Commenting on the unemployment figures for the east midlands released today by the government that indicate an 8.9% rise in unemployment, Midlands TUC Regional Secretary Roger McKenzie said: “These figures are disastrous for those workers and their families who now face an uncertain future just before Christmas”.
Mr McKenzie continued, “With the claimant count rising to 74,300 we can see that many sectors of the economy are suffering from the recession. Construction, retail, finance and manufacturing are all feeling the strain as we head for the new year. There will be more redundancies in the new year as those workers at Woolworths join the dole queue. It is essential, however, that we do not talk the economy further down than it really is, and we must start the process of improving the skills and knowledge of those made unemployed so they can re-take their place in the workforce at the earliest opportunity.”
Midlands TUC Media This blog contains material from the Midlands TUC. Our media releases will appear on this site as well as linking to the Midlands TUC website which hosts our enewsletters and much more.
Wednesday 17 December 2008
Unemployment figures a disaster for West Midlands, says TUC
Commenting on the unemployment figures for the west midlands released today by the government that indicate a 7% rise in unemployment, Midlands TUC Regional Secretary Roger McKenzie said: “These figures are disastrous for those workers and their families who now face an uncertain future just before Christmas”.
Mr McKenzie continued, “With the claimant count rising to 124,000, a rise of some 8,200, we can see that many sectors of the economy are suffering from the recession. Construction, retail, finance and manufacturing are all feeling the strain as we head for the new year. There will be more redundancies in the new year as those workers at Woolworths join the dole queue. It is essential, however, that we do not talk the economy further down than it really is, and we must start the process of improving the skills and knowledge of those made unemployed so they can re-take their place in the workforce at the earliest opportunity.”
Mr McKenzie continued, “With the claimant count rising to 124,000, a rise of some 8,200, we can see that many sectors of the economy are suffering from the recession. Construction, retail, finance and manufacturing are all feeling the strain as we head for the new year. There will be more redundancies in the new year as those workers at Woolworths join the dole queue. It is essential, however, that we do not talk the economy further down than it really is, and we must start the process of improving the skills and knowledge of those made unemployed so they can re-take their place in the workforce at the earliest opportunity.”
Working time victory is Christmas come early, says TUC
Commenting on the vote today (Wednesday) in the European Parliament to remove Britain’s opt-out from the 48-hour limit on the working week, TUC Regional Secretary Roger McKenzie said:
“This is an early Christmas present for Britain’s hardest workers, and for the families who see too little of them. Members of the European Parliament have courageously defied the abusers and the slave-drivers over the loss of the ‘right’ to work people till they drop.
“Britain’s workers will still be working hard to get the British economy back on its feet, but they will now be protected from the stress, heart disease and accidents that result from persistent long hours. And their families will get their mums and dads back.
“Now we need to tackle the low pay and poor productivity that were kept alive by long hours working. No one should have to work more than 48 hours a week all year round to put food on the table or a roof over their heads.
“MEPs have dealt Scrooge employers a big blow, and the long hours culture will now become part of Christmas past.”
“This is an early Christmas present for Britain’s hardest workers, and for the families who see too little of them. Members of the European Parliament have courageously defied the abusers and the slave-drivers over the loss of the ‘right’ to work people till they drop.
“Britain’s workers will still be working hard to get the British economy back on its feet, but they will now be protected from the stress, heart disease and accidents that result from persistent long hours. And their families will get their mums and dads back.
“Now we need to tackle the low pay and poor productivity that were kept alive by long hours working. No one should have to work more than 48 hours a week all year round to put food on the table or a roof over their heads.
“MEPs have dealt Scrooge employers a big blow, and the long hours culture will now become part of Christmas past.”
175,000 in the west midlands could be unemployed by Christmas
Ahead of the latest unemployment figures published later this morning, the TUC is today (Wednesday) warning that 175,000 people in the west midlands could be unemployed by Christmas.
As well as rising unemployment, the long-term unemployment rate – those out of work for at least 12 months – is increasing at an even faster rate. In the three months up to September, long-term unemployment in the west midlands stood at 53,474. The TUC predicts this will rise even further by Christmas.
Across the UK, unemployment – as defined by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) – is expected to rise to around 1.9 million in the three months up to October. The TUC predicts that the unemployment rate will hit six per cent for the first time since June-August 1999 and that two million people will be unemployed by Christmas.
The TUC believes these stark unemployment figures mean that as well as taking all possible steps to boost the economy, the Government must provide further support for those already out of work.
While the TUC supports moves to encourage people back into work, the Government must also help people cope with the immediate financial pressures of unemployment. This means moving away from ‘anti-scrounger’ rhetoric and towards the reality of widespread unemployment, says the TUC.
The TUC wants the Government to fulfil its 2005 manifesto commitment to review the limit at which statutory redundancy pay is calculated, which the TUC proposes increasing from £330 to £500 a week. The tax free limit on redundancy pay should be increased from £30,000 to £50,000.
The TUC also wants to see Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) increased from £60.50 to £75 a week, bringing it back into line with its value in 1997.
TUC Regional Secretary Roger McKenzie said: “175,000 people in the west midlands are set for a very grim Christmas this year, many of whom will have also spent last Christmas on the dole.
“These people are not scroungers. They are blameless victims of a worldwide economic downturn and deserve to be treated as such. As well as more support to get back into work, unemployed people need more immediate financial support to help them cope with life on the dole.
“Many people losing their jobs for the first time will be shocked to find that JSA is less than £10 a day. This is barely enough to pay the bills and feed their families, let alone pay for Christmas.
“The TUC has always opposed those who believe that all people on benefits are scroungers but today’s figures show that policies based on this rhetoric could pour further misery on to millions of people.”
NOTES TO EDITORS:
- The International Labour Organisation (ILO) defines unemployed people as those who are without a job and want one, have actively sought a job in the last four weeks and are able to start a new job in the next two weeks, or have found a job and are waiting to start in the next two weeks.
- Since the last recession, the unemployment rate declined from 10.7 per cent in December 1992 - February 1993 to 4.7 per cent in June - August 2004. The unemployment rate has been below six per cent in June - August 1999.
- All TUC press releases can be found at www.tuc.org.uk
As well as rising unemployment, the long-term unemployment rate – those out of work for at least 12 months – is increasing at an even faster rate. In the three months up to September, long-term unemployment in the west midlands stood at 53,474. The TUC predicts this will rise even further by Christmas.
Across the UK, unemployment – as defined by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) – is expected to rise to around 1.9 million in the three months up to October. The TUC predicts that the unemployment rate will hit six per cent for the first time since June-August 1999 and that two million people will be unemployed by Christmas.
The TUC believes these stark unemployment figures mean that as well as taking all possible steps to boost the economy, the Government must provide further support for those already out of work.
While the TUC supports moves to encourage people back into work, the Government must also help people cope with the immediate financial pressures of unemployment. This means moving away from ‘anti-scrounger’ rhetoric and towards the reality of widespread unemployment, says the TUC.
The TUC wants the Government to fulfil its 2005 manifesto commitment to review the limit at which statutory redundancy pay is calculated, which the TUC proposes increasing from £330 to £500 a week. The tax free limit on redundancy pay should be increased from £30,000 to £50,000.
The TUC also wants to see Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) increased from £60.50 to £75 a week, bringing it back into line with its value in 1997.
TUC Regional Secretary Roger McKenzie said: “175,000 people in the west midlands are set for a very grim Christmas this year, many of whom will have also spent last Christmas on the dole.
“These people are not scroungers. They are blameless victims of a worldwide economic downturn and deserve to be treated as such. As well as more support to get back into work, unemployed people need more immediate financial support to help them cope with life on the dole.
“Many people losing their jobs for the first time will be shocked to find that JSA is less than £10 a day. This is barely enough to pay the bills and feed their families, let alone pay for Christmas.
“The TUC has always opposed those who believe that all people on benefits are scroungers but today’s figures show that policies based on this rhetoric could pour further misery on to millions of people.”
NOTES TO EDITORS:
- The International Labour Organisation (ILO) defines unemployed people as those who are without a job and want one, have actively sought a job in the last four weeks and are able to start a new job in the next two weeks, or have found a job and are waiting to start in the next two weeks.
- Since the last recession, the unemployment rate declined from 10.7 per cent in December 1992 - February 1993 to 4.7 per cent in June - August 2004. The unemployment rate has been below six per cent in June - August 1999.
- All TUC press releases can be found at www.tuc.org.uk
140,000 in the east midlands could be unemployed by Christmas
Ahead of the latest unemployment figures published later this morning, the TUC is today (Wednesday) warning that 140,000 people in the east midlands could be unemployed by Christmas.
As well as rising unemployment, the long-term unemployment rate – those out of work for at least 12 months – is increasing at an even faster rate. In the three months up to September, long-term unemployment in the east midlands stood at 28,556. The TUC predicts this will rise even further by Christmas.
Across the UK, unemployment – as defined by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) – is expected to rise to around 1.9 million in the three months up to October. The TUC predicts that the unemployment rate will hit six per cent for the first time since June-August 1999 and that two million people will be unemployed by Christmas.
The TUC believes these stark unemployment figures mean that as well as taking all possible steps to boost the economy, the Government must provide further support for those already out of work.
While the TUC supports moves to encourage people back into work, the Government must also help people cope with the immediate financial pressures of unemployment. This means moving away from ‘anti-scrounger’ rhetoric and towards the reality of widespread unemployment, says the TUC.
The TUC wants the Government to fulfil its 2005 manifesto commitment to review the limit at which statutory redundancy pay is calculated, which the TUC proposes increasing from £330 to £500 a week. The tax free limit on redundancy pay should be increased from £30,000 to £50,000.
The TUC also wants to see Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) increased from £60.50 to £75 a week, bringing it back into line with its value in 1997.
TUC Regional Secretary Roger McKenzie said: “140,000 people in the east midlands are set for a very grim Christmas this year, many of whom will have also spent last Christmas on the dole.
“These people are not scroungers. They are blameless victims of a worldwide economic downturn and deserve to be treated as such. As well as more support to get back into work, unemployed people need more immediate financial support to help them cope with life on the dole.
“Many people losing their jobs for the first time will be shocked to find that JSA is less than £10 a day. This is barely enough to pay the bills and feed their families, let alone pay for Christmas.
“The TUC has always opposed those who believe that all people on benefits are scroungers but today’s figures show that policies based on this rhetoric could pour further misery on to millions of people.”
NOTES TO EDITORS:
- The International Labour Organisation (ILO) defines unemployed people as those who are without a job and want one, have actively sought a job in the last four weeks and are able to start a new job in the next two weeks, or have found a job and are waiting to start in the next two weeks.
- Since the last recession, the unemployment rate declined from 10.7 per cent in December 1992 - February 1993 to 4.7 per cent in June - August 2004. The unemployment rate has been below six per cent in June - August 1999.
- All TUC press releases can be found at www.tuc.org.uk
As well as rising unemployment, the long-term unemployment rate – those out of work for at least 12 months – is increasing at an even faster rate. In the three months up to September, long-term unemployment in the east midlands stood at 28,556. The TUC predicts this will rise even further by Christmas.
Across the UK, unemployment – as defined by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) – is expected to rise to around 1.9 million in the three months up to October. The TUC predicts that the unemployment rate will hit six per cent for the first time since June-August 1999 and that two million people will be unemployed by Christmas.
The TUC believes these stark unemployment figures mean that as well as taking all possible steps to boost the economy, the Government must provide further support for those already out of work.
While the TUC supports moves to encourage people back into work, the Government must also help people cope with the immediate financial pressures of unemployment. This means moving away from ‘anti-scrounger’ rhetoric and towards the reality of widespread unemployment, says the TUC.
The TUC wants the Government to fulfil its 2005 manifesto commitment to review the limit at which statutory redundancy pay is calculated, which the TUC proposes increasing from £330 to £500 a week. The tax free limit on redundancy pay should be increased from £30,000 to £50,000.
The TUC also wants to see Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) increased from £60.50 to £75 a week, bringing it back into line with its value in 1997.
TUC Regional Secretary Roger McKenzie said: “140,000 people in the east midlands are set for a very grim Christmas this year, many of whom will have also spent last Christmas on the dole.
“These people are not scroungers. They are blameless victims of a worldwide economic downturn and deserve to be treated as such. As well as more support to get back into work, unemployed people need more immediate financial support to help them cope with life on the dole.
“Many people losing their jobs for the first time will be shocked to find that JSA is less than £10 a day. This is barely enough to pay the bills and feed their families, let alone pay for Christmas.
“The TUC has always opposed those who believe that all people on benefits are scroungers but today’s figures show that policies based on this rhetoric could pour further misery on to millions of people.”
NOTES TO EDITORS:
- The International Labour Organisation (ILO) defines unemployed people as those who are without a job and want one, have actively sought a job in the last four weeks and are able to start a new job in the next two weeks, or have found a job and are waiting to start in the next two weeks.
- Since the last recession, the unemployment rate declined from 10.7 per cent in December 1992 - February 1993 to 4.7 per cent in June - August 2004. The unemployment rate has been below six per cent in June - August 1999.
- All TUC press releases can be found at www.tuc.org.uk
Monday 15 December 2008
Midlands TUC welcome support for Local Employment Partnerships
Following the latest meeting of the East Midlands Economic Cabinet the Midlands TUC regional secretary Roger McKenzie said: “This was useful meeting that concentrated on the practical help that can be given to keep people in work and to put support in the right place quickly should the worst happen”.
Mr McKenzie added: “I particularly welcome the support given by business to the Governments Local Employment Partnership. While national and international measures are vital these local partnerships will be increasingly important to help get people back to work in these increasingly hard times”.
Mr McKenzie added: “I particularly welcome the support given by business to the Governments Local Employment Partnership. While national and international measures are vital these local partnerships will be increasingly important to help get people back to work in these increasingly hard times”.
Wednesday 10 December 2008
Welcome to the Midlands TUC media blog
Hi, and welcome to the Midlands TUC media blog. This blog will keep you up to date with what's happening in the midlands as viewed by the TUC - Trades Union Congress. We will post our media releases here and add other information which we think will interest you.
This site is one of a family of sites where you can get the views of the TUC. Why not follow the links to our Organising network blog or our main website. And tell us what is happening in your part of the Midlands and how you see the world of work.
http://www.tuc.org.uk/tuc/regions_info_midlands.cfm
http://midlandsorganisers.blogspot.com/
http://rogermckenzie.blogspot.com/
This site is one of a family of sites where you can get the views of the TUC. Why not follow the links to our Organising network blog or our main website. And tell us what is happening in your part of the Midlands and how you see the world of work.
http://www.tuc.org.uk/tuc/regions_info_midlands.cfm
http://midlandsorganisers.blogspot.com/
http://rogermckenzie.blogspot.com/
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