Case Study Joanie DeMuro, Content Administrator and Researcher.  

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 is valuable work, as many of these organisations do not have large marketing budgets to promote themselves. Joanie was a real team player, understanding the necessity of accuracy and having the ability to meet deadlines.

Student results were measured with the use of sophisticated Goalscape software that allowed all team members and their management to see their progress and the progress of the organisation.

Image: Goalscape software.

“In this volunteering position, I created content on the ABC website by adding entries to the directory such as basic contact details and the logo of different organisations. To do this, I researched organisations that can help or benefit all people. I then created a short narrative about what the organisation does and then create a short entry to publish to the website” – says Joanie.

Additionally, “this placement was very helpful with improving my written communication skills. I loved how it allowed me to experience editing website content and made me more confident in that area. This placement also allowed me to improve my research skills, a necessity when going into a professional work environment. I learned that many times when researching, you need to dig deep and take your time when finding the best content" – she concludes.

“Thanks for the opportunity Simon.”

Joanie was offered this placement through vTeam – University of Essex Students’ Union team that helps students get an amazing degree and job. vTeam understands the value of the collaboration between the community and students. Partnership with ABC enable not only the ABC grow, but also give students necessary and vital real-work experience.  These factors brought to bear and gave Joanie experience which will help her stand out in the job market. ABC and vTeam appointed more than eight students this year and we are pleased to say a lot of students voluntarily extended their placement with the ABC. 

Simon Collyer ABC Founder and CEO said this: ‘Joanie was a top team member, reliable conscientious and hard-working.  She made an outstanding contribution both individually and creatively. We proud of Joanie’s contribution and we wish her an exciting, prosperous future’.

ABC: Calling all Essex University students - do you want to join our team? PLEASE click on the logo below: 

It is unjust that the differences between the higher and lower educated in the Netherlands are not taken into account when determining the state pension age, according to accountancy bureau KPMG.

Lower educated people often start working at the age of 16, while higher educated employees only start working around the age of 25. Furthermore, those who are lower educated have a lower life expectancy, which means they on average receive a state pension for four years less than the highest educated.

“The result is that the lower educated in relation to their lifecycle receive the state pension much later than the higher educated,” KPMG Advisory actuary and partner Egbert Kromme, said. “On an annual basis the lower educated miss out on around €0.5bn to €1bn in state pension payments and thus ‘subsidise’ the higher educated.”

KPMG believes this inequality can be solved by linking the state pension age to education level.

Image: Dutch Royal Actuarial Society

Data by the Dutch Royal Actuarial Society shows that in 2018 the average life expectancy of a 66-year-old is 87 years. Kromme said: “That means that the people who reach state pension age in 2018 have on average reached 76 per cent of their life expectancy. The difference in life expectancy between the lower and higher educated is large, however, and has a high correlation with the income and welfare level.”

KPMG has developed a new model that determines the influence of education and income on people’s life expectancy. Kromme explained: “It turns out 66-year-olds without a secondary education in 2018 have
an average life expectancy of 84 years. They only receive a state pension after having reached 79 per cent of their life expectancy. The 66-year-olds in 2018 with a university degree have an average life expectancy of 88 years. So they receive a state pension once they’ve reached 75 per cent of their life expectancy.”

Kromme therefore calls for all Dutch people reaching state pension age once they have reached a similar percentage of their life expectancy.

“This can be done budget neutrally at 76 per cent, taking into account the different classes of education level as identified by the Central Bureau of Statistics. This means that someone with the lowest education level in 2018 has a state pension age of 64 years and 3 months rather than 66 years. For the highest educated this is 67 years and 3 months. In between those there are two education levels for which the state pension age in 2018 is 65 years and 3 months and 66 years and 3 months.

“It’ll be evident that this education level-based state pension age will need to increase in line with the future increases in life expectancy. In practice this means that the education level-based state pension age is also expected to have to rise by three months every two or three years.”

ABC Note: 

The Dutch AOW pension (paid under the National Old Age Pensions Act, AOW) is a basic state pension. As a rule, everyone who has reached the AOW pension age and lives or has lived in the Netherlands is entitled to an AOW pension. We will pay your AOW pension with effect from the day you reach the AOW pension age that applies for you. It makes no difference in which country you live at that time.

When will you get your AOW pension?

Most people will be insured under the AOW scheme automatically.

The AOW scheme is an insurance scheme which covers everyone who lives or works in the Netherlands, regardless of nationality. For every year that you are insured, you build up rights to 2% of the full AOW pension. If you have been insured for the full 50 years preceding your pension age, you will get a full AOW pension. For example: if your AOW pension age is 65 and one month, your AOW pension will be based on your insurance record between the ages of 15 and one month and 65 and one month. If your AOW pension age is 66, your AOW pension will be based on your insurance record between the ages of 16 and 66.

The new academic term is starting and we are recruiting a new team of talented University of Essex, placement volunteers, to join us and help build our directory of organisations that assist the low paid. Students are recruited and managed by the University of Essex, Student Union, VTeam.

The ABC provide training and work experience in a formal program that is added to your student transcript. Additionally you are entered the Big Essex Awards.   

We are looking for the brightest and the best, like ex. University of Essex student, Francis Rimmer an ABC intern who is now following a career in teaching.

When you study at Essex, you get far more than just a degree. Along with showcasing your academic achievements, the HEAR system records any activities you’ve undertaken and logged through the Big Essex Award, and any awards and prizes you receive. When you graduate, you can share a secure digital version of your HEAR with employers and other universities, providing them with a University-certified record of your achievements.

Image: A hard working student wins the Welfare Volunteer of the Year award. 

If you are interested in becoming an intern click on the VTeam logo below and ask about teaming up with the ABC. 

Thousands of disadvantaged people and long-term jobseekers to receive specialist support to get back into work through 6 new pilot schemes the DWP have said.

The schemes will be developed and delivered by 6 combined authorities in partnership with the government. The specialist tailored support is expected to help over 18,000 people – including disabled people and older people – tackle long-term barriers to work and in-work progression.

Up to £28 million has been committed by the Department for Work and Pensions for the schemes. They include:

• a ‘Health and Care Sector Progression Academy’ to train social care workers in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough
• an ‘early intervention’ scheme in Sheffield to prevent people from long-term unemployment
• a new business-led training hub for modern work skills in the Tees Valley

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, David Gauke said:

We have record numbers of people in work which is great news, but there are still people missing out on the available opportunities because of barriers to employment.

These pilots are yet another step forward in our efforts to help people of all backgrounds enjoy the benefits of work, and will boost the wide-ranging support we currently offer through local experts like Jobcentre Plus.

Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Sajid Javid added:

As part of the devolution revolution we’ve handed swathes of power and significant investment to help boost jobs and growth across the country.

Now we’re going even further to support 6 areas with devolution deals by working with the new combined authority mayors to pilot innovative employment schemes.

These pilots will trial new approaches to help the most disadvantaged people in our society to get the security of a good job and a regular pay packet, helping to build a country that works for everyone.

Commenting on the ‘Health and Care Sector Progression Academy’ pilot, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, James Palmer said:

This is a prime example of the benefits Cambridgeshire and Peterborough will receive because of our devolution deal with central government. The additional £5.2 million is set to create 600 new apprenticeships, providing us with an opportunity to upskill local people whilst supporting the health and care industry. I am excited to see this pilot develop and help us make a difference in the county.

Commenting on the new business-led training hub, Tees Valley Mayor, Ben Houchen said:

Over the last 4 years, the unemployment rate in the Tees Valley has halved. Our economy is growing, and more people are in work providing for themselves and their families.

Things are getting better, but there remain stubborn barriers to work. This new investment from the government, secured because we have a mayor, gives us a unique opportunity to address long-term unemployment.

Today I’m calling on local support services, voluntary organisations and local councils to work together to provide the best possible support to help people back to work.

These new pilots were agreed with 6 combined authority areas as part of ground-breaking devolution deals and the government’s plan to hand new funding and powers back to local areas across the country. These schemes are aimed at boosting growth and jobs by working with the new combined authority mayors.

This announcement follows on from the Work, health and disability: improving lives green paper, which marks the next stage of the government’s action to confront prejudices and misunderstandings within the minds of employers and across wider society.

More about the schemes

In total, 6 combined authorities with a devolution deal will receive support from government.

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority Create a new Health and Care Sector Progression Academy to train those outside the sector to gain employment, and help those already working in the sector to progress.

Tees Valley Combined Authority

Create a Tees Valley Hub to join up the services available to the individual and offer key workers to provide one-to-one support.

Sheffield City Region Combined Authority

Implement a new early intervention system for individuals identified as being at high risk of becoming long term unemployed.

Leader of Rotherham Borough Council and Chair of the Sheffield City Region Skills, Employment and Education Board, Councillor Chris Read said:

I am very pleased to see this pilot, which will help underpin the inclusive approach of the Sheffield City Region. We are in the vanguard of this work. As we see the numbers of our high value jobs growing we are ensuring that no one in our communities misses out on this growth.

West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA)

Testing the value of utilising social networks and social capital in removing barriers to paid employment.

WMCA lead member for skills and productivity and leader of Coventry City Council, Councillor George Duggins said:

Supporting those who need it most is a fundamental value for the WMCA and why we will be using this pilot scheme to help disadvantaged people into work.

Having a secure and properly paid job is one of the most effective ways for people to improve their quality of life but we have to make sure that everyone in society benefits from the job opportunities being created, especially those on low incomes and the young, unemployed people so they can reach their full potential.

West of England Combined Authority

Set up a new system which supports individuals trapped in low pad jobs to achieve in work progression through tailored interventions.

West of England Mayor, Tim Bowles said:

This is an important project that will help improve the skills and opportunities of up to 3,000 adults across the region. It will help grow our skills base to ensure a stronger economy and higher quality of life for all.

Through this scheme, we will work with individuals who are already in employment, claiming in-work benefits and are social housing tenants. We will help them raise their own skill levels and gain more secure and higher-quality jobs.

I am committed to improving people’s skills and supporting our residents to benefit from the prosperity and opportunities available in the West of England region.

Liverpool City region

Test a new approach which focuses efforts on households where 2 or more adults are out of work.

Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor, Steve Rotheram said:

Improving the employment and skills prospects for our residents is a key priority for the combined authority. Our Households into Work programme is an example of where assisting our residents with tailored support will help them to prosper, as well creating opportunities that they might previously not have been able to access. I look forward to seeing this programme develop over the coming months.

Under a proposal contained in the State Pension age review, the State Pension age will increase to 68 between 2037 and 2039. Under current legislation, the State Pension age will rise to 68 between 2044 and 2046.

The change, which is subject to parliamentary approval, will affect everyone born between 6 April 1970 and 5 April 1978.

However, under the proposal they will, on average, still receive more State Pension over their lifetime than generations before them.

No one born on or before 5 April 1970 will see a change to their current proposed State Pension age.

The change is intended to maintain fairness between generations in line with continuing increases in life expectancy.

The ABC have been approved for the Essex Lottery and a webpage is being created for us. We are grant chasing currently and we have exciting plans we want to pursue. 

This is the Essex Lottery information. Support your Essex third secor organisations and have a 'flutter' just don't book that luxuary holiday until you have won! 

Below is the info: 

The Essex Lottery, which will be officially launching next month, is inviting local charities and good causes based in Essex to sign up and benefit from what will be the largest Council-run lottery in the country.

The Essex Lottery has been set up by Essex County Council to support community projects up and down the county, based on the principle of raising money within the community for the community.

60p from every £1 ticket sale will go directly to good causes within communities across Essex – more than double the National Lottery.

There is zero cost to the charities, projects and groups who choose to take part. The County Council itself does not take a penny from the initiative.

Lottery tickets will be available via a new website, which will begin to sell lottery tickets in October, and players will be able to select the cause they wish to support from those registered on the website.

The first weekly jackpot prize of £25,000 will be available on 25 November, along with guaranteed weekly prizes.

50p of the £1 ticket price will go direct to the chosen cause, with a further 10p in every pound going to a central Essex Lottery fund, which will be distributed in the form of small grants to a wide range of good cause projects which apply for support.

If a player does not select a charity or good cause, 60p in the £1 will be donated directly to the central Essex Lottery fund.

Councillor David Finch, Leader of Essex County Council, said:

"The Essex Lottery is a fantastic opportunity for local Essex based groups and community organisations to raise vital funds for their causes.

Whether you’re a hospice, a school, a sports team, Scout or Guides group or a community project fundraising for new facilities or equipment, we want to hear from you.

It's important that you apply now through the website, so you are on board for the launch of The Essex Lottery.

Good causes need to be based in Essex and provide a service which directly benefits Essex residents. Registering is free and easy to complete, with no administration charge.

A good cause page will be provided on the lottery website, as well as personalised marketing materials, email and telephone support which are also all free of charge.

Good causes should register now to join The Essex Lottery at essexlottery.co.uk or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  or call 0300 302 32 32.

The Essex Lottery’s first weekly prize draw will take place on 25 November 2017, with guaranteed weekly prizes and a Jackpot of £25,000.

The ABC has been hearing of plans for twenty European Universities an idea evidently supported by French President Emmanuel Macron. 

Meanwhile more evidence of the circular economy and thinking of students and their hobbies - Pisner beer, is made from the urine of 100,000 festival goers at Roskilde Festival 2015, used as fertilizer on a couple of hectares of barley. Now the special beer is ready for customers to taste say the makers. It will certainly make you think of the green revolution while drinking it. 

The Roskilde Festival is a Danish music festival held annually south of Roskilde. It is one of the largest music festivals in Europe and the largest in Northern Europe.

Minimum income policies as a tool to tackle poverty

Rapporteur: Laura Agea (EFDD, IT)

The draft report calls for the introduction of the EU-wide minimum income schemes to fight poverty and social exclusion.

Economic policies of the euro area

Rapporteur for the opinion: Yana Toom (ALDE, EE)

The committee will vote on its opinion on the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs report on the economic policies of the euro area.

 DEBATES

Implementation of the European Disability Strategy

 Consideration of amendments, report by Helga Stevens (ECR, BE)

15.15 – 16.00

The aim of the report is to give the Parliament’s view on the implementation of the European Disability Strategy 2010-2020 following the Commission’s progress report

ABC Note: we hope to bring this live.

Wednesday 27th September from 9am-4pm the Ipswich Bus Shelter will be visiting Colchester Britannia Carpark to show off their newly converted double decker bus. This is a community funded project where volunteers have created a safe, warm place for rough sleepers to stay and receive the support they need to get back in to society.

To help eradicate the need to sleep rough on our streets by providing safe accommodation with full support and guidance to road of recovery;

Tiffers The Bus Shelter Ipswich - Gareth & Sarah Jane Brenland with the help of crowd funding turned this:

Into this: 

In January to March of 2017, 1,597 patients waited for over 12 hours to be admitted to A&E, analysis by the Royal College of Emergency Medicine has shown. This is an increase of 10,546% compared to the same period five years ago.

A crisis is being predicted in the NHS if we get a bad winter weather wise.