unison statement on the eu referendum … aug 2016.pdfhere’s a quick guide to what you should and...
TRANSCRIPT
The people have spoken, and they have made a clear call for change – and a different relationship with Europe. We will be working in the coming weeks and months to hold the leave campaigners to the promises they’ve made – that there will be more money for the NHS, and that our rights at work will remain intact.
But this also has to be a time for our country to heal. At its best the campaign has enabled genuine debate and discussion in our homes, workplaces and communities about the future of the economy and the kind of country we want to live in.
At its worst, the campaign has been typified by hatred, vitriol and misinformation that have done a huge disservice to our democracy and values.
Over the coming weeks and months, all political
leaders must think about how to address the issues that people in our communities care most about – falling incomes, insecure jobs, unaffordable housing and the huge challenges facing our public services after more than half a decade of cuts.
Dave Prentis, UNISON General Secretary
Room 254, 1st Floor,
Port Talbot Civic Centre, Port Talbot SA13 1PJ Tel: 01639 763820
AUGUST 2016
Your branch website: www.nptunison.org.uk Email us: [email protected] Search for NPT UNISON
UNISON STATEMENT ON THE EU
REFERENDUM RESULT
We are thinking of putting on a trip to the Christmas panto (on no you’re not) OH YES WE ARE! That would be instead of our Children’s Christmas Party. Let us know what you think.
The National Police Chiefs' Council said recently that there had been 57% rise in reports to an online hate crime reporting site compared to a month ago.
The majority of attacks appear to be aimed at immigrants, or people perceived to be immigrants, and are along the lines of "We voted ‘leave’, you're going home". A new campaign has started asking people to wear an empty safety pin as a badge to symbolise solidarity against racism - and let any potential targets know that the wearer is a friendly face.
It's simple because you don't have to go out and buy it, there's no language or political slogans involved. It's just a little signal that shows people facing hate crimes that they're not alone and their right to be in the UK is supported.
#SAFETYPIN the simple way to show solidarity with the
United Kingdom’s immigrant population
Are you a member of a sports club, or an organisation
that promotes physical activity, if so can your club use £1500? Community chest could help you! Community
Chest is a Sport Wales initiative and managed locally.
Neath Port Talbot Council’s Physical Activity & Sport
Service (PASS) development Officer Derek Jones said this funding has allowed new clubs to be formed and
existing voluntary organisations the opportunity to expand and improve.
The purpose of this Sports Wales initiative is to make a difference to local sport and physical activity
opportunities that are additional to what is already in place and would not be possible without a grant, to increase participation, improve standards of
performance and encourage more people to become physically active more often.
Some of the main areas of criteria are: recruitment of volunteers; coach education (qualification and upskilling
of coaches); first aid costs; new club/team start up costs; non-personal items of equipment; publicity;
community club/school links.
Priority areas:
◙ BME populations,
◙ disability (inclusion),
◙ women and girls,
◙ children, young people,
and families experiencing poverty
◙ areas of deprivation
Who can apply?
Any group that holds an account (be it a bank, building society or credit union account) in their
organisation's name. You'll probably be one of the following: a sports club or association; a youth club; or a community group.
Leader of the Council Mr Ali Thomas said “The
Community Chest grant scheme is vital to voluntary organisations as it provides much needed funding to assist with getting the whole population more physically
active with the overall intention of improving health & wellbeing across the County Borough.”
Panel meetings and closing dates are as follows:
Meeting Closing Date for Applications
6th September 2016 23rd August 2016
1st November 2016 18th October 2016
24th January 2017 10th January 2017
If anyone is already involved or interested in becoming
involved in a voluntary sporting organization or club and requires any information or assistance on how to fill in the form they can contact Derek Jones on 01639
861101, 07767620869 or [email protected]
CONFIDENCE SKILLS FOR YOUNG
WOMEN MEMBERS
8th & 9th November 2016
UNISON Centre, London (Starts 11am on first day finishing at 4pm second day)
A two day training course aimed at young women members (under
the age of 27 on 9 November) that want to become more active in
UNISON or existing young women members that want to improve their confidence in different situations.
This course will: boost your self-esteem by looking at your own strengths and areas of development practice
assertiveness skills encourage positive thinking increase your confidence to network and participate in
meetings/conferences teach you about body language to build rapport and create a more confident you
We will cover expenses including travel, accommodation and child care.
Contact Jane Gebbie on 01639 763820 for more details
UNISON takes learning out on the road for Adult Learners Week
Debbie John is the Lifelong Learning Officer for our branch. This June she organised a series of roadshow events to mark Adult Learners’ Week. The popular events have been open to all staff working for Neath Port Talbot Council and have been taking place across the authority, at venues such as Tregelles Court, The Quays, Cimla Hospital and Neath Civic Centre.
Themed around the Social Services and Well-being Act, the learning events have provided an invaluable opportunity for staff to find out more information about the Act aiming to help support staff in delivering services to the public. Four events have already taken place and planning has already began for another event in October for Environment staff.
Debbie has also offered partner organisations free information stalls at the roadshows. Organisations taking part so far include Victim Support, Neath Port Talbot Carers, Welfare Rights, Gofal, NHS Wales, Neath Port Talbot Family Information Service, Communities First, Wales Illegal Money Lending Unit, Terrence Higgins Trust and Neath Port Talbot Credit Union. UNISON have also been on hand to provide information about the support they have available for members.
A wealth of information and details of learning opportunities were provided on topics such as dementia awareness, essential skills, dyslexia, cancer, mental health, safeguarding, hate crime and human trafficking. The health and well-being of staff was also a focus, with staff invited to receive free health checks from Celtic Leisure. Free massage and relaxation treatments were also available.
These events are just the latest in a series of learning
opportunities that Debbie has organised since becoming a Union Learning Rep (ULR) just over 15 months ago. In that time, Debbie has already enrolled more than 60 staff on Essential Skills courses, engaging with many hard to reach
members who work remotely. She has also done a lot of work supporting members with dyslexia on a one-to-one basis. Debbie’s dedication and outstanding work as a Union Learning Rep has recently been recognised by UNISON with the Wales Union Learning Rep of the Year Award.
Debbie also works as part of the training and development team for the council. She says, “Being a ULR allows me to have contact with some of the harder to reach groups and the wider communities. It is also a way of accessing opportunities and funding and is a chance to network across wider organisations.”
Other training courses that Debbie has organised in her ULR role include CV writing, interview techniques, hate crime, human trafficking, and equalities. “I’d also like to thank Karen Fisher from Connecting Learners, not only has she given me advice and encouragement in my ULR role, but she has supported the staff with the provision of funding and excellent courses.”
Karen Fisher is Project Manager of UNISON’s Connecting Learners Project, which is funded by Welsh Government. She has worked closely with Debbie. “Union Learning Reps like Debbie play a vital role in widening our networks and getting the message about benefits of union-led learning.”
For further information about UNISON's Connecting Learners Project for South West and Central Wales contact Karen Fisher: [email protected]
HOW TO KEEP PETS COOL ON HOT DAYS Pets rely on us to keep them safe during heatwaves, so here’s a quick guide to what you should and shouldn't be doing as the temperature soars
Dogs aren't much good at keeping themselves cool, so you'll need to help them. DON’T leave your dog in a car, even for a few minutes. An open window or a windshield screen isn't enough to keep the car cool. According to the RSPCA, if it's 22°C outside, within an hour it can be 47°C inside a car. Dogs die this way every year – don't let yours be one of them! DON’T even leave your dog in a glass conservatory or a caravan. The same rules apply as for cars. DO provide your dog with plenty of water, both in the house and on walks. If you are leaving your dog at home alone, make sure its bowl can't be knocked over. DO keep one room in your house cool and well-ventilated by drawing curtains and opening windows if there is a breeze, so your dog can lie down there if it is getting hot. DON’T leave your dog outside all day. If it is unavoidable, ensure it has shade and water and check on it regularly.
Cats enjoy warm weather. They are also good at keeping themselves cool if necessary, with a little help from us! DON’T let your cat go outside between 10am and 3pm. DO apply a pet sunscreen, which can't be licked off, to the nose and ears of pale-coloured cats when they do go outside. DO keep the blinds closed and the curtains shut to keep the house cool for your cat. Keep the windows closed if it is hotter outside than in. DO let your cat choose a cool place to lie down. They will naturally gravitate towards a slate floor or a fan in summer, just as they will curl up in a warm place in winter. PURRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!
Speech given by our Branch Treasurer Neelo Farr to the National UNISON Labour Link Conference. See the facing page for details on free holiday meals clubs in August.
“The reality of the school holidays for struggling families is isolation and hunger.The ‘Feeding Britain’ report is just one of a growing number of publications recognising the social injustice that affects children who receive free school meals and those whose families are surviving on low income wages. The Social Mobility and Child Poverty Commission recently stated that Child poverty is set to rise not fall in the next five years. The Institute for Fiscal Studies predicts that 3.5 million children – one in four – will be in absolute poverty by the end of the next parliament.
“The real, true scale of child food poverty in the UK remains unmeasured and unchecked and that is why we have to do things differently.
“Delivering a mix of good food provision and enrichment opportunities outside the busy school calendar year not only helps alleviate hunger but it can support working parents and those struggling with family food budgets in pressured holiday periods. It can also raise children’s aspirations, offer safety and give opportunities for fun and socialising.
“Traditionally holidays are a time when children should be having fun and taking part in activities with their families and friends. It’s a worrying fact that many families in the UK on low household incomes are being left to struggle in the school holidays.
“In 2012, The Children’s Society Fair and Square report highlighted the cost benefits of Free School Meals to families. Parents had identified that the holiday time could increase the weekly shopping bill by between £30 to £40.
These are sad statistics when children spend
170 days out of school compared to 190 days in the classroom.
“During term time, schools can provide breakfast clubs and school lunches free or at low cost, but in the holidays those options aren’t always available and families are left counting the cost financially and socially.
“Some parents have to make difficult choices between food and fuel cost in order to feed their family.
“It’s apparent that the school holidays, especially the long summer break, can leave families with lower incomes feeling isolated and struggling to provide enough food, therefore we need to ensure that we provide support for families in food poverty during the
school holidays
“Research by Northumbria University based on a Kellogg’s pilot of 12 Holiday Breakfast Clubs over the summer of 2014 revealed that clubs were positively received by children,
staff and adult participants and all groups were keen to see the provision made available during future school holidays.
“More than a quarter of teachers (27 per cent) believe that offering holiday clubs at their school would ensure that children get fed properly in the school holidays and 42 per cent believe they would provide children with extra learning and enrichment opportunities over the summer.
“The findings of this research showed evidence of food insecurity and suggested that holiday breakfast clubs could reduce the burden placed on families during school holidays.
“Moreover, holiday breakfast clubs confer a number of social and behavioural benefits that could impact on the health and wellbeing of children and adults making the transition between term time and holiday time much less pressured for families.”
Tackling Child Food Poverty During the School Holidays
Figures show a big increase in the amount of people visiting food banks during school holidays because of the extra struggle parents whose child usually has a free school meal faces.
We will be running FREE holiday meals clubs throughought August at different locations across Port Talbot. We will be offering a free meal, an educational activity from Tescos called Farm to Fork, and ending with fun activities provided by Playworks and and our volunteers.
Please can I ask you to start spreading the word by speaking to potential families. This project is open to anyone aged 0-18 but they must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Bethan Eleri Davies, Port Talbot Foodbank
Neelo Farr, our Branch Treasurer and Labour Link Officer, spoke at the recent UNISON Labour Link Conference in support of a motion for Mental Health Services and Employment:
“One in four people will experience mental health issues at some stages in their lives, yet mental health is still surrounded by prejudice, ignorance and fear. Stigma can lead to isolation and exclusion, making it more difficult to recover.
“Much research has been carried out which confirms that there has been a large increase in the number of cases of mental ill health across the working population.
“Last year UNISON carried out a survey in the NHS in England and Wales which showed work place stress was higher and staff moral lower. The amount of ‘stress leave’ recorded by the NHS has risen by 37% in three years due to under staffing, cuts to our terms and conditions, as well as long hours. It is estimated that the annual cost of staff absence and reduced productivity within the NHS in England and Wales as a result of poor mental health will be more than £1billion pounds.
“Mental illness is the leading cause for sickness absence in the UK and single largest cause of disability, contributing up to 22.8% of the total
burden, compared to 15.9% for cancer and 16.2% for heart diseases.
“In Wales mental health problems cost the Welsh economy £7.2 billion pounds each year, yet only 11.4% of Welsh NHS spend goes on mental health.
“In UNISON Cymru/Wales we are campaigning for equal status for mental health services with other health and community services, and have called on the Welsh government to appoint a minister for mental health.
“We want to ensure that people with mental health issues are properly supported at work and to end the associated stigma.
“UNISON Cymru/Wales is celebrating its introduction of mental health champions, as part of the union’s pioneering work on mental health in the workplace.
“Seven lay members have been trained as mental health champions after completing a two day training course run by the union. Their role will be to help colleagues suffering with stress, anxiety or depression, by directing them to the best available advice and support.
“Like I said before, one in four people in the UK suffers with mental health-related problems – many caused by difficult situations in the workplace. The UK government’s cuts, for instance, have increased stress associated with job insecurity and the pressure of being forced to do a lot more work with fewer resources.
“In Wales we are passionate about ensuring people know how to access the best mental health services for them and UNISON Cymru/Wales is taking a lead here.
“A union providing crucial support to people at work in this way is something ground-breaking.”
Well said Neelo!
The weather
wasn’t the
best for our
summer trip
but everyone
had a FAB day!
There’s something we don’t always make clear at UNISON. We’re always working on your rights at work and looking after you in the workplace, but what we don’t often say as
loudly, is that we care what happens to you after work too.
Membership of UNISON doesn’t just get you support at work when you need it most, it also gets you access to a range of exclusive deals and offers designed to make your life outside work that little bit easier.
Because we have over 1.3 million members we’re able to secure some great deals for you, through trusted roviders that are endorsed on the basis of shared common values, good practice and customer care.
These deals now have a brand new home, which we’re calling UNISON Living.
Travel is one of the things we’ve included UNISON Travel Club offers UNISON members access to a wide range of exclusive offers – from beach holidays to cruises. UNISON’s Croyde Bay is a 4* family-friendly resort on arguably the most beautiful beach in the UK (just ask the locals!). All members automatically get 15% off any holiday or short break, and low-paid members get a huge 50% off. One of our trusted partners that could help you save money is Lighthouse Financial Advice. All UNISON members are eligible for a complimentary financial review with Lighthouse, which can take place at home, over the phone or at work. There’s also home, travel and pet insurance offers, as well as a money cash back card which means UNISON members can earn up to 6% cash back at big-name retailers, including Sainsbury’s, ASDA and Boots.
We’ve also manged to secure some valuable wellbeing deals for members. There’s plenty more on benefits.unison.org.uk.
It has been an incredibly turbulent year in the European Parliament. Within this term we have had a new Labour Party leader, negotiations with the EU were opened and concluded and we have had the EU Referendum and the result - not the one I would have wished but one with which we will have to work with in the coming years.
TAKING CARE OF THE REGIONS
Recently I met with the Commission, Airbus, Welsh Government and Marvin Rees the Mayor of Bristol, as well as other regional MEPs to discuss how we can ensure that the regions and cities of the UK can be best represented in the coming talks and to ensure that all voices are taken into account, regardless of which way they voted in the referendum.
European funding is vital to Wales, the South West and to Scotland and it is vital that the projects it supports and the achievements that it has had are not allowed to simply crumble away.
Access to the European Single Market is also vital if we are to retain companies and jobs in Wales
PARLIAMENT PLENARIES
Another important part of my task as an MEP, voting on legislation, continued for the final parliamentary session before the summer.
It was good to be able support practical measures on energy efficiency labelling which will give consumers a much clearer idea about energy efficiency and help them make decisions that are both good for the planet and cost effective. It has been clear to me from the response to the Arbed II installation scheme in Wales that finding practical measures to improve energy efficiency is a key front in the battle against poverty, and particularly fuel poverty.
I also voted to incorporate the fight against human trafficking more deeply into our foreign relations. In addition, the Parliament voted on ‘The implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities’, which I supported and was successful.
YOUTH EMPLOYMENT, THE STEEL INDUSTRY AND ROAMING CHARGES
It is measures like these that I have been proud to support over this parliamentary year. Measures that will improve people’s lives and build communities, including, backing a new and improved EU strategy on Youth Unemployment, backing a plan to help our steel industry and to save TATA Steel in Port Talbot as well as smaller measures that will still make a big difference such as the abolition of mobile phone roaming charges that will come into effect next year.
I hope to back many more proposals both the practical and the idealistic in the next parliamentary year. For as long as we are in the EU, all Labour MEPs will work hard to ensure the benefits of EU membership continue for our constituents.
Wishing you a safe and happy summer.
Best wishes, DEREK VAUGHAN MEP (Wales)
DEREK VAUGHAN Member of the European Parliament
Whether you are looking for training as a UNISON representative or are keen to learn for personal development, we can help. Activist courses and development opportunities When you start representing UNISON in any official capacity there are courses available to help you carry out your role with confidence and offer the best possible support to members.
Online learning modules UNISON produces e-notes – quick online modules on a variety of subjects. They can be taken by any member by logging into UNISON’s online learning site. Financial Support We offer financial support via our educational bursary scheme and through discounts on distance learning from a number of education providers. Members can get fee discounts for distance learning from:
National Extension College a 10% discount on all NEC courses including GCSE's A-levels and vocational courses
ILEX Tutorial College a 10% discount on law courses (excluding legal practice course or postgraduate Diploma in Law).
The Open College of the Arts £50 off OCA tutored arts and craft courses for UNISON members and their families.
UNISON educational bursary scheme This provides financial help with fees or course costs for UNISON members:on trade union, labour and women's studies courses;in general non-vocational education;in vocational education relevant to work in the public services. Member courses and development opportunities Many members would like to improve their skills and confidence - we have developed a range of free courses to meet these needs.Our courses include Dealing with Paperwork, Money Matters, Making the Most of the Internet, Your Skills, Your Future and more. Our courses can help you: develop self-confidence; teach you about yourself;
become more active and involved around issues that concern you; tackle change and uncertainty at work; progress your career; learn for fun and personal development. Many courses are free and you may be entitled to time off work to attend them. They are designed to be friendly and informal, with practical exercises – and no long lectures or exams! Return to Learn Return to Learn is a course designed for adults that may have
been away from learning for some time. Members from all walks of life and work backgrounds have benefited from Return to Learn. Women’s Lives If you are someone who wants to get back into education but have been put off in the past because it all seemed too difficult then Women’s Lives is ideal. The fantastic course includes activities around women’s experiences, perspectives and misconceptions and will give you an understanding of women’s issues.
Weekend workshops Coping with Change This workshop will help you: understand change and how it affects you look positively and proactively at change develop and practise some skills for coping with change make a positive contribution to change at work set your own personal action plan for change Making a Difference Making a Difference is particularly relevant for people who have already done some learning with UNISON. This workshop will help you: identify the issues that affect you in your daily life recognise the contributions that you make within a team discuss the role of the ‘activist’ identify you personal goals and become more involved in issues
that you feel strongly about evaluate the guidance and support provided by UNISON One-day workshops Your Skills, Your Future Are you feeling stuck in your current job? Explore what skills you have, how to make the most of them and how to develop new skills. Whether you want to learn for work or in your personal life, this workshop is for you.
Making the Most of the Internet Do you have some experience of using a computer but would like some tips to make the most of the internet? Session one covers searching the internet, favourites and email and attachments. Session two includes tips for staying safe online, computer spring cleaning and using the internet to save money.
Facing Change Together Are things changing at work? This session will look at practical ways that we, as UNISON members, can help and support each other during times of change or uncertainty. You will find out about the relevance of working together and ways the union can help and advise.
Power to be You Do you want to improve self esteem? This workshop will help you share ideas and tips for addressing confidence and assertiveness issues and offers a great opportunity for members to become more confident and assertive in their daily lives. For more information on these courses and more, please contact the branch office.
NPT UNISON 01639 763820
www.nptunison.org.uk
Postal address
UNISON, c/o Civic Centre,
Port Talbot SA13 1PJ
Personal visits Room 254, First Floor,
Civic Centre, Port Talbot
Branch Secretary /
Membership Officer Melanie Fender
0797 051 9698
Branch Chair / Labour Link Officer
Mark Fisher
0797 125 5130
Assistant Branch Secretary /
Vice Chair / Sports and Social
Jane Gebbie
01639 641648 [email protected]
Welfare Office (job share) Hazel Dance
0781 692 9265
Health & Safety Officer John Betts [email protected]
Treasurer / Labour Link Officer /
Welfare Officer (job share)
Neelo Farr
0780 058 2883 [email protected]
Vice Treasurer
Tracey Kennett
01639 881635
Equalities
Sam Alkarnaz 01639 686953 or 0786 653 9456
Education
Karen Chapman
International
Eirwen Isaac [email protected]
Communication
Alison Lloyd 01639 881635
Green Officer Simon Young
Lifelong Learning Co-ordinator
Debbie John [email protected]
Office Admin
Laura Tamms
01639 763820
UNISON Direct Hotline
0800 0 857 857 (Freephone)
Open 6am-midnight Monday-Friday 9am-4pm Saturdays
This newsletter is produced by Neath Port Talbot UNISON Branch. Letters, comments and suggestions for future articles would be much appreciated, and should be posted to the branch address or emailed to UNISON. [email protected] Correspondence is not guaranteed
to be published and contents may not necessarily reflect UNISON policy. Designed & printed by UNISON Cymru/Wales Print, Swansea.
HOMEMADE PINK LEMONADE Ingredients: 8 lemons, plus extra slices to serve 200g caster sugar, plus extra to taste 140g raspberries plus extra to serve ice, to serve
Method: Pare the zest from the lemons with a peeler, removing as little white pith as possible – cut away any pith you can from the strips. Juice the lemons and mix the juice, zest, sugar and raspberries with 1.2 litres of boiling water. Cool, then sieve, pressing through juice with the back of a spoon. Add sugar to taste and chill in jugs. To serve, add a few lemon slices, raspberries and lots of ice.
Recipe from Good Food magazine.
STRAWBERRIES & CREAM ICE
LOLLIES Ingredients: 110g plus 2 tbsp granulated sugar 125ml water 450g strawberries, rinsed, hulled & cut in half 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice 40ml double cream
Method: Put the 110g of sugar and the water in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer. Simmer until the sugar has dissolved, this makes a sugar syrup. Put the strawberries, sugar syrup and lemon juice in a food processor and purée. Stir the two tablespoons of sugar into the cream. Divide the cream between your ice-lolly moulds (about one tablespoon of cream each), then pour the strawberry mixture on top. Insert the lolly sticks and freeze.
Variations: Turn this into a French classic by adding five tablespoons of red wine to the strawberries. For an Italian spin add two tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, a pinch of pepper and two tablespoons of finely chopped fresh basil to the mix.
For an exotic touch, add one tablespoon of rose water to the cream.
You could add five tablespoons of sweet sherry to the strawberries (we like this one best!) LUSH!
We wish you a lovely summer!