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A welcome to the Institute’s new National Coodinator, James Harrison, who has just joined us. He is available at james@ier.org.uk – make sure you don’t miss his updates by saving his email address.
News
Tories to close Sure Start centers
More than 1000 Sure Start centres are at risk of closure under the Conservatives’ plans to further slash public spending. 269 Sure Start centres face closure this year, with a further 786 likely to be axed between 2015 and 2019, should the Tories be re-elected.
Read More…
European economies are undervaluing migrant labour
Research from the Institute of Public Policy Research (IPPR) shows that across Europe most migrant groups have lower employment rates, and are more likely to be overqualified for their jobs than non-migrants.
Read more…
GP workload is damaging care
If it wasn’t already painfully clear that cuts and privatisation has left the NHS in crisis, a British Medical Association (BMA) poll shows that GPs are buckling under pressure.
Read More…
TUC supports Global Unions’ position on worker’s rights
A letter from Frances O’Grady outlining the TUC’s support for Global Unions’ recommendations, including collective bargaining, is reproduced here…
Careers advice service is in crisis
The Confederation for British Industry (CBI) director John Cridland has criticised the state of the UK’s careers advice services since the coalition came to power, calling it a system on “life support”. The unemployment rate for 19-24 year olds stands at 14.4 percent, compared to 5.7 percent for the rest of the population – its worst in 20 years. While its not as dire as youth unemployment in Spain, which stands at more than 50 percent, the recession and austerity has severely damaged the prospects of Britain’s young people. And Iain Duncan Smith’s response to this state of affairs? To force those out of work to pick up litter or other community service in exchange for benefits.
Read the measures here…
Union News
NUT delegates have backed a motion calling for national pay scales to be restored. The NUT conference heard how low pay is seeing young teachers struggling to get by on low pay, coupled by unrealistic work expectations. the union said: “Unless things change, yet more teachers will leave and fewer graduates will give the profession any consideration as a career choice. The NUT will be seeking to enter into new negotiations with whoever forms the next government.”
New Collective Bargaining Video – Why we need it
 
To mark #fairpayfortnight we have released a video on collective bargaining. What is it? Why do we need it? What will be the consequences of its restoration? Keith Ewing and John Hendy explain all…
Watch the collective bargaining video here
IER Manifesto for Collective Bargaining
Forthcoming Events
Campaign for Trade Union Freedom Event: Defeating Austerity, Free Trade Deals and Attacks on Trade Union Rights
As we hurtle towards the general election two things are clear – Austerity must go and so must this Coalition government. We want politicians who inspire and policies that work for the people. We want an end to attacks on trade unions and their members. Join one of the rallies in Liverpool and Cardiff and show your support. Another world is possible. Free entry.
Cardiff: Monday 13th April 2015, 6pm
RSVP to the event by email office@ier.org.uk.
New Resource
The Beecroft report, employment tribunal fees, the removal of wing members, reduction of limits on tribunal awards for unfair dismissal; The Coalition’s reformation of the employment dispute system has succeeded in making accessing justice even more difficult than it already was. We have gathered news, blogs, research and publications documenting the events of the last few years and their consequences together in one place. Take a look here.
New – Election 2015: What’s at stake for work, pay and trade unions?
Contributors: Professor Tonia Novitz, University of Bristol Law School; Professor Ozlem Onaran, University of Greenwich; Dr Lydia Hayes, Cardiff University; Carolyn Jones, Institute of Employment Rights; and James Lazou, Unite the Union.
This guide outlines the scale of the fall in living standards since 2008, the explosion of low-wage, insecure work and how working people and their unions have seen their rights attacked. By explaining the link between strong trade unions, widespread collective bargaining and lower inequality the pamphlet suggests short and long term policy interventions that would improve the living standards of working people and begin to steer the economy in a more equitable direction with collective bargaining at its core.
You can read and download the election guide here.
Publications
By David Renton and Anna Macey
This publication offers a chilling reminder of the extent to which access to justice is being systematically shut down by the Coalition government.
By Dr Lydia Hayes and Professor Tonia Novitz
What is the point of trade unions? What do they deliver? Are trade unions relevant in 21st century modern society? These and many other questions are answered by the authors of this timely and well presented report. Order your copy here
By Zoe Adams and Simon Deakin
ZHCs are highly profitable for employers, but lead to insecurity of income and low pay for workers. The authors point to rigidities in employment law and the operation of the tax-benefit system as being responsible for the rise in zero hours contracting. Order your copy here
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