Simon Collyer
Average Wages Climb
Britons have been given their first pay rise since the beginning of last year with average wages climbing. A year-long squeeze on real incomes, constraining economic growth, has come to an end.
Figures released tomorrow are expected to show average wages in February rose 3% on a year earlier, above the inflation rate of 2.7% for the same month. This marks the first time pay growth has outpaced the rise in inflation since January 2017.
On Wednesday, statistics from the Office for National Statistics are expected to show a continued decline in inflation to 2.6% in March.
The numbers are set to be welcomed by households after inflation over the past year dealt a blow to spending power.
The early signs of recovery come after a “lost decade” for pay, which still has some way to go before reaching its pre-financial crisis peak.
DWP Boss Esther McVey - 'Like Talking to a Brick Wall' Say SNP
“My Constituent Was Sanctioned For A Heart Attack”
DWP Boss Ignoring Real Life Impact of Tory Policies.
DWP boss Esther McVey struggled through a Holyrood committee meeting as the real life impact of Tory welfare policies was laid bare.
SNP MSP George Adam raised the case of a constituent who had been sanctioned after suffering a heart attack – but was met with a brick wall as Ms McVey insisted the system was working.
After Ms McVey said that Universal Credit was fit for purpose, Mr Adam told her “with the greatest respect, that’s completely devoid from the real world.”
He continued: “In my constituency, I’ve got people who’ve been suffering constantly because of the roll-out. We’re not even a full roll-out area.
“What about people like my constituent, who ended up getting sanctioned because he had a heart attack and was in the Royal Alexandra Hospital?”
SNP MSP Ben MacPherson also said that he’d met constituents in tears due to DWP cuts and challenged Ms McVey to apologise to those affected, which she refused.
Commenting, George Adam said:
“That was like speaking to a brick wall – despite the overwhelming evidence of the negative impact of the Tory welfare agenda, Esther McVey just insisted that all was well.
“The fact is, the botched Universal Credit roll-out is having a devastating impact on many across the country – and that’s just the latest in a long line of Tory welfare cuts.
“With our limited powers over welfare, we’re building a Scottish social security agency with dignity and respect at its heart – and we’ve refused to use the discredited sanctions regime in our new employability service.
“But the extent of Westminster cuts to the welfare state show why we need full powers over social security in Scotland – not in the hands of the Tories.”
ABC Notes:
GA: “Do you believe, in your opinion, that Universal Credit in its current form is actually fit for purpose, or does it work?”
EM: “Universal Credit is fit for purpose…”
GA: “Secretary of State, with greatest respect, that’s completely devoid from the real world. Because in my constituency, I’ve got people who’ve been suffering constantly because of the roll-out. We’re not even a full roll-out area…
“What about people like my constituent, who ended up getting sanctioned because he had a heart attack and was in the Royal Alexandra Hospital?”
EM: “Should anybody have such an issue as you’ve described, with illness or a heart attack or a condition, something like that, they would have full mitigation and would not have any sanctions imposed upon them. We need to help those people and make sure it’s not a frightening experience, it’s a positive experience and get them the money they need, the support they need, and if it’s help to work, ensure that they get that best help…
GA: “But Secretary of State, I’m saying that in my experience that’s not happening. That isn’t happening out there with people. They’re not getting that support. The situation is they come to our constituency offices as their last best hope to try and help them. By that time, there’s already been problems. Specifically, in the case with the gentleman with the heart attack which we managed to sort out ourselves, but it shouldn’t get to that to that stage.”
Looking For Work in Wales? Workways+ May Be Able to Help
Are you based in Wales and looking for work? Workways+ is backed by £17.3m of EU funds through the Welsh Government. Support targets participants residing outside of Communities First Areas who are economically inactive, long-term unemployed or have complex barriers to overcome. Workways + helps participants take their first steps to re-engage or enter into the labour market. The project is led by Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council in collaboration with Swansea, Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion County Councils.
Workways+ offers training and paid work experience opportunities to long-term unemployed people to help them on their route back to employment.
Amanda Needham, 57 has recently benefited from their support to find employment at a newly opened farm shop and welsh bistro.
Having recently moved to the area with her husband, Amanda had previous experience in retail and manager roles, and was looking for a role that wasn’t too stressful and hours that would suit her. Not knowing what type of work that was available in the area, Amanda sought help and advice from Workways+.
Workways+ mentor, Wendy Fitzpatrick, contacted Bargoed Farm, a family run business in Llwyncelyn, Ceredigion, who were setting up a new farm shop and bistro, The Moody Cow. She sought out whether there were any employment opportunities available at the farm which would suit Amanda. After an initial period of volunteering at the farm, the owners, pleased with Amanda’s pro-gress, began employing her on a part-time basis after she received training in Health and Safety. Amanda is now working full-time at the farm shop and bistro and working towards further qualifications in Food Hygiene.
Workways+ offers one-to-one mentoring, support with job-seeking and Inter-view skills, and the chance to gain new qualifications. Support will target individuals affected by work-limiting health conditions and disabilities, as well as those with care responsibilities or low or no skills.
Councillor Ellen ap Gwynn, Ceredigion County Council Leader said, “It is positive to hear of Amanda’s story, like many others, who have benefitted from Workways+. They are an important service of helping people over 25 in Ceredigion get back into work, receive training opportunities or volunteer.”
If you would like more information, contact the Workways+ Team at Ceredigion County Council on 01545 574193 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Image: Workways+
Rt Hon Esther McVey MP at the Scottish Parliament
Social Security Committee
April 16, 2018 09:00
1. Secretary of State for Work and Pensions: The Committee will take evidence from-
Rt Hon Esther McVey MP, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, UK Government;
Mary Pattison, Director, Ageing Society, State Pensions and Devolution, and Denise Horsfall, Universal Credit Operations Area Director, Scotland, Department for Work and Pensions.
ABC Note: We will be having this meeting as an embeded video later today
Call for Delay in Universal Credit by the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations
The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations wants to delay the rollout of Universal Credit, while the Government deals with abolishing the bedroom tax.
They say while the bedroom tax remains, there’s a greater chance of tenants not receiving the right amount of money.
Devolved housing powers are allowing Scotland to abolish the tax, but that won’t happen fully until 2020.
Universal Credit’s currently planned to be fully implemented in July 2019.
Sally Thomas, SFHA Chief Executive, said:
“Dealing with Universal Credit and ‘bedroom tax’ mitigation has been a huge challenge for housing associations and co-operatives as well as their tenants. The problem stems from the split of responsibilities: calculation of liability for the ‘bedroom tax’ lies with the DWP and calculation of Discretionary Housing Payment entitlement to mitigate the ‘bedroom tax’ lies with local authorities. With Housing Benefit, this is not such a problem as responsibility for both parts lies with local authorities, and the process is practically seamless.
“At present, there are still comparatively few tenants on Universal Credit but, even so, it is understood that local authorities are finding data sharing problematic, which makes the accurate assessment of entitlement to Discretionary Housing Payments a challenge, with a greater chance of tenants not receiving the right money and housing associations tied up in having to unravel incorrect assessments. Abolishing the ‘bedroom tax’ at source is essential, as it will bring the calculation of entitlement back under one roof – the DWP’s.
“There is also the issue of scale. Back in November 2017, there were under 22,000 households in social housing receiving Universal Credit housing costs. By comparison, there were 234,000 households in social housing receiving Housing Benefit. The vast majority of these households on Housing Benefit are expected to move over to Universal Credit in a managed migration between July 2019 and 2022. The switch from using Discretionary Housing Payments for mitigating the ‘bedroom tax’ to its full abolition needs to be completed beforehand. Without the switch, the managed migration could be extremely challenging; to try to make the switch in 2020, when in the middle of moving so many households over to the new system, is fraught with difficulty.
“The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Esther McVey MP is to appear before the Scottish Parliament Social Security Committee on 16 April, and I am sure the opportunity will be taken to raise these concerns.
Image: Scottish Housing Holyrood
ABC Note:
1. The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) was established in 1975 and has around 116 members providing affordable housing and wider community services across Scotland, as well as a further 200 commercial associates. The SFHA is owned and governed by its members and exists to lead, represent and support the work of housing associations and co-operatives throughout Scotland www.sfha.co.uk
2. The SFHA is the voice of housing associations and co-operatives in Scotland. SFHA members own and manage 80% of the 280,000+ housing association stock across Scotland. Together, housing associations and co-operatives provide housing for almost 500,000 people, which is one in every 11 households.
3. Over 11,000 staff are employed by SFHA members across Scotland.
4. Housing associations and co-operatives are not-for-profit bodies regulated by the Scottish Housing Regulator.
Friday 13th Didn’t Do Us Any Harm
On Friday we had news the ABC was awarded a BIG Lottery ‘Awards for All’ grant, for our Work TV project (£10,000) and in the afternoon, we were approved for a further matching grant of (£4,000) from LoCASE (a low carbon initiative) from the EU run by Chelmsford Borough Council, for lighting equipment. There is also a possibility of another matching ward of (£3,000) but that’s something for Monday.
Simon Collyer, ABC founder is taking part in Cambridge based Allia Ltd, entrepreneurship programme. Allia Serious Impact helps entrepreneurs innovate, start-up, grow and scale. Allia offer a clear, structured pathway to help founders turn their vision into something that creates positive impact. Over 800 organizations have been founded and grown with Allis’s help over the last seventeen years, some organizations growing into ventures worth tens of millions of pounds. We kick off at Ideation (day one of the course), at Allia's Future Business Centre in Peterborough, early May.
We also had a meeting at the University of Essex, Knowledge Gateway with training organization, Knowledge Pathways International. Abdulrahman Razourk the founder has a Ph.D. in leadership and entrepreneurship. More will be coming about this relationship but ‘all in all’ Friday was a ‘day and a half’.
The ABC started with Simon being given a Millennium Award with the help of director Gareth Bickerton and a Lottery award that created our current website.
1993 biography It Ain't As Easy as It Looks by Porter Bibb, was the title of Ted Turner, founder of CNN, biography. We rather think he knew what he was talking about. Still, you have to be ‘in it to win it’ and when the tide does turn, you have days like Friday.
Ted's Montana Grill is an American restaurant chain specializing in bison. The company was founded by bison rancher Ted Turner along with restaurateur George McKerrow Jr. with the help of corporate chef Chris Raucci as a for-profit effort to stop the extinction of the American bison.
Image: The Montana Grill.
Image: Ted Turner is an American media mogul and philanthropist and Americas Cup winning yachtsman. As a businessman, he is known as founder of the Cable News Network (CNN) and Turner Broadcasting. An enviromentalist, Turner has been responsible for repopulating the US with African Bison.
Automation Good or Bad?
Technology—in particular automation and artificial intelligence—is disrupting the way Americans work. But with targeted initiatives and investments in education, retraining, mobility, and support systems, the United States can help its citizens adapt to the workforce of the future.
The EU Blue Card Scheme
EU Member States are facing employment shortages in a number of key sectors: Europe could need up to 756,000 skilled ICT workers and around a million healthcare professionals by 2020. A revised EU Blue Card aims to attract the world's best and brightest.
The Lisbon European Council in March 2000 set the Community the objective of becoming the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy in the world, capable of sustainable economic growth with more and better jobs, and greater social cohesion.
In October 2007, the European Commission adopted two proposals. The first was to establish a Framework Directive for the purpose of the admission of skilled and educated migrants to the EU, later known as the EU Blue Card directive. The second proposal is a directive to simplify migration procedures by funnelling applicants into a single application procedure, the single permit directive. In May 2009, the European Council adopted the EU Blue Card directive. In December 2011, the single permit directive was adopted.
Together, they establish the EU Blue Card Scheme: A demand-driven, residence and work permit.
"Labour migration into Europe boosts our competitiveness and therefore our economic growth.
It also helps tackle demographic problems resulting from our ageing population."
José Manuel Barroso
Objectives
The EU Blue Card program is designed to make Europe a more attractive destination for professionals from outside the European Union. All EU member states -except the United Kingdom, Denmark and Ireland- issue the EU Blue Card.
To an extent the Blue Card program is a merit-based system; interpreting a person with ‘merits’ as one who received adequate education or, through professional experience possesses sought-after skills. The blue card is not points-based; either you have the education or skills, or you do not.
The European initiative has a number of distinctive qualities that will help Europe become the world's most favourite migration destination:
- Working and salary conditions equal to nationals
- Free movement within the Schengen area
- Entitlement to a series of socio-economic rights (e.g. unemployment benefit)
- Favourable conditions for family reunification
- Permanent residence perspective
- Freedom of association
Conditions
Three key conditions are to be met in order to request the EU Blue Card.
- Non-EU citizenship
- Educated or professionally experienced
- Work contract or binding job offer
Your profile in the EU Blue Card Network has a double function: it can be consulted by employers so that they can offer you a job contract. Secondly, it enables you to submit your application.
DWP ‘Make Work Pay’ Claims “Reeks Of Hypocrisy” As Scale Of Unpaid Placements Revealed
The SNP has said that the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) rhetoric to make work pay “reeks of hypocrisy,” after figures revealed that the department has taken on over 27,000 people for unpaid work placements since 2011 – with no record of how many have then been offered full or part-time employment after the placement has ended.
In response to a Written Parliamentary Question from SNP MP Alan Brown over the number of people who have taken on unpaid work with the department, the DWP said, that since 2011, it has taken on 27,775 unpaid staff - with no information on whether or not they had gone on to full time employment or let go.
In Alan Brown MP’s own constituency of Kilmarnock & Loudoun, the DWP has taken on 55 unpaid staff.
Alan Brown MP said:
“The figures detailing the scale of unpaid placements within the DWP, and the lack of any records as to how many of those placements have led to full or part-time employment, is staggering and reeks of hypocrisy.
“The grim reality is that whilst the DWP trumpet on about getting people into paid work, they have simultaneously taken on more than 27,000 people for unpaid placements - with not a single bit of paper to show how many have then been offered paid opportunities.
“The DWP repeatedly talk about making work pay and how work is the best route of poverty, yet the very same department is reaping the benefits of unpaid labour.
“If the UK government is serious about getting people into work and out of poverty, then they must get their own house in order first and ensure that there is not simply a revolving door of unpaid staff, with no prospect or documents of future employment.”
MSP Offers Assistance To 2 Sisters Workforce
Following the announcement that the 2 Sisters Group will close its chicken production plant in Cambuslang in August 2018, local MSP Clare Haughey has said her “overriding priority now as the constituency MSP is to ensure those who are being made redundant find alternative and suitable work.”
The announced closure comes following an eight-week consultation between the company, Unite the Union, Scottish Enterprise, Paul Wheelhouse Minister for Business as well as local politicians.
Ms Haughey has previously met with the management of the 2 Sisters Group and spoken with workers and trade unions to offer her support during the ongoing uncertainty over the last few months.
Image: 2 Sisters Food Group
Clare Haughey MSP said:
“I am saddened to learn of the decision announced today that the 2 Sisters Food Group are to close their factory in Cambuslang this August, despite the best efforts of Unite the Union, the Scottish Government and its agencies.
“My overriding priority now as the constituency MSP is to ensure those who are being made redundant in August find alternative and suitable work. In addition to the support that will be offered by the Scottish Government’s PACE team, I have today written to Uddingston-based Dawnfresh to ask that they consider employing some of the well-trained and motivated staff from 2 Sisters. Dawnfresh could be in line for a major contract from Marks & Spencer, who were a customer of 2 Sisters, and I urge them to speak with the workforce in Cambuslang should they be awarded this contract and require additional staff.
“This decision is devastating for Cambuslang and nearby communities, and I will ensure I can be of as much assistance as possible to my constituents during this difficult time.”
Image: Clare Haughey MSP
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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