Simon Collyer
More Food Banks than McDonalds
TWITTER – An interesting statistic doing the rounds is that there are now more food banks than McDonald’s in Britain, according to new figures.
McDonald’s the American fastfood chain has become a mainstay on most UK highstreets, with 1,249 branches now in operation since the first outlet opened in Woolwich in 1974.
But the number of foodbanks has surpassed that figure in half that time, with more than 2,000 in operation according to Independent Food Aid Network figures, some 1,200 of which are run by the charity The Trussell Trust.
More food banks than McDonald’s
One wrote: “2019 under the Tories…. McDonalds 1249 Subway 2000 Burger King 500 Starbucks 995 Costa 2000 Food banks 2030.
“In 2013 the Tories rejected £22,000,000 of funding from the EU to help fund food banks.”
Another said simply: “More food banks than McDonalds.”
ABC Comment, have your say below:
Feeling Down This Christmas, These Numbers Could Help
MENTAL HEALTH - If your like us and have feelings of dread regarding another five years of Tory government, these numbers may help. Christmas is a difficult time.We hope you do not need to consult these services but at least you have the telephone numbers if you need them.
Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you're feeling, or if you're worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Childline (0800 1111) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won't show up on your phone bill.
PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is an organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.
Mind (0300 123 3393) is a charity providing advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts.
Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying.
Hub of Hope is the UK’s most comprehensive national mental health support database. Download the free app, visit hubofhope.co.uk or text HOPE to 85258 to find relevant services near you.
Young Persons Advisory Service – Providing mental health and emotional wellbeing services for Liverpool’s children, young people and families. Tel: 0151 707 1025 email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
You can donate to the Samaritans below:
ABC Comment, have your say below:
The General Election - Make Your Vote Count
ELECTION - We will be following the UK General Election 2019 with great interest here at ABC headquarters.
We know just how fearful people are about another Tory government getting in, especially the disabled.
We have to get on with everybody and we try not to get too deeply involved in all the political mudslinging.
Tens of thousands of people have died because of the Tory government, and homelessness has skyrocketed.
The Bedroom Tax, Sanctions and PIP and ESA rejections are an absolute scandal. Universal Credit a disaster.
This election will be very interesting and not just the result but the turnout.
So PLEASE, do not waste your vote.
Get in that Polling Booth and make a difference.
ABC Comment, have your say below:
We Help Jackie Contact Trading Standards
TRADING STANDARDS - We were able to help Jackie today to take her problem to Trading Standards.
If you have an issue this is how to contact them.
This is what Citizens Advice has to say.
If you think a business has broken the law or acted unfairly, you can report them to Trading Standards.
Trading Standards use the information you give them to investigate unfair trading and illegal business activity, like rogue traders and scams.
Trading Standards can take businesses to court or stop them operating, but they won’t help you fix your problem - for example, they can’t help you get a refund.
You can get help with your consumer problem from the Citizens Advice consumer service.
Check what you should report to Trading Standards
You should report a business to Trading Standards if they sold you something:
- unsafe or dangerous, like an electronic appliance with faulty wiring or food past its use-by date
- fake
- not as described - for example, you bought a package holiday but something advertised wasn’t included
- you didn’t want to buy - for example, they put pressure on you
You can also tell them about a business if:
- they scammed you - for example, you paid for something online that you didn’t receive and you couldn’t contact the seller
- they tried to stop you using your legal rights - for example, they said you can’t return faulty goods
- they weren’t clear about the price or added on extra costs - for example, they advertised theatre ticket prices without booking fees
- they sold products to people who looked underage without asking for ID - for example, alcohol, knives or fireworks
- they didn’t carry out work properly - for example, kitchen fitters left your home in a dangerous state
Report a business to Trading Standards
To report to Trading Standards, you need to contact the Citizens Advice consumer service.
We’ll pass your report to Trading Standards and we can also give you advice about your problem. You can:
use our online form - we’ll get back to you within 3 days
What happens after you've reported to Trading Standards
Trading Standards will use the information you give to decide if they’ll investigate. They’ll only contact you if they need more information.
Even if Trading Standards don't contact you, they might use your evidence to take action against the business in the future. For example, if other people make complaints about the same business.
Get more help with your consumer problem
If a business isn’t helping you fix something that went wrong, you could:
- try making a formal complaint
- get help from a dispute resolution scheme
- take them to court
Find out more about how to fix your consumer problem.
ABC Note: We were very pleased to be able to help Jackie today. These are difficult times and one has to be aware of sharks trying to take advantage of people.
ABC Comment, have your say below:
Number of People Who Experienced Some Unemployment During 2018
USA - The number of people who experienced some unemployment during 2018 declined by 1.3 million to 13.2 million.
Their share of those who worked or looked for work during the year fell by 0.8 percentage point to 7.8 percent in 2018.
That was the lowest rate in the history of the series. In 2018, 168.6 million people worked or looked for work at some time during the year, an increase of 1.1 million from 2017.
ABC Comment, have your say below:
Andrew Neil Boris Interview Video Attracts Four Million Hits
BBC - A clip of Neil imploring the PM to appear for an interview - something all other party leaders have done - has been widely shared, and viewed almost 4 million times on Twitter alone (more than the initial viewing figures for Corbyn's interview).
Meanwhile, there will be a 'Final Say' rally held in London today angling for a second referendum on Brexit. John Major and Tony Blair are both expected, raising the prospect of two former PMs joining forces to encourage people to vote against their own respective parties.
ABC Comment, have your say below:
US Jobs Growth Causes a Suprise but in Lebanon Things are Different
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia issued the following statement on the November 2019 Employment Situation report:
"The November jobs report vastly outpaced predictions, with 266,000 jobs created. With 41,000 jobs in upward revisions for September and October, 6.6 million total jobs have been created since January 2017.
"The unemployment rate of 3.5% matched the September 2019 rate, a level that has not been achieved since 1969. November 2019 marks the 21st consecutive month in which the unemployment rate has been at or below 4%.
"Year-over-year wages have grown at or above 3.0% for 16 straight months. It is encouraging to see sectors like retail and leisure and hospitality leading wage growth.
Meanwhile in the Leabanon things are very different.
Lebanon, officially known as the Lebanese Republic, is a country in Western Asia. It is bordered by Syria to the north and east and Israel to the south, while Cyprus is west across the Mediterranean Sea. Unemployment Rate in Lebanon is expected to be 6.60 percent by the end of this quarter, according to Trading Economics global macro models and analysts’ expectations. In the long-term, the Lebanon Unemployment Rate is projected to trend around 6.60 percent in 2020, according to our econometric models.
Lebanon has a competitive and free market regime and a strong laissez-faire commercial tradition. The Lebanese economy is service-oriented; main growth sectors include banking and tourism. There are no restrictions on foreign exchange or capital movement.
1.5 million individuals living on less than 4 dollars a day or 120 dollars a month, struggling to make ends meet from rent, food, and healthcare, as illustrated by the UNDP's 'Rapid Poverty Assessment in Lebanon' in 2016.
ABC Comment, have your say below:
Christmas 2019 Benefit Payments Dates
PAYMENT DATES - In case you are wondering when your benefits will be paid over Christmas, this information should help
Dates for all key benefits
Attendance Allowance, State Pension, Carer’s Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Jobseeker's Allowance, Pension Credit, Personal Independence Payment
Payment due: Wednesday 25 December 2019. Payment made: 24 December 2019
Payment due: Thursday 26 December 2019. Payment made: 24 December 2019
Payment due: Friday 27 December 2019. Payment made: 24 December 2019
Payment due: Saturday 28 December 2019. Payment made: 24 December in Northern Ireland, 28 December in rest of the UK
Payment due: Sunday 29 December 2019. Payment made: 29 December 2019
Payment due: Monday 30 December 2019. Payment made: 30 December 2019
Payment due: Tuesday 31 December 2019. Payment made: 31 December 2019
Payment due: Wednesday 1 January 2020. Payment made: 31 December 2019
Universal Credit
Payment due: Tuesday 24 December. Payment made: Tuesday 24 December 2019
Payment due: Wednesday 25 December 2019. Payment made: Tuesday 24 December 2019
Payment due: Thursday 26 December 2019. Payment made: Tuesday 24 December 2019
Payment due: Wednesday 1 January 2020. Payment made: Tuesday 31 December 2019
Child benefit
Most child benefit payments fall on a Monday or Tuesday for most households and Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day this year all fall on Wednesdays and Thursdays, so payments should be paid normally.
But if your normal payment date falls on days other than Monday or Tuesday, then the following changes could apply:
Payment due: Wednesday 25 December 2019. Payment made: 24 December 2019
Payment due: Thursday 26 December 2019. Payment made: 24 December 2019
Payment due: Friday 27 December 2019. Payment made: 27 December (Northern Ireland only: 24 December)
Payment due: Saturday 28 December 2019. Payment made: 28 December 2019
Payment due: Sunday 29 December 2019. Payment made: 29 December 2019
Payment due: Monday 30 December 2019. Payment made: 30 December 2019
Payment due: Tuesday 31 December 2019. Payment made: 31 December 2019
Payment due: Wednesday 1 January 2020. Payment made: 31 December 2019
Payment due: Thursday 2 January 2020. Payment made: 2 January 2020 (Scotland only: 31 December)
Tax credits
These can be made on any working day, so Christmas may affect when the money arrives in your bank account.
Payment due: Wednesday 25 December 2019. Payment made: 24 December 2019
Payment due: Thursday 26 December 2019. Payment made: 24 December 2019
Payment due: Friday 27 December 2019. Payment made: 27 December (Northern Ireland only: 24 December)
Payment due: Saturday 28 December 2019. Payment made: 28 December 2019
Payment due: Sunday 29 December 2019. Payment made: 29 December 2019
Payment due: Monday 30 December 2019. Payment made: 30 December 2019
Payment due: Tuesday 31 December 2019. Payment made: 31 December 2019
Payment due: Wednesday 1 January 2020. Payment made: 31 December 2019
Payment due: Thursday 2 January 2020. Payment made: 2 January 2020 (Scotland only: 31 December 2019)
ABC Comment, have your say below:
C4 Dispatches: 4 Million Children Growing Up Hungry Under Tories’ Watch
TELEVISION - Following tonight’s Channel 4 Dispatches programme, the SNP has said this should be a wake-up call for the next UK government who must take urgent action to tackle the child poverty crisis - by immediately reversing the Tories’ brutal austerity cuts and ending the benefit freeze.
The programme, titled “Growing Up Poor: Britain’s Breadline Kids”, tracks the lives of a handful of children across the country who represent the four million now living in poverty and is a harrowing insight to the harmful impact the Tory austerity agenda has had on families across the UK.
This follows a damning report by the Resolution Foundation that reveals child poverty would reach “record high” under the Tories’ manifesto plans – which include £3.8 billion of further cuts to working-age benefits.
8 year old Courtney and her family live off £5 a day - they rely on a food bank to eat and wear coats to bed when there's no money for heating.
This is Britain today, where more than 4 million children are growing up in poverty.
You can see some of the programme here:
ABC Comment, have your say below:
ABC Press Release - We Fight Back Against Parking Eye and Holliday Inn
ABC PRESS RELEASE - Civil Rights Organisation Working to help the Unemployed Seeks Parking Justice
SIMON COLLYER, the founder of the Association of Pension & Benefits Claimants CIC, known as the ABC, is calling for a boycott of Holliday Inn hotels by job seekers and a boycott of other hospitality outlets that use controversial parking company, Parking Eye.
Simon completed a residential sales induction course in August-September 2018 at Holiday Inn in Copford, Ipswich, while working for an education provider. The Company was using Holiday Inn as a surrogate regional office base. However, the first sales meeting following the residential course overran, and Mr Collyer was eventually fined £320 in Basildon County Court for overstaying just 20 minutes.
The Company’s sales manager claimed they have spent £20K on the course at Holiday Inn which had included training, hotel accommodation and meals.
Mr Collyer was not in court for the hearing and he has asked that the judgement be set-aside. Despite days of effort trying to contact the Chelmsford County Court via e-mail and telephone with only a voicemail response saying, ‘try again later’ and no e-mail replies Simon has complained to the Court Service and the Justice Ministry.
‘There is a three-month backlog in Chelmsford County Court administration’ says Simon. Parking Eye has a special arrangement where they can issue thousands of summonses and pay later. Mr Collyer’s MP Will Quince looked into the matter on behalf of Mr Collyer as the public are subsidising these legal actions which are issued on credit and that are clogging the Courts. The Courts real work is being held up, swamped under a deluge of these claims.
Parking Eye turnover approx. £25mil is allegedly the largest private parking company in the UK.
The Parking Eye Company says on its website to landowners in the hospitality industry that it: reduces abuse, over-stays and unwanted parking, improving the income potential of your car park.
Customers invited to visit a hotel for a job interview are not unwanted, and why should they be fleeced say the ABC, founded by Simon. When job seekers go to a job interview, they never know how long that interview might last. You might find yourself in a group interview or having to carry out a task, or simply delayed waiting for others being interviewed ahead of you.
You can hardly walk out in the middle of a job interview.
A Parking Charge Notice is different from a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) issued by a Council, says the ABC – there needs to be a clearer distinction between the two. A Parking Charge Notice is a contract in civil law.
The ABC is also critical of the fact that Parking Eyes terms also allow them to use your private data for marketing purposes, and a complaint has been made to the Information Commissioners.
‘We cannot take the risk of our members and our audience who are surviving on low incomes being given these massive fines’ says Simon
‘It does not help the image of companies recruiting people if candidates invited to a hospitality venue like a hotel end up with a huge bill. Job interviewees can be customers or future customers. ‘Why should your private data be used merely because you have parked in a hotels parking bay when you have been invited as a guest’ says Simon?
‘We hope the recruitment industry will join forces with us and give Parking Eye and hotels in league with them, a full broadside’ says the ABC. ‘Companies wanting to make a good first impression should choose welcoming hotels for interviewing job seekers.
For more information contact:
Simon COLLYER
Association of Pension & Benefit Claimants CIC (the ABC)
Founder
Telephone: +44 (0) 1206 509623
Mobile: +44 (0) 7842412389
Skype: simon.collyer163
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: www.abcorg.net
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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