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , worth £81.8m , to a company co-owned by former chair of the President ’ s Club David Meller , who has given tens of thousands of pounds to the Tories in the last decade .
LabourList has contacted the Health Department for comment .

Labour has urged the government to ensure private firms awarded contracts in the pandemic have Covid-secure workplaces after one such company was found to have endangered staff via multiple health and safety breaches.
A leaked report by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that The Doctors’ Laboratory (TDL) broke health and safety law in its treatment of staff. The company has testing contracts with Superdrug, the Premier League and the government.
According to the HSE, the health of couriers who transport Covid tests for the company was put at risk as workers were only told to clean boxes used to transport samples once a week and socially distancing could not be followed in rest areas.
Noting that TDL’s Covid-19 risk assessment was “not suitable”, the report stated that couriers were not offered adequate training for the safe use of personal protective equipment and its guidance for the use of gloves was flawed.
Commenting on the leaked health and safety report by HSE, Labour’s shadow employment minister Seema Malhotra told LabourList: “Covid-secure workplaces are essential to the economic recovery.
“The public rightly expect employers, especially testing contractors, to do the right thing and ensure workplaces are safe. The number of health and safety inspectors have been cut by a third by this government.”
The Labour frontbencher concluded: “The government must make sure that companies it is giving contracts to in the fight against Covid-19 are following new workplace regulations themselves.”
Inspectors found that TDL couriers in May were not fully informed of proper PPE guidelines or given comprehensive guidance about how to handle spilt samples. This was described as “especially concerning” given the significant risk of contamination.
The HSE also raised concerns about a parking bay rest area where riders would struggle to socially distance, as well as a “specimen reception area” – a room measuring 1m by 1.5m – that constituted a “potential pinch point”.
TDL was instructed by HSE to pay a fee for its material breach of health and safety law. The firm is a key provider of Covid testing and couriers to the NHS and the Department for Health and Social Care, including through partnerships with London hospitals.
Despite the concerns raised in the report, an email from TDL chief executive David Byrne seen by LabourList confirms that the company has been offered a new contract by DHSC to create a high-volume Covid-19 testing facility.
TDL has accepted that improvements need to be made to its safety procedures. The company has stressed that there were PPE shortages during the period to which the investigation relates – the height of the pandemic in May – and government advice changed frequently at that time.
Reacting to the findings of the HSE report, a spokesperson for TDL said: “At the height of the pandemic new Covid-related guidance was issued on a daily, and sometimes hourly basis.
“Despite superhuman efforts by our safety team to implement these at speed, not every detail could be captured in real-time. Where points for improvement to our safety systems were highlighted by the Health and Safety Executive, they were fully accepted and implemented immediately.”
The HSE investigation was conducted as a response to concerns raised by couriers represented by the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB) trade union, which advocates for precarious workers and challenges practices in the gig economy.
TDL is one of a number of private contractors that has faced criticism for its role in the government’s coronavirus operations. Labour earlier this month accused the government of “rewarding private sector failings”.
Outsourcing firm Serco, which plays a key role in the UK’s contact tracing system, last month admitted that it only managed to reach 60% of those in contact with people who tested positive for Covid-19. It was responsible for a data breach in May.
Serco and Sitel, the two firms hired by the government to help run the national test and trace programme, are set to receive over £1bn for their work on the scheme. Serco receives 40% of its annual revenue from running UK public services.
Questions have also been raised about the relationship between the private firms hired to handle public health contracts during the pandemic and the Conservative Party after it was revealed that companies connected to party donors frequently benefited.
In one example, the government awarded contracts to produce PPE, worth £81.8m, to a company co-owned by former chair of the President’s Club David Meller, who has given tens of thousands of pounds to the Tories in the last decade.
LabourList has contacted the Health Department for comment.


labourlist--2020-10-03--The Tories must deliver the main course of their ‘oven-ready’ Brexit deal

Since the UK left the European Union in January , Labour has been pushing for the Tory government in parliament to deliver the ‘ oven-ready ’ deal that was promised a year ago and specifically at the general election .
Leaving the EU was only one part of that deal – the starter course .
The main course is delivering a future relationship set out in the political declaration by the UK and EU with “ no tariffs , fees , charges or quantitative restrictions across all sectors ” , that will safeguard “ workers ’ rights , consumer and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protection of the Good Friday Agreement through proper implementation of the Northern Ireland Protocol .
The Tories must honour these commitments in the final phase of negotiations .
This is an incredibly important time for the UK ’ s industries and all the people who work in them as we battle the fallout of Covid-19 and the Tory government ’ s mishandling of the crisis .
Sadly , for many sectors of the UK economy , the government ’ s approach to negotiations with the EU only adds to the current challenges .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the end of the transition period with the EU .
The Tory government is telling businesses to “ get ready ” , yet still can ’ t point to what we will all be transitioning to .
While Labour still expects the government to reach an agreement with the EU , every week that goes by without it makes it that bit harder for firms to prepare .
There are growing numbers of business organisations pointing out that the Tories are falling short of what our industries need , regardless of whether an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ These trade bodies have no political axe to grind but simply want to safeguard the livelihoods of those running businesses in their sector .
They make up the backbone of Britain and are vital to our everyday economy .
It is extraordinary to see government ministers criticise respected trade organisations like the Road Haulage Association for speaking up for their members , when they should be sitting down with them to listen and address their concerns .
They are experts in their industry and are not alone with perfectly reasonable requests .
Most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just political slogans or adverts autographed by the Chancellor of the Exchequer .
The Food and Drink Federation is concerned about the lack of clarity on labelling for their products , with real concerns that this will harm their exports .
They say “ the food industry has already practically run out of time to process the necessary label changes… These label changes are complex , and clarity from the government is urgently required in order for industry to be able to create compliant food labels post-exit.
” At best this will mean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it could inhibit the ability of firms to export food and cost contracts and jobs .
Meanwhile , organics farmers still don ’ t know for sure if they will be able to export to the EU or not from January 2020 .
This week the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders spoke of heightened concern that the automotive industry could face real challenges , with rules of origin arrangements even in the event of a deal .
We need the government to ensure a solution is negotiated that works for our highly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Michael Gove agreed to my call for him to sit down with the car industry and trade unions Unite and GMB to urgently discuss these issues .
The highly skilled , unionised jobs in the car manufacturing industry and supply chains play such an important role in many local economies and must be defended by the government .
Boris Johnson has claimed that leaving without a negotiated deal would be “ a very good option ” for the UK .
This would be news to the Cabinet Office , whose leaked ‘ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everything from shortages of petrol , energy , medicines to increased disruption and costs of essential items such as food .
The need for a deal could not be clearer .
There will be a time when we aren ’ t discussing customs paperwork , pallets and permits but they matter to UK industries and jobs and so they should matter to the government .
The country wants its politicians to focus on tackling Covid-19 and its consequences for our country but without achieving the deal they promised , Tory incompetence will harm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our recovery .
Following the ninth round of scheduled talks , it ’ s vital that the Tory government and the EU intensify efforts to deliver the oven-ready deal that was promised .
Labour will continue to work with businesses and trade unions to press for what our economy and country needs during these negotiations and into the future .
Rachel Reeves will be discussing Labour ’ s Brexit policy at noon on Tuesday , October 6th , in an event by LabourList and UK in a Changing Europe with Stephen Bush , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here to register for the event .

Since the UK left the European Union in January, Labour has been pushing for the Tory government in parliament to deliver the ‘oven-ready’ deal that was promised a year ago and specifically at the general election.
Leaving the EU was only one part of that deal – the starter course. The main course is delivering a future relationship set out in the political declaration by the UK and EU with “no tariffs, fees, charges or quantitative restrictions across all sectors”, that will safeguard “workers’ rights, consumer and environmental protection”, and ensure the protection of the Good Friday Agreement through proper implementation of the Northern Ireland Protocol. The Tories must honour these commitments in the final phase of negotiations.
This is an incredibly important time for the UK’s industries and all the people who work in them as we battle the fallout of Covid-19 and the Tory government’s mishandling of the crisis. Sadly, for many sectors of the UK economy, the government’s approach to negotiations with the EU only adds to the current challenges.
There is less than three months until the end of the transition period with the EU. The Tory government is telling businesses to “get ready”, yet still can’t point to what we will all be transitioning to. While Labour still expects the government to reach an agreement with the EU, every week that goes by without it makes it that bit harder for firms to prepare.
There are growing numbers of business organisations pointing out that the Tories are falling short of what our industries need, regardless of whether an agreement with the EU is reached. These trade bodies have no political axe to grind but simply want to safeguard the livelihoods of those running businesses in their sector. They make up the backbone of Britain and are vital to our everyday economy.
It is extraordinary to see government ministers criticise respected trade organisations like the Road Haulage Association for speaking up for their members, when they should be sitting down with them to listen and address their concerns. They are experts in their industry and are not alone with perfectly reasonable requests. Most sectors need detail and solutions, not just political slogans or adverts autographed by the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
The Food and Drink Federation is concerned about the lack of clarity on labelling for their products, with real concerns that this will harm their exports. They say “the food industry has already practically run out of time to process the necessary label changes… These label changes are complex, and clarity from the government is urgently required in order for industry to be able to create compliant food labels post-exit.” At best this will mean far greater business costs, at worst it could inhibit the ability of firms to export food and cost contracts and jobs. Meanwhile, organics farmers still don’t know for sure if they will be able to export to the EU or not from January 2020.
This week the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders spoke of heightened concern that the automotive industry could face real challenges, with rules of origin arrangements even in the event of a deal. We need the government to ensure a solution is negotiated that works for our highly integrated car industry. I am glad that Michael Gove agreed to my call for him to sit down with the car industry and trade unions Unite and GMB to urgently discuss these issues. The highly skilled, unionised jobs in the car manufacturing industry and supply chains play such an important role in many local economies and must be defended by the government.
Boris Johnson has claimed that leaving without a negotiated deal would be “a very good option” for the UK. This would be news to the Cabinet Office, whose leaked ‘reasonable worst case scenario’ assessment involves everything from shortages of petrol, energy, medicines to increased disruption and costs of essential items such as food. The need for a deal could not be clearer.
There will be a time when we aren’t discussing customs paperwork, pallets and permits but they matter to UK industries and jobs and so they should matter to the government. The country wants its politicians to focus on tackling Covid-19 and its consequences for our country but without achieving the deal they promised, Tory incompetence will harm jobs, our industries and hold back our recovery.
Following the ninth round of scheduled talks, it’s vital that the Tory government and the EU intensify efforts to deliver the oven-ready deal that was promised. Labour will continue to work with businesses and trade unions to press for what our economy and country needs during these negotiations and into the future.
Rachel Reeves will be discussing Labour’s Brexit policy at noon on Tuesday, October 6th, in an event by LabourList and UK in a Changing Europe with Stephen Bush, Anand Menon and Sienna Rodgers. Click here to register for the event.