Simon Collyer
Poverty in Wales on The Rise
24 per cent of all people in Wales were living in relative income poverty between 2014-15 and 2016-17 (i.e. the financial year ending March 2015 and the financial year ending March 2017).
This is up from 23 per cent between 2013-14 and 2015-16, the rate it had stood at for the last 5 time periods.
Children were the age group most likely to be in relative income poverty between 2014-15 and 2016-17 (at 28 per cent) and this has been true for some time. However, the rate has fallen from 30 per cent between 2013-14 and 2015-16. A possible reason for children consistently being the age group most likely to be in relative income poverty is that adults with children are more likely to be out of work or in low paid work due to childcare responsibilities.
Relative income poverty for working-age adults has been steady, but it has risen from 23 per cent between 2013-14 and 2015-16 to 24 per cent between 2014-15 and 2016-17.
The percentage of pensioners living in relative income poverty has been rising for the past 4 periods (reaching 20 per cent between 2014-15 and 2016-17) but it is still below what it was in the mid to late 1990s.
Image: Poverty is rising in Wales.
Unite’s Annual Policy Conference Kicks Off
The powerful trade union Unite’s annual policy conference kicks off today, with delegates due to hold debates on keeping Britain in the single market and on holding a second EU referendum. Anti-Brexit campaigners are wisely targeting Jeremy Corbyn’s two power bases — Unite and the grassroots Momentum movement — as their best hope of forcing the Labour leader to soften his stance.
Image: Len McCluskey
Unite chief Len McCluskey is due to speak mid-morning.
ABC Note: People are geeting fed up with BREXIT. The public feel ignored, rising crime, the NHS and Education are getting put on the back-burner.
ABC Comment: Have your say below:
Careers Wales Live Vacancy Event Attracts Over One Thousand Millennials
The Live Vacancy event continues to grow as hundreds of youngsters aged between 16 and 24 attended an event last week to explore employment and training opportunities.
The event is the third of its kind with the one hosted in March attracting more than 1,000 youngsters. As a result, Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Youth Service teamed up with Careers Wales to host another event which saw more than 60 employers and training providers attend to offer guaranteed job and training opportunities to successful candidates.
Pupils from Lewis School Pengam Cai Cordell, Declan Boulton and Ben Staniland attended to facilitate a short live broadcast and interviewed some of the training providers. The footage can be found on the Council’s Facebook page.
Image: Courtesy: caerphillyobserver.co.uk Caerphilly Fire Station.
Steve Logan, Station Commander at Caerphilly Fire Station said: “This is a great opportunity to provide information about becoming an on call Fire Fighter. We’re currently recruiting at local fire stations and this is the perfect chance to meet potential candidates.”
During the event the Mayor of Caerphilly Council, Cllr. Michael Adams presented 2 learners from Ystrad Mynach College with certificates for improved learning, pupils presented were;
Miss Kirsten Jenkins - Business studies and Mr. Dylan Reynolds - Art & Design.
Cllr Sean Morgan, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Wellbeing of Future Generations, commented, “We have responded to public demand and hosted another Live Vacancy Event to coincide with the end of term for year 11 pupils. The level of attendees continues to grow and we have had great feedback from those attending the event.”
Debbie Powell from Careers Wales said, “We are delighted to support this event again bringing together employers and young people for the prosperity of the local area.”
ABC Comment: Were you at this event? Have your say below.
Ann Black Bids to Get Re-Elected on Labour's National Executive Committee (NEC)
Ann Black is a member of the British Labour Party's National Executive Committee (NEC), and she was Chair of the Labour Party from September 2009 to September 2010, and is part of the Grassroots Alliance group of NEC members.
We met Ann recently and we liked what she had to say - she has a great sense of humour, something you need today to survive in the swamp that politics has become.
This is what Ann has to say in her own words.
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Ann Black’s NEC Election Address
“Your choice today will decide Labour’s future as a diverse, socialist, election-winning party. Please use your vote.
More than 100 constituencies nominated me because I am
Accountable – I’ve reported after every meeting since 2000 and talked with thousands of members in person and by email. No other candidate has a comparable record.
Principled – under leaders from Tony Blair to Jeremy Corbyn I voted with centre-left grassroots comrades against austerity, privatisation, selective education and war in Iraq, and for public services, progressive taxation, social housing and decent pensions and benefits. As a UNISON steward for 30 years I know that working people need a Labour government.
Inclusive – we all owe loyalty to our democratically-elected leader, and I have no time for grandstanding egotists. However, our party is a broad church. Every member must be heard with respect, not treated as the enemy within.
Democratic – I achieved one-member-one-vote for national policy forum elections and steered the women’s conference towards formal motions. In 2016 I voted for Jeremy Corbyn to be on the ballot, and against excluding people with less than six months’ membership.
I ask you to support me and cast your other votes only for individuals that you know and trust.”
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I also need help on social media, particularly in refuting fake news. This includes claims that
1) I voted for members who joined within six months to be excluded from the leadership ballot in 2016.
Fact: I voted against a six-month cut-off date. Unfortunately some NEC members had left the room and I lost. I voted for Jeremy Corbyn to be on the ballot automatically.
2) As Chair of the disputes panel I was responsible for suspending CLPs, and suspending or expelling many individual members.
Fact: Suspensions are implemented by the general secretary and referred to meetings of the disputes panel. Decisions are made by all panel members. The Chair has no special power. As Christine Shawcroft found out – she resigned after two meetings when the panel did not vote as she wished.
Any other allegations, please let me know and I will get back to you. A couple of further points:
3) I have voted with other centre-left grassroots alliance representatives on the NEC and the NPF for 20 years, and I challenge Momentum to name a single policy difference between us.
4) I have reported more consistently, visited more local parties, replied to more messages, than any other candidate. Ask people how many other NEC members or candidates reply to their emails.
Next week I’ll report on the NEC subcommittee meetings on Tuesday 3 July.
Thank you again, and best wishes
The ABC Treks to A Very Sunny Manchester For Housing 2018
We were at Housing 2018 this week in a very sunny and smoky Manchester due to the nearby fires on the moors.
We will be doing a round up of some of the more interesting ideas we came across, but after a lengthy trip up and back we are feeling a little jaded here at ABC HQ.
Getting sunburnt in a car is not quite the norm for the UK. It was certainly hot.
Fantastic exhibition and well worth a trip. More on Housing 2018 later.
Manchester is a buzzing place. Here are a couple of street scenes.
Image: Queen Victoria looking very regal. Most pedestrians seemed more interested in cooling off by the fountains.
ABC Comment: Were you at Housing 2018. What did you think..?
Attacks Won't Hide Welfare Facts Says SDLP Deputy Leader Nichola Mallon MLA
“It seems this statement has touched a raw nerve within Sinn Féin. The fact is that the Department for Communities is working up alternative options to resolve the taxation issue with the Treasury but cannot implement a revised scheme
because there is no local Minister in place to sign it off.
US Disabled Worker Stats Show 18.7 Percent of Persons With A Disability Were Employed
In 2017, in the US 18.7 percent of persons with a disability were employed, compared with 65.7 percent of those with no disability. The unemployment rate for persons with a disability was 9.2 percent, compared with 4.2 percent for those with no disability.
According to The Precisionists Inc. (TPI) out of the 9.7 million American veterans between the ages of 18 – 64, 12.6% are living with a disability. That translates to over 1.2 million veterans in that age group with a physical or cognitivedisability. Also, there are over 9 million American veterans over the age of 65, and currently 39% have a disability. That means over 3.5 million veterans over 65 in the U.S. are living with a disability.
This population of over 4.7 million disabled veterans deserves a chance to live their lives with independence and dignity given the incredible sacrifice they have made to their country. Having a meaningful job and career is a major component to achieving independence and dignity.
ABC Comment please have your say below:
US Department of Labor Launches Apprenticeship Website
WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the launch of Apprenticeship.gov.
Apprenticeship.gov delivers on the Task Force on Apprenticeship Expansion's recommendation to "compile apprenticeship information in a single, online, centralized website." The website will evolve into a robust one-stop platform to connect job seekers, job creators, training providers, parents, teachers, and federal and local workforce agencies with information and resources to learn more about apprenticeships, how to establish apprenticeship program, and how to access open apprenticeship opportunities.
The initial launch of Apprenticeship.gov comes at the one-year anniversary of President Trump's Executive Order Expanding Apprenticeships in America, which directed the U.S. Department of Labor to expand access to apprenticeship opportunities to help more Americans secure family-sustaining jobs. The Executive Order also created the Task Force on Apprenticeship Expansion to identify strategies and proposals to promote apprenticeships. The Task Force released its final report on May 10, 2018.
Apprenticeship programs utilize a learn-while-you-earn model that provides workers with a career path that includes paid on-the-job instruction, skills development, and mentorship, while providing job creators with highly skilled workers.
ABC Comment: have your say below.
M&S Has Been Slammed for Launching A Clothing Line For Disabled Children Despite Having No Toilets Or Changing Rooms For Severely Disabled Shoppers - In ANY Stores
M&S has been slammed for launching a clothing line for disabled children despite having no toilets or changing rooms for severely disabled shoppers - in ANY stores.
Blogger Laura Moore, 41, has been begging the retail giant to install 'changing places' loos - ones with a hoist and large changing table - since 2016.
But M&S refused, with lawyers claiming it would "involve considerable disruption, significant financial investment and could have a negative impact on other services".
So Laura was furious when M&S launched a line of clothes for kids with disabilities this week - featuring velcro backs and feeding tube inserts.
The married mum - whose son William, nine, has quadriplegic cerebral palsy - took to Instagram and vented her angst in a video post.
She claims while M&S does have facilities with rails and an emergency cord - none of the 979 stores have loos or changing rooms suitable for people who can't lift themselves out of their wheelchair.
Laura's rant was watched by 11,000 people, her followers shot from 3,000 to 16,000 in hours, and she said she has received "thousands" of supportive messages.
More than 150 people have re-posted a letter slamming M&S and supporting Mrs Moore on Instagram, or recorded videos criticising the storeScottish Apprenticships Are Up - 27,145 people started Modern Apprenticeships in 2017/2018
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New analysis shows that over a quarter of a million people have started a Modern Apprenticeship since the SNP came to office in 2007.
Source: Skills Development Scotland Modern Apprenticeship Statistics ABC Comment: Have your say below:
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For immediate release: Friday 22nd June 2018
Source: Skills Development Scotland Modern Apprenticeship Statistics |
Executives
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Simon Collyer
Position: Founder & Director
Simon Collyer hails from Brightlingsea in Essex, a small town on the coast between Colchester & Clacton. Simon worked very successfully in the leisure marine industry in the UK and in Australia. Later in London Simon worked in the web development and publishing fields, founding a below-the-line sales promotion agency in the early nineties and then later a software company Red Banner in South Africa (2002-06). Here in South Africa, Simon became interested in the Third Sector and starting his own organisation.
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Christopher Johnson
Position: Bookkeeping and Administration
Chris lived in Oxford for twenty years, having been educated at Magdalen College School. Chris sought a career with British Rail and spent twenty years in railway retail management ending with Virgin Trains at Euston Station. Christopher retrained in bookkeeping and accounts in 2000 and now works for Chelmsford Community Transport.
A strong, enthusiastic team player with a meticulous eye for detail, Christopher brings a range of skills to the ABC.
Team
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Frances Rimmer
Position: Researcher
When not charming snakes Frances is a Modern History student at the University of Essex, focusing specifically on social history. The lives and experiences of the ordinary person rather than on politics or the military. Outside of her studies, Frances enjoys film and writing. As a keen roller skater who plays roller derby with the Kent Roller Girls, Frances secret wish would be to become a skating instructor and open her own rink, as she has always wanted to help people in some way, and feels it would be great to do so while also sharing her passion with like-minded people.
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Stuart Meyers
Position: Researcher
Stuart Meyer, is a final year American Studies student at the University of Essex. Stuart focussed his academic life on global justice and the rights of migrants. Additionally Stuart has a passion for writing, both creatively and with the aim of providing accessible information to those who need it most Stuart has made a great contribution to our library of Advice Guides demonstrating his versatility by writing intelligently on a wide range of topics.
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Louis Jones
Position: Film Maker
Louis is a 19 year old TV and film student studying at Colchester Institute. Along with hand-picked fellow students, Louis made the ‘Membership’ video that can be seen on the ABC website. Louis volunteers at, Hospital Radio Colchester, as a football commentator. A true fan of the ‘Great Game’ Louis insights have been sought after on occasions by key local media, the Colchester Daily Gazette & even BBC Essex.
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Marcus Pierpont
Position: Film Director
Talented student film maker, Marcus Pierpoint, directed the ABC 'Membership' film which can be seen on the organizations website. Marcus has recently graduated from a BTEC course, studying Creative Media Production at Colchester Institute and he claims a true passion for films and filmmaking. Marcus also enjoys radio work and volunteers at the local hospital radio station, producing and presenting his own show. Marcus is enrolled at the University of Greenwich, and dreams of a career in the media industry.
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Shane Mitchell
Position: Film Maker
Shane Mitchell, is another Colchester Institute Film and TV student that aspirers to be a Director of Photography in the future. Shane was the camera operator for the ABC Membership video, fun to make says Shane but it is also work he is very proud of. Shane loves all things ‘film’ and he makes videos even in his spare time.
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Joe Corlett
Position: Film Director
Ex-student script writer/director, Joe Corlett, directed the ABC's corporate video (About Us) which is now viewable on the main website. Joe graduated from the Colchester Institute with a BTEC diploma in the field of media. Joe is passionate towards film making and hopes to continue making more that are constructed form his own material. On the side he's loves being out jogging in all terrains and when not out side he's writing scripts for future projects. Joe is now out in the world ready to start his life goal of working in the Media industry.
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Jon Taylor
Position: Film Maker
Jonathan Taylor has been working in the media sector for 3 years and for our filming projects he worked as the production manager. John worked on graphical elements of our film, About Us for example, rendering images and making them look good on screen.
Jon is also experienced in animation and he made the logo and animation sequences in the ABC corporate videos.
Part of Jon’s brief was to also organise the administration side of filming, known collectively to admin experts the world over as ‘the paperwork’.
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Thomas Hearn
Position: Film Maker
Thomas Hearn, has been involved in media, for about three years. Tom likes to work a lot at a computer, particularly the editing suite. For the ABC project, Tom worked on the edit itself; created and pieced together both the footage and the music, Tom created the visual elements of the ABC ‘About Us’ video and put most of the visual effects on the video.
I think we can agree that along with the rest of our youthful student team; Tom has done a very fine job indeed.
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Max Gillard
Position: Film Maker
The last of our film team Max Gillard has recently finished college studying Creative Media Level 3 and Max hopes to continue the course on to University to someday gain a job in the media industry.
We wish Max the best of luck.
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Harry
Position: Film Maker
My name is Harry Genge and I am an aspiring film maker. I have skills in the majority of film orientated jobs, though I am most interested in the creative roles such: Directing, Director of Photography and Writing. In my spare time I make short films, write, read, draw/paint and take the dog out for long walks.
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Ned
Position: Producers
My name is Ned Woodcraft and I’m an aspiring Producer. As well as completing a diploma in media production I have also had a number of jobs in the professional market. I’m also a keen sailor and water sport enthusiast.
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Brandon
Position: Producer
My name is Brandon and I’m an aspiring producer and actor. I enjoy bringing a production together with planning and preparations to create a great finished product. My hobbies also include street magic and bass playing.
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Callum
Position: Writer and Director
My name is Callum Olive and I’m an aspiring writer and director. I’m always looking for a new project and love writing new stories and screenplays at home and on the move. My hobbies include playing the piano and street magic.
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Joanie DeMuro
Joanie joined ABC team in early 2017. She was one of six student volunteers from the University of Essex in that cohort. The student team focused on a range of projects, including creation of Wikipedia page,‘training manual’ and most importantly, researching and adding entries to the website directory of organisations that assist the unwaged, or those on low incomes. “This placement was very helpful - thanks for the opportunity Simon.”
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Cherry Lam
Cherry Lam has been volunteering for ABC for one month. Although it is a short period of time, she knows a lot more about the running of a charity organisation. Cherry is responsible for adding directories to the organisation website according to categories. Joining this placement helped her improving skills and gaining new experiences. Cherry says is extremely appreciative of the support she has received from ABC which allowed her to improve skills.
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