Amicus Regional Sector Conferences
Government Delivers on Family Friendly Policies
Make Poverty History
Amicus Education Training Courses 2006
Increase in National Minimum Wage
DTI Home Computing Scheme
Local Government PensionsAmicus Regional Sector Conferences
Please remember to register your interest in attending the Amicus Higher Education Sector Regional Conferences. These conferences will be held in every Amicus region and we will be informing you of all the conference dates via the e-bulletin. This is your opportunity to participate in the democratic structure of the union. Participation in the Regional Conference means you are able to vote in the election to decide who goes to the Amicus Sector Conference in Scarborough on 11 th June 2006 , and also to elect a delegate to your Regional Council. To qualify to attend the Regional Sector Conference you must be a rep in an Education institution and work in the region. For further information about the conferences and to submit a full list of all the reps at your workplace please contact your regional office and also email a copy of the reps list to Vera Titmus at vera.titmus@amicustheunionorg
Government Delivers on Family Friendly Policies
The Government has announced the measurers included in the new Work and Families Bill. The Bill aims to deliver on the Government’s commitment to helping working parents balance the demands of their job with caring for their children. New measures in the Bill and forthcoming regulations includes; extending Statutory Maternity Pay and Maternity Allowance to nine months by April 2007, introducing new paternity leave for fathers, enabling them to benefit from leave and statutory pay if the mother returns to work after six months but before the end of her maternity leave, extending the right to request flexible working for carers from April 2007 amongst others. Mike Robinson, National Officer said “these new measure are very welcome, anything that will help workers to achieve a work life balance is a positive move forward” For further information about the new measures please go to www.dti.gov.uk/workandfamilies
Make Poverty History
Over 225,000 people gathered in Edinburgh in July ahead of the G8 summit. As further crucial world trade talks approach, join thousands of others at the Houses of Parliament to demand that the UK Government supports the call to make poverty history by delivering trade justice – not free trade. The rally will be held on Wednesday 2 nd November between 12 and 6pm . For further info rmation please go to www.tuc.org.uk/makepovertyhistory
Amicus Education Training Courses 2006
Seven new courses have been added to the union’s training programme to support workplace representatives. This means there are thirty four different courses now available (at no cost) for 2006. There is a varied range of courses including; industrial relations, health and safety, equal opportunities and employment law. There is also a range of venues for the courses, making it easier for reps across the country to attend. For further info rmation about what courses are available and the locations please go to www.amicustheunion.org/default.aspx?page=216
Increase in National Minimum Wage
The National Minimum Wage will rise to more than £5 per hour on 1 st October guaranteeing a pay increase for 1.3 million low paid workers. The adult rate will rise from £4.85 to £5.05 an hour, while the youth rate, paid to 18-21 year olds, will increase from £4.10 to £4.25 per hour. The rate for 16 and 17 year old workers will remain at £3.00 an hour. This rate is to be reviewed by the Low Pay Commission in its annual report in February 2006. There is a national helpline number for people who think they are not being paid the minimum wage: 0845 6000678 for further info rmation about the Low Pay Commission please go to www.lowpay.gov.uk
DTI Home Computing Scheme
The Home Computing Scheme (HCI) is enabled by the Government’s 1999 tax exemption scheme on loaned computers which allows employers to implement a tax-exempt loan scheme for computer equipment for their employees to use at home. Many employees use the HCI scheme to widen their existing benefits package. Most organisations, large or small are eligible. Although organisations can run a scheme themselves, many implementations involve at least one partner who assists with the selection, delivery and support of technology. For further info rmation about the scheme and how it could benefit employees and employers please go to www.dti.gov.uk
Local Government Pensions
The Government has secured a ‘deal’ for health workers, civil servants and teachers regarding pensions, however Local Authority workers are not included in this at present. Further info rmation on the TUC campaign can be found at http://www.tuc.org.uk/publicsector/tuc-9434-f0.cfm Jon Rogers from Lambeth Council is running a campaign to support Local Authority workers and to lobby MP’s to support Early Day Motion 787. For further info rmation about the campaign please contact Jon Rogers