Latest Articles By Simon Collyer

CORONAVIRUS - The State of Alabama is taking direct action against workers who refuse to return to work by cutting social security benefits. This is at a time that coronavirus infections are resurging in some US states. Alabama has begun re-opening d...

MEDIA TRAINING - Calling all Scottish poverty warriors. Free media and communications training is available in Scotland.  Free media and communications training for activists who have experience of living on a low income organised by the Poverty...

HOUSING - The Scottish Government are upbeat about delivering affordable homes.  Commenting on the publication of the Housing statistics quarterly update: June 2020, Housing Minister Kevin Stewart said: “I am proud that we have now delivered ove...

DEBT - The SNP has called on the UK government to change the law to make debt letters supportive rather than threatening – after concerns were raised about the devastating impact they are having on people’s mental health during the coronavirus c...

UNEMPLOYMENT – The full effect of the Covid-19 pandemic has yet to be seen. The overall unemployment rate stayed at 3.9% in the three months to April. The big problem ahead is when employers must pay National Insurance and pension contributions, then...

THE DWP - have produced a range of BSL videos on coronavirus and benefit changes. These include new content for Universal Credit and Statutory Sick Pay. You can view these videos on the DWP YouTube Sign channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/dwps...

JOBSEEKING - With 2.3 million new claims to Universal Credit and many more people feeling uncertain about their futures, the DWP have launched two practical online support platforms through their new ‘Good Place to Start’ campaign. jobhelp offers ess...

SHOPS OPEN MONDAY - Good news that shops are open Monday 15th June but worth mentioning that toilet facilities will not be open in many stores. Do not get caught short! ABC Comment, have your say below:

DALES STORY - The Joseph Rowntree Foundation has been highlighting the issues of poverty and homelessness. Here Dale talks about his experience of family breakdown and being made homeless at 11. ABC Comment, have your say below: 

UNIVERSAL BASIC INCOME – is to be trialled in Scotland. This is a very exciting development and it will be watched with great interest. The SNP has welcomed the recommendation of a Universal Basic Income (UBI) pilot scheme in Scotland after the Citiz...