London bus drivers go for unity
London’s bus drivers are balloting on industrial action to force through one agreement covering all bus companies in the capital.
News/Views
London: the capital of poverty
14 December 2014
The Greater London Authority’s recent update on poverty in London makes stark reading. Despite being the play bauble of the world’s rich, London remains one of the most deprived areas in Britain.
MPs foresee end of state pension
14 December 2014
Questioned in an online survey, MPs said that the state pension age would need to rise to 70 within 30 years – with many believing that the state pension would disappear altogether.
Rail engineers suspend pay strike
14 December 2014
A planned strike at the Doncaster plant of Wabtec, where rail engineering staff were set to strike for five days from 15 to 19 December in a fight over pay and conditions, has been suspended following eleventh-hour talks with the employer.
Museum workers speak up over swingeing cuts
9 December 2014
Like many other cultural institutions, the British Library at St Pancras in London has faced swingeing cuts under this government – and seen its grant cut every year since 2010.
Councils seek law to block betting shop clusters
More than a quarter of all local authorities in England have joined forces to use the government’s “localism” legislation to block the clustering of betting shops on high streets that offer unregulated casino-style gambling.
Law Society withdraws sharia guidance
The Law Society has withdrawn its guidance on inheritance under sharia law after a widespread and fierce campaign called it a “gross dereliction of duty” and demanded its removal.
Is Google being ironic?
30 November 2014
Today is St Andrew’s Day, and in celebration Google has a new and perhaps ironic logo: a speeding train with the Scottish Saltire on the side.
Outsourced electricians to strike over terms and conditions
30 November 2014
Electricians employed by Amey who were outsourced from Sheffield City Council 18 months ago will be on strike tomorrow in a dispute over terms and conditions.
The mathematics of the madhouse
27 November 2014
Under fire for promoting corporate tax evasion, European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker has come up with a new wheeze: magicking a €315 billion investment programme out of thin air.
Building workers demonstrate against ‘umbrella’ exploitation
26 November 2014
Construction union UCATT is demonstrating in Cambridge against the now-widespread practice of employing staff through “umbrella companies”, which cost workers dear while saving money for employers.
Biscuit workers strike over bullying and job losses
25 November 2014
Eight hundred members of the GMB union are preparing for more strike action in the run up to Christmas at the Jacobs Biscuits factory in Aintree, Liverpool.