Unisons Local Government Regional Service Group elections 2012
You will get an individual vote, for your information your branch are able to nominate candidates, Bolton Unison Branch committee nominated:-
Steve North (General Seat)
Andrea Egan (female seat)
If you have not received a ballot paper before 17th April, please phone the election helpline on 0845 355 0845. The textphone number is 0800 0 967 968.
For each candidate there will be an election address
Please use your vote in these very important elections.
The election will begin on 10th April and all ballot papers
Must be returned by 18th May 2012
School Uniform Grants for Unison Member
School Uniform Grants and once again available for Unison Members. A one off payment of £50 per child (with a maximum of £150 per household) is available from Unison’s charity There For You.
To eligible for this grant your net HOUSEHOLD (yourself and your partner if you have one) income MUST BE LESS than £18,000 and you MUST HAVE LESS than £800 savings and not have received financial assistance from There For You in the last 6 months (with the exception of the winter fuel grant)
Applications will start to be processed from 25th May but you can submit your application before this date. All applications must be submitted by 6th July. The fund is limited so you are advised to apply as soon as possible to have the best chance of being successful.
FAQ and forms are available HERE to be downloaded.
Childrens Services Bulletins
Read It HERE
Young Members Meeting
Are you a member of UNISON aged under 27?
Do you have questions you want answering on your job now and in the future?
If so come along one of the following meetings:
Thursday 10th May 2012 from 11am-1.30pm
Loyals Lounge at Bolton Town Hall
Wednesday 23rd May from 11am-1.30pm
Artillery Suite at Bolton Town Hall
You will meet other young members including Andrew Thomas and Kieran Grogan who are the young member officers for UNISON
For more information contact your branch on 01204 338901
or Andrew Thomas - 07588 767 227
Kieran Grogan - 07776 031 406
Rory Bremner and Friends
(He is joined by Hattie Hayridge (Red Dwarf) and singer Ian Shaw).
Thursday 17th May 2012
Doors open 7pm
Show starts 7.30pm
Unison is offering tickets for Bolton Branch members for this performance at a subsided rate of £6.00
Tickets will be available from April 16 Call in at the office
Ground Floor Howell Croft North BL1 1QY Tel: 01204 338901
ACADEMY SCHOOLS
Questions parents frequently ask
Academies are not ‘magic wand’ for better education of our pupils www.theboltonnews.co.uk
Girl pupils protest at plans for academy www.theboltonnews.co.uk
Bolton Albert Halls Show Discount for Members
Here at the Bolton Albert Halls we offer a wide range of entertainment for everyone. We would like to offer your union and its members the chance to purchase tickets for “Broadway and Beyond – The Music Lives On”, on Saturday 9 June 2012 at 8:00pm, at a discounted rate of 2 tickets for £20, with a saving of £8!!!
To claim this offer all you need to do is visit www.alberthalls-bolton.co.uk
and enter the promo code “Broadway2for20” in the checkout stages of purchase, or simply visit or phone the Box Office and quote “Broadway2for20”
Private equity takes over care homes group
Unions are worried over private equity getting its hands on the UK’s largest care home provider Terra Firma, a leading private equity firm has announced that is has agreed an £825 million takeover of Four Seasons, the UK’s largest independent elderly and specialist care provider.
The deal is expected to complete on or before 16 July 2012. at which point the existing debt liabilities of Four Seasons will be discharged in full.
The acquisition is to be financed through a mixture of equity and new debt, with the debt being arranged by Goldman Sachs and Barclays.
Four Seasons is the largest independent provider in a £15 billion market in the UK. The company operates 445 care homes, with 22,364 beds, and 61 specialist care centres, with 1,601 beds.
The GMB general union, which represents Four Seasons staff, is seeking urgent meetings with the government and Terra Firma.
Nationa officer Justin Bowden said: “The 20,000 residents and their families and 30,000 staff will need urgent assurances from the government and Terra Firma for a stable future.”
After the uncertainty leading up to this sale and refinancing, residents, their families and staff “desperately crave stability and calm”.
Bootle Packaging Workers
Over 140 locked out and sacked workers at Mayr-Melnhof Packaging (MMP) in Bootle, Merseyside are fighting back against the illegal closure of the site. The workers have been in dispute since the company imposed a lock out on 18 February when it unfairly selected 49 people for redundancy forcing workers into accepting poorer redundancy terms. As well as sacking four workers. The remaining workers were given illegal notice of site closure in March informing them of the company’s decision to dismiss all and close the factory. These workers make the packaging that holds some of the nation’s favourite breakfast cereals – Frosties, Rice Krispies and Cornflakes. Unite wants MMP to reverse the closure and the sacking of four union officials and get these workers back to work.
Liverpool Against the Cuts are organising a benefit gig for the sacked MMP workers. This is being supported by Unite the Union and Liverpool Trades Council. Please print off the flyers/posters attached and encourage colleagues family and friends to come along and show your support.
Send message of support to Unite the Union MMPCanPayWontPay@unitetheunion.org or directly to MMP workers mayrsmerseypeople@gmail.com
Publicised on behalf of Paul Finegan, Regional Secretary Unite the Union
Festival marks 1812 mill blaze protest
Callum Gledhill enjoying the day outside the White Lion pub
Hundreds of people flocked to a three-day festival marking the 200th anniversary of a huge mill fire.
Westhoughton Mill, on the corner of Mill Street and Park Road, was set alight on April 24, 1812, by protesters who objected to the job losses and poverty caused by the industrial revolution.
Four people were hanged and nine were deported to Australia after the fire.
The event was due to culminate last night with the burning of a detailed replica model of the mill on the site. MORE
http://theluddites.org.uk
Are you a Luddite? www.bbc.co.uk
TUC SAFETY REPS SURVEY 2012
The TUC Health and Safety representatives survey is now available. It can be filled in on-line or on paper. The deadline for the completed survey forms is 29th June.
The on-line version is at http://www.tuc.org.uk/workplace/tuc-20893-f0.cfm
The paper version pdf or Word
Rich List 2012
The UK’s richest people have defied the double-dip recession to become even richer over the past year, according to the annual Sunday Times Rich List.
The newspaper’s research found the combined worth of the country’s 1,000 wealthiest people is £414 billion, up 4.7%. It means their joint wealth has passed the level last seen in 2008, before the financial crash, to set a new record.
Top spot for the eighth straight year is held by Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal, 61, with £12.7 billion. Mittal, retains his position despite seeing 27% of his family fortune wiped out in the last 12 months because of a drop in the share price of their steel producing business.
There are now 77 billionaires on the list, with individuals needing to have at least £72 million to make the top 1,000. The top 20 listed on the table below are worth £112.9 billion in total.
Pensions deficit is not large – council bosses
TOWN Hall bosses have hit back at claims that the council is facing a £167 million black hole in its pension fund.
The Taxpayers’ Alliance has claimed there is a £54 billion black hole nationally in Local Government Pensions which it says, unless there is reform, will have to be covered by the taxpayer. MORE
In this Edition
Regional Pay Threatens North West
No Jobs, No Growth, No Idea
The Big Debate - Is It Time To Disaffiliate?
Read All About It
Lack of voice training sees one in four call centre workers suffer
One in four call centre agents suffer voice problems because managers are failing to properly protect their health, a leading health and safety body said today (16 April 2012).
A new study, commissioned by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) and released today, on World Voice Day 2012, found that call handlers had suffered one or more of a range of ill-effects because of their work, including voice loss, sore throats and breathlessness.
Around one in 10 were diagnosed with a voice problem, while a tenth said their work was now suffering because of the stress placed on their vocal cords. MORE
Bolton Local Government sports and social committee
Unison for Public Services Doncaster Raceday
Saturday 4th August 2012.
Exclusive ticket offer for ALL Unison members
2-4-1 Grandstand Tickets – total price £13 (for two tickets.)
Offer closes 5pm on 27th July.
To book tickets, members need to call 01302 304 200 and quote ‘ the UNISON raceday offer’ together with their Uniosn membership number.
Fracking
In case you're undecided about the downside of fracking operations in Lancs take a look at this film, which won awards at the Sundance festival. Earthquakes are the least of our worries. The latest government report states that any contamination of water sources is probably too expensive to remediate. http://www.gaslandthemovie.com/
Couples with children - new working hours rules for Working Tax Credit
At the moment, if you're responsible for at least one child and working at least 16 hours a week, you can get Working Tax Credit.
From 6 April 2012, the rules for couples with at least one child are changing. In most cases, to qualify for Working Tax Credit your joint working hours will need to be at least 24 a week.
This will mean:
- if you both work your joint weekly hours must be at least 24, with one of you working at least 16 hours a week
- if only one of you works, that person must be working at least 24 hours a week
If neither of these apply, your Working Tax Credit will stop from 6 April 2012. But there are some exceptions to the new rules - see the sections listed just below.
You can increase the hours you work, so you would still be entitled to Working Tax Credit.
If one of you is aged 60 or over
You'll still qualify for Working Tax Credit as long as the person who's 60 or over works at least 16 hours a week.
If one of you gets extra Working Tax Credit because of a disability
You'll still qualify for Working Tax Credit if both of the following apply to the disabled person:
- they work at least 16 hours a week
- they qualify for the 'disability element' of Working Tax Credit
If one of you is ill, an inpatient in hospital or in prison
You'll still qualify for Working Tax Credit if one of you works 16 hours or more, and the other is:
- getting certain benefits due to ill health - for example, contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance, or Disability Living Allowance
- an inpatient in hospital
- in prison - serving a custodial sentence, or remanded in custody awaiting trial or sentence
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/TaxCredits/DG_194914
Unison Welfare
If any member is in hardship as a result of these changes please contact the UNISON Welfare Officer Julie Tudor via admin@unisonbolton.org or telephone 338901
Education Campaign for the Living Wage
Bolton Unison Press Release
The public service trade union Unison and the National Union of Students have joined forces to launch a campaign to tackle low pay. It is intended that this campaign will target further and higher education where staff in areas such cleaning and catering are often employed by private contractors on low pay.
The campaign was launched in Brighton on 1 March at UNISON's higher education conference. It is intended that the campaign will gathering information about which colleges and universities pay a living wage, and which don’t. It is hoped that the campaign will enable students and trade unionists to campaign together in support of increased pay levels for the lowest paid workers on college and university campuses.
Andrea Egan Assistant Branch Secretary of Bolton Unison which represents members at Bolton sixth Form College and Bolton Community College said “In the current climate low paid workers are really struggling. Low paid workers are definitely feeling the squeeze at present. They are bearing the brunt of increased shopping bills at the supermarket checkout, rising electricity and gas bills along with increases in fuel and other transport costs. We need to ensure that low paid workers receive decent pay not poverty pay. People work to live not just to exist. People need to feel that there is an incentive to go out and work. This campaign is an opportunity for us to work together with students and the wider community of Bolton.”
Bolton Unison along with Bolton TUC have recently announced that they intend to step up the living wage campaign in Bolton during 2012.
The living wage is an hourly rate set independently every year. It is calculated according to the cost of living and gives the minimum pay rate required for a worker to provide their family with the essentials of life.
- In London the 2011/2012 Greater London Authority rate is £8.30 per hour.
- Outside of London the current rate is £7.20.
Further information is on a designated campaign website.
Young public service workers professional development survey 2012
Dear friends,
The NYMF has drawn up a questionnaire for a survey of young public service workers (non-UNISON members also very welcome to participate) to help identify if and how the cuts are affecting their access to professional development training.
The survey can be found here. The survey takes between 2 -3 minutes. Please circulate this through your networks and promote on your regional webpages to encourage young members (and non-members) to complete it.
Preliminary results will be published at the young members weekend, although we expect to leave the survey running until the end of June.
Cheers
Gary Williams,
Young Members Officer
UNISON Centre, 130 Euston Road, London
Bolton Council Golf Society
Bolton Council Golf Society are offering new members who are Unison members a reduced joining fee of £2.00 for the 2012 season.
Members enjoy reduced prices along with entry into the longest drive and nearest the pin competition, they also compete for the members shield at each event.
Below are the events that will be taking place this year with the first full event on 27.04.12 at Great Lever and Farnworth Golf Club. Any unison members wishing to join should e-mail terry.white@bolton.gov.uk for an application form.
Deposits of £20 for the Great Lever and Farnworth event along with applications forms and membership fees need to be handed in no later than 18.04.12 to Gary Brownlow or Terry White based at 4th floor Howell Croft House (the former central police station) to qualify for the first event as members.
Venues and dates for this season.
27.04.12 Farnworth and Great Lever (Bacon Barm tea/coffee, 10 holes, soup or sandwiches, 18 holes, 3 course meal) £32.50 members £34.50 non-members.
25.05.12 Stand (Bacon Barm tea/coffee, 9 holes, soup and sandwiches, 18 holes, bar meal) £36.50 members £38.50 non-members.
27.07.12 Deane (Bacon Barm tea/coffee, 12 holes, soup and sandwiches, 18 holes, bar meal) £38.00 members £40.00 non-members.
31.08.12 Bury (Bacon Barm tea/coffee, 9 holes, soup and sandwiches, 18 holes, bar meal) £35.00 members £37.00 non-members.
28.09.12 Westhoughton (Bacon Barm tea/coffee, 9 holes, soup and sandwiches, 18 holes, 3 course meal) £36.50 members £38.50 non-members.
26.10.12 Horwich (Bacon Barm tea/coffee, 9 holes soups and sandwiches 18 holes, 2 course meal) £32.50 members £35.00 non members.
Regards
Gary Brownlow
Event co-ordinator and Secretary
Bolton Council Golf Society
01204 33188
Benefits bill backlash is welcome
From 
It is good to see the Government face a backlash against the attack on benefits. The Conservatives and Liberal Democrats want to slash the number of people who claim Disabilities Living Allowance by 20 per cent. They also plan to extend humiliating assessments run by private companies to force disabled people to prove they need benefits. Many readers may not realise that as many as 40 per cent of assessments that go to appeal are overturned. Disabled people have been protesting at the Government Welfare Reform Bill. Bishops have spoken against these benefits cuts. The House of Lords recently blocked the coalition’s plans for a universal cut on benefits. A small group of disabled people and carers has also launched an online Petition that readers can support — epetitions. direct.gov.uk/petitions/ 20968 — I’ve added my signature, please add yours.
Joan Pritchard Jones
Adult Services
Convenor Unison Bolton
Join the Caravan for One Million Climate Jobs
Helping solve the climate & economic crises
Following the example of the Trans Africa Caravan of Hope, which carried the message of climate justice to the UN talks in Durban, the Campaign against Climate Change Trade Union Group is organising a Climate Jobs Caravan here in Britain.
Based on the Million Climate Jobs report, produced with the assistance of the CWU, PCS, TSSA & UCU trade unions, the Caravan will highlight how creating climate jobs can help us tackle the twin crises of the economy and climate change. There is an inspiring 10 minute video that sets out what we can achieve.
climatetradeunion@gmail.com or 07961 669650
Sign the One Million Climate Jobs petition here
The Climate Jobs Caravan is due to be in Bolton on 21st May
THE QUEEN’S DIAMOND JUBILEE BANK HOLIDAYS JUNE 2012
The Government has announced that there will be an additional bank holiday to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. The 2012 late May bank holiday will be moved to Monday 4 June and an additional Jubilee bank holiday will be on Tuesday 5 June. In accordance with Part 2 Para 7.1 of the Green Book, employees will be entitled to a holiday with a normal day’s pay on the additional bank holiday. In schools the May half-term holiday is likely to be moved to the first week in June to coincide with the two bank holidays, with the school year being reduced by one day by closing early for the summer holidays. Despite this reduction in the pupil year to 189 days the salary calculation for term-time only staff should continue to reflect the usual pupil year of 190 days.
Friday 13th July to Sunday 15th July 2012
The annual Tolpuddle Martyrs' Festival is a unique event and hard to describe. There has been a celebaration of the Tolpuddle story every year since the 1930s and the Festival is a key date for the Labour Movement. But it is a lot more than a rally for trade unionists.
Over the weekend there will be lots of debates and discussions on a wide range of topics. Controversial subjects will be tackled. Leading speakers will inform, captivate, inspire, argue with, rant at and challenge us. Between or even instead of the politics there will be a diverse mixture of some cracking music. Many performers will reflect the exciting burst of radical new talent that is emerging. Some old favourites will be there too.
This event brings together well over 100 UNISON young members from across the UK to find out more about the union and, more importantly, how they can play a part in the union’s campaigning to defend public services. Flyer
Andrew Thomas
Young Members Representative
Andrew.thomas@bolton.gov.uk
New organising pages for young members are now live on the UNISON website Link to another page on this website here.
Older Stories
Bolton Unison Branch Meeting Dates 2012
Regional Courses 2012 Application Form
Reimbursement of car parking fees
Bank Holiday - Essential Car User Allowance
Save Bolton Libraries page on facebook
Funny man Dave backs the ‘save libraries’ campaign
Moment of truth for library campaigners
Bolton Union Women Win Union Race
Union concern at plans to deregulate councils…
Communities and Local Government Consultation on statutory duties
Nick Clegg leaves on microphone but can't 'bloody disagree'
Matt Baker vs David Cameron "How do you sleep at night?" Remix
Exposing the myth of ‘ordinary bloke’ David Cameron
Bolton Unison On 
What you need to know
Stories from
Loss bankers would face a disciplinary
Thousands could strike over council job losses
Council bosses in legal battle
Residents face fortnight with no library facilities
The library ‘heart’ has been ripped out of flagship project
£18million cuts – in just 20 minutes
I remember Maggie
Union leader to retire
Happy to work 60-hour week to be a union representative
Unions are vital in today’s climate of ‘I’m All Right Jack’
Four stars thanks to council staff
Libraries are so important to communities, says actor
Library closures: The final plan
Your Website
Your Say
If you have any comments or suggestions for the website or would like to share some juicy gossip, leave your comments HERE.
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Redeployment Opportunities In Social Care
Introduction to Social Care
Come along to a session and explore some of the myths and stereotypes associated with working in Health & Social Care. More
For further information contact the Corporate
Redeployment Team or for an informal chat contact
Vanessa Knowles on 07833 237918
or email Vanessa.knowles@bolton.gov.uk
Keep your Membership Up-to-Date
Moved House?
Changed Name?
Starting New Job?
Please let us know & help keep YOUR membership records up to date
Form: Join Us
Print off and send to
Bolton Unison
Ground Floor Howell Croft House
Howell Croft North
Bolton
BL1 1QY
Map
(please note UNISON rules prohibit representation and legal assistance until you have been a member for 4 weeks)
Misplaced or lost your membership card? Click on this link and get a new one.
Office Opening Hours
Monday - Friday 9am-4pm
Telephone 01204 338901
Email admin@unisonbolton.org
Bolton Unison
Ground Floor Howell Croft House
Howell Croft North Bolton
BL1 1QY
For Urgent Issues Outside Office Opening Hours Please Contact UNISON DIRECT on 0845 355 0845
