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July NoE Bulletin Part 2
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Wales TUC Cymru
Y Rhwydwaith Rhagoriaeth Network of Excellence
July 2012 Gorffenaf
Net News2012 is the International Year of cooperatives http://www.uk.coop/2012
Circulate Net News to colleagues and/or copy & paste items for your own workplace newsletters. Thanks to all who have contributed items to this edition of Net News!
DatesAugust 4 -11 National Eisteddfod see page 8
5 - Canal walk with the WEA see page 313 - Deadline for Congress Amendments
September 6, 7, 11 & 12 Network Meetings See page 29 -12 Congress in Brighton14 - Nurses & Health Care Support Workers see page 3
October 20 - A Future that Works See more details: http://afuturethatworks.org November 15 & 16 - ULR Conference St David’s Hotel, Ewloe
23 - Stress Network Annual Conference
About the International Year of CooperativesThe United Nations has designated 2012 the International Year of Co-operatives.From Argentina to Zambia, the 1.4 million co-operatives across the globe will be celebrating and showing how they build a better world.
Co-ordinated by the International Co-operative Alliance (ICA), the global voice of co-operatives, the year aims to boost understanding of co-operatives throughout the world.Are you a co-operative supporter?
For supporters of co-operatives, the International Year is a unique opportunity to come together as a global movement to promote how co-operative enterprises build a better world. Take part http://www.uk.coop/2012/resources/get-involved during 2012 to show that there is an alternative.
For those still learning more about co-operatives, 2012 is a chance to show they benefit hundreds of millions of people across the world by giving people an equal say and a share of the profits. Learn how co-operatives help build a better world!
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Shelter Cymru TrainingShelter Cymru has many years’ experience of providing high-quality training at affordable prices. Our aim is to deliver quality training which enables others to provide improved services to prevent homelessness and improve housing conditions in Wales. We use experienced caseworkers and trainers to ensure all courses are accurate, informed and relevant.
You may be aware that Shelter Cymru runs an extensive housing training programme in Wales, but did you know that we can also deliver tailored and bespoke training to your organisation?
Please use the link to see what we have planned over the next 6 months. By using this link you can see the full descriptions and booking forms for each course up to February 2013.http://www.sheltercymru.org.uk/training/course-listings.aspx?Parentid=9&year=&pageid=35&subcat=40
If you would like more information about our public programme or bespoke training courses then please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Mel EvansShelter Cymru, 25, Walter Rd / 25 Heol Walter, Swansea / Abertawe SA1 5NNTel:: 01792 483072 Email: [email protected] www.sheltercymru.org.ukTwitter http://twitter.com/Shelter_CymruFacebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Shelter-Cymru/310841682576
Cardiff Council’s Neighbourhood Learning Service Courses for Adults.
Follow the link www.cardiff.gov.uk/learn to find a wide range of courses from computers for beginners, CLAIT and ECDL to French, Spanish, Welsh, Arabic, Italian and German along with sewing, art, counselling, tai chi and much, much more.
Courses take place in venues in Cardiff, from September, day and evening. Concessions are available. For more information please email [email protected]
Thanks Sarah.Sarah Duncan-JonesNeighbourhood Learning Officer
Free Financial Education CPD Training for Primary and Secondary schoolsThe Welsh Government is offering free CPD training to help teachers deliver financial education across the curriculum in primary and secondary schools. Please contact Jessica Roberts (secondary schools) and Alison Jones (Primary schools) for training opportunities.
Follow this link to find out about short courses Wales: http://connectedlearnerscymru.ning.com
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Canal WalkTow path walk celebrating the 200 year anniversary of the Brecon and Monmouth Canal, accompanied by a lecture on the fascinating history of the canal.Wear clothing and footwear suitable for the Welsh summer!Date: Sunday 5th August, meeting at the Coach and Horses pub, Cwm Carwon Road, Llangynidyr, NP8 1LS.Come along at 12 noon if you'd like a pub lunch, 12:45 otherwise.The telephone number to book lunch is 01874 730245. Walk time 1pm to 4pm.Cost: £5 waged (working over 16 hours), £2.50 unwaged.Please book in advance.To book, telephone Terri Bishop on 01443 412412 or e-mail her at [email protected] .
If you have booked a place but find you can’t go please let us know right away as others may be on a reserve list. Payment can be made on the day.
Record Keeping/Statement Writing for nurses and Health Care Support Workers
Open to all nurses and health care support workers within the NHS and Independent sector on Friday 14th September, 2012 at St David’s Park, Carmarthen.
To book a place contact:Valerie Bailey Professional Practice CoordinatorTy Maeth, King George V Drive East, Cardiff CF14 4XZTel: 07738329099 email: [email protected]
WEA Day School | Ysgol Dydd WEA"Not Genuinely Seeking Work": The WEA in Struggle, 1912-2012
- A Day School hosted by WEA Merthyr Tydfil BranchSaturday 29th September 10:00am - 4:00pm
Capel Soar Chapel, High Street, Pontmorlais, Merthyr Tydfil CF48 8UB
Programme Outline: 9:30 Enrolment & Refreshments | 10:00 Welcome by Huw Williams, Chair WEA Merthyr Tydfil Branch | 10:15: Key Note Address tbc | 12:30: Buffet Lunch at Zoar |1:30: Key Note Address tbc | 3:30: Plenary Session & Finish at 4:00 pm
Swansea SPARKLEWe are going to be holding the Swansea SPARKLE at the Brangwyn Hall, Swansea on Sat 17th
November at 11am.The day is focused towards information and sales stalls and in the evening there is live entertainment from a number of different performers with the 60’s band the Swinging Blue Jeans finishing the night.
It’s an indoor venue and not weather reliant!For more information and to download a poster, go to:
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http://www.diversecymru.org.uk/events/2012/11/17/swansea-sparkle
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Kate Humble in ConversationThursday 26th July, 6pm
Nature and wildlife expert Kate Humble talks to BBC Radio Wales science presenter Adam Walton about her career, writing, travelling and presenting a whole host of programmes including Springwatch , Autumnwatch, Orbit: Earth’s Extraordinary Journey and new series Volcano Live
This is a free public lecture at Glyndwr University. Part of the Wrexham Science Festival
To book your place: Tel 01978 293293 or go to www.Glyndwr.ac.uk/events
UnionlearnDo you advise working people about HE options or provide mentoring to workbased learners? Are you in employment and considering higher education? Then try our free online resources at www.higherlearningatwork.org (Don’t forget that funding details in Wales will be different!)
Minister gets behind the Summer Reading Challenge 2012Housing, Regeneration and Heritage Minister Huw Lewis has pledged his support for this year’s Summer Reading Challenge, which is taking place in libraries across Wales during the summer holidays.
Every year, thousands of families all over Wales are involved in the UK's biggest reading event for children in libraries, the Summer Reading Challenge, which aims to get children to read six books from their library during the summer holidays.
The challenge is completely free – and every child will receive a membership card or pack in which they can collect stickers as they read the books and a challenge activity kit to complete. Most libraries also have other incentives to make it a fun experience. To sign up, families just need to head to the local library at the beginning of the summer holidays.
This year’s challenge is themed around London 2012 and is called StoryLab. It is designed for children between 4 and 11 years old of all reading abilities. They can read any books they like: fact books, stories, joke books, picture books – audio books and e-books count too as long as they’re borrowed from the library.
Libraries will also have lots of special events during the holidays to help celebrate London 2012. For parents who haven’t joined yet, it’s the perfect opportunity – anyone can join a library and it's all free.
Huw Lewis said: "The Summer Reading Challenge is a great way to encourage children to read and it’s good to see that all Welsh library services are participating, ensuring that children across Wales can take part.
"Reading is such a rewarding pastime for children and is fundamental to their development. Not only does it improve literacy skills, but it boosts their knowledge and
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most importantly fuels their imagination. If this wet weather continues into the summer holidays, what better way to keep them occupied when they can’t get out and about!"
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Welsh Libraries“Had an e-reader but can’t afford to download all the books you’d like to read? Take a look at a selection of free downloads on offer. Some libraries in Wales are offering subscription only e-books services for Welsh library members.For more information visit wales.libraryebooks.co.uk or your local library website pages.”
Many thanks for this info from an ‘on the ball’ ULR in south Wales“Love Reading? Get FREE e-books from Welsh Libraries.”
Easy to access – just need a library card and a PIN Available to download 24/7 Approximately 4000 titles to choose from No need to return, books automatically deleted after the loan period Download direct to: e-readers, tablet devices, smartphones, laptops or PC/MACs Automatically reserve books
For more information see www.librarywales.org
Project Gutenberg offers over 40,000 free ebooks. We carry high quality ebooks. All our ebooks were previously published by bona fide publishers. We digitized and diligently proofread them with the help of thousands of volunteers.
No fee or registration is required, but if you find Project Gutenberg useful, we kindly ask you to donate a small amount so we can buy and digitize more books. Other ways to help include digitizing more books, recording audio books, or reporting errors. http://www.gutenberg.org
Listen to BooksThanks to Sally Joyner CWU for this info.I mentioned Listen to Books for people who have difficulty reading books or e-readers. There is a postal or internet service. Here is the link: -http://www.listening-books.org.uk/General enquiries: 020 7407 9417 / [email protected] Library enquiries: 020 7234 0522 / [email protected] The contact I have is Jennifer Ades at listening books her e mail is [email protected] Hope this is useful!
Book BoonThanks to Owen Phillips from Aberystwyth who passed on this excellent link. Free downloadable books, titles include: business/ counselling/personal development/finance.Go to www.bookboon.com
E-book tipThanks to Laura PCS for this e-book tip: Try the Kindle user forum http://www.kuforum.co.uk “Whether you are a UK Kindle user or a fan of eBooks in general, we hope you find the information in our Kindle user group both educational and entertaining. As well as all things Kindle, you will find lots of interesting information about books, authors and many other kindle discussion topics including our book club.
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Free learning from the OUTake a look at youtube http://www.youtube.com/user/TheOpenUniversity Hundreds of videos to watch.
itunes http://www.open.edu/itunes/ What is iTunes U? Part of Apple's iTunes store, iTunes U is a vast learning resource offering free educational content that users can download straight to their computer, iPad, iPod and iPhone.
http://www.open.edu/openlearn This is such a great website – you never know where you might end up. So much to see and learn!
Other university learning is available!
University of the Third AgeThe Third Age Trust is the national representative body for the Universities of Third Age (U3As) in the UK. U3As are self-help, self-managed lifelong learning co-operatives for older people no longer in full time work, providing opportunities for their members to share learning experiences in a wide range of interest groups and to pursue learning not for qualifications, but for fun. There is no lower age limit, but for anyone who has reduced their hours/days or thinking of retiring, this may be of use.
Find your local group by following the links http://u3asites.org.uk
Climbing FrameLinsey Imms from WTUC will be running a briefing on the Climbing Frame at each of the September Net meetings. Linsey will be showing members how the Climbing Frame works and how it will help those ULRs who use it with keeping records. Linsey will have the results of the Welsh pilot that was run during 2011/12. And, if you want to be prepared for her session, you can read the July edition of the Climbing Frame Newsletter! Please find here a link to the July edition of the Climbing Frame Newsletter which has been produced to keep everyone up to date with the developments with the Climbing Frame: http://bit.ly/LkssaH
If you have any information or documents which you think should be included on the Climbing Frame website or in the next newsletter please let me know. LouisaLouisa SmithClimbing Frame Development Officer | Unionlearn |
Network of Excellence meetings in SeptemberMany members will already have the date of their local meeting in their diaries already but for those that don’t....
Thursday 6 NewportFriday 7 Swansea at Sketty HallTuesday 11 NewtownWednesday 12 Wrexham
Look out for more details about the venues in Net News
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Nant GwrtheyrnNant Gwrtheyrn or "the Nant" as it is often called, is a magical place located in a former quarrying village on the northern coast of the Llŷn Peninsula in North Wales. This secluded Victorian village has undergone a £5m renovation in recent years which included construction of a new access road and the addition of a new conference centre and function room as well as the provision of 4* accommodation for up to 80 guests.
The Centre specialises in Welsh for Adults (as a second language) and offers intensive residential courses throughout the year.
We are celebrating 30 years of teaching Welsh at Nant Gwrtheyrn this year and will hold big celebrations in September.
Keep your eyes open for our special offers at the beginning of August to coincide with the Eisteddfod. (See below) And remember to come and visit us at Maes D on the Eisteddfod field.
SPECIAL OFFERS Go to our website or phone for more information on the offers below:North Wales Special Offer - £125 instead of £495Do you live, work or volunteer in a rural area in North Wales? You may be eligible to apply for this special discount by Menter Iaith Conwy.Learn Welsh Fast3 – 19 October. An opportunity for new Welsh learners to learn Welsh over 3 weeks. Come for the whole course or parts of course, with extra lessons at the weekend, and save hundreds of pounds by booking the entire course.
2012 Timetable. Follow this link: - http://www.nantgwrtheyrn.org/languagecourses
Nant Gwrtheyrn, Llithfaen, PWLLHELI Gwynedd. LL53 6NL 01758 750 334hfaenwww.nantgwrtheyrn.org www.twitter.com/PegiNant
Alfie wins Cariad@iaithCariad@Iaith winner, rugby player and Big Brother star, Gareth Thomas will be attending a course at Nant Gwrtheyrn as a prize for his efforts on the programme.We look forward to welcoming Alfie to the Nant!
Welsh word of the dayhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/cymru/cymraeg
Name your househttp://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/livinginwales/nameyourhouse
Learn Welsh – scroll down this page to find a course near youhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/learning/learnwelsh
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National Eisteddfod, Vale of Glamorgan, 4 - 11 August
http://www.eisteddfod.org.uk/english Welcome to the Vale of Glamorgan!The National Eisteddfod, one of the world’s great festivals, is held from 4-11 August at the old Llandow airfield near Cowbridge, in the Vale of Glamorgan.
Music, dance, visual arts, original performances, family activities – there’s something for everyone at the National Eisteddfod.
The Pink Pavilion is the focal point of the ‘Maes’, where the official competing and main cultural ceremonies are held, but there’s hundreds of other activities all over the Maes throughout the week, and with up to 300 stalls and trade stands, it’s a shopper’s paradise, with gifts of all kinds to suit every pocket.
You don’t need to speak Welsh to enjoy yourself. There’s a warm welcome for everyone at the Eisteddfod. Pick up your free translation equipment from the booth near the Pavilion to follow official activities, and find out more about learning Welsh by popping into Maes D for all the information you’ll need.
There’s something for everyone on the Maes, with plenty of activities to keep the whole family entertained all week. Download our children’s activities booklet, pocket programme and map free of charge before you arrive, or pick up a free copy from the main entrance. You can also buy the Official Programme online and in all good bookshops from the start of July.
We have a number of smaller pavilions with a packed programme of activities, y Lle Celf, Theatre, Science and Technology, Dance, Literature, Societies, Maes D, a live performance stage, as well as the Pink Pavilion itself. Entry to all daytime activities here are free of charge with your purchased Maes ticket.
The Pavilion is the main stage for Welsh talent, and many famous careers have begun after winning here. You can enjoy the competing free with your Maes ticket during your visit, and remember to pick up your free translation equipment. Wheelchair bays are situated on ground level in the Pavilion.
We'll be adding more information to the website as August approaches, and don't forget, you can also follow us on facebook - www.facebook.com/eisteddfod and on Twitter - www.twitter.com/eisteddfod and use #steddfod2012 to get involved.Find out more about the local area by clicking here.
Buses from Cardiff to the EisteddfodIf you need to get to the Eisteddfod by public transport from Cardiff, Menter Caerdydd have organised some buses. It costs £5 for a round trip, and they leave from Whitchurch (Eglwys Newydd) and the Mochyn Du, in Pontcanna. They don't run every day though, and you have to book ahead. You can check the timetable and the information here:
http://www.mentercaerdydd.org/en/page/eisteddfod_en
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Tickets to the Eisteddfod are discounted if you buy them in advance. You can order them here: https://www.eticketing.co.uk/eisteddfod-english/default.aspx
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Wales TUC Cymru Trade Union Education Courses Autumn Term
2012Course Where How long?Reps 1 Bridgend, Merthyr Tydfil, Newport,
North Wales, Swansea12 days
Reps 2 Bridgend, Cardiff, North Wales 12 days
H&S 1 Bridgend, Cardiff, Merthyr Tydfil, Newport, North Wales, Swansea
12 days
H&S 2 Bridgend, Newport, North Wales, Swansea
12 days
ULR 1 Bridgend, Cardiff, Newport, 6 daysULR2 Bridgend Cardiff, Newport 6 daysDiploma Occupational Health & Safety
Bridgend, Newport, North Wales, 12 days x 3 terms
DiplomaEmployment Law
Newport, North Wales, 12 days x 3 terms
DiplomaEqualities
Bridgend 12 days x 3 terms
Using Computers North Wales 10 daysEmployment Law Update North Wales 12 daysShort CoursesGreen Rep Newport 3 daysRisk Assessment Bridgend 3 daysAccident Investigation Bridgend 3 daysMental Health Awareness Cardiff 3 daysBullying & Harassment Newport 3 daysCancer in the Workplace Cardiff 2 daysHandling Change & Redundancy
North Wales, 2 days
I’d like to do one of the courses listed but it is not in my area?Contact your nearest TU Ed centre to find out when it will be delivered. All the courses listed can be delivered at other venues should you have groups of 10+Contact your nearest TU Education Centre for more information. Bridgend, Merthyr Tydfil & Swansea contact:Richard Young [email protected] Tel: 01656 302 511 (Ask for Trade Union Studies)Cardiff contact:Terry Bishop [email protected] Tel: 07775 448 412Newport contact:Roy McCabe [email protected] Tel: 01633 466 061 or01633 466 136North Wales contact:Nick Taylor [email protected] or [email protected] Tel: 01978 318 866
Don’t forget that quite often your own union will run these and other courses.
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It’s out! The new Wales TUC Education course brochureCtrl & click or click on - TUC Education courses in Wales – September 2012 to July 2013 For the new brochure with reps courses, pathways, contacts, dates and a whole lot more!
Why reps courses are 12 days instead of 10 days1) To achieve full funding, each course has to gain a qualification
2) To gain a qualification, students have to complete units to the value of 18. (e.g. 6 units valued at 3, or, 1 unit at 3, plus 1 at 6, plus 1 at 9, or, other combinations.)
3) Each unit value carries a minimum of 5 hours learning time
As a result: -
A) The 18 unit value is multiplied by 5 hours, which equals 90 hours
B) Each teaching day is seven-and-a-half hours
C) 12 days at seven-and-a-half hours = 90 hours
There will be some variations to take account of, for example, evening classes, block courses and spring term dates.
Further education consultation event, Monday 10 September On 2 July 2012, the Minister for Education and Skills published a White Paper setting out the Welsh Government’s legislative proposals in relation to further and higher education reform.The proposals for further education intend to increase freedoms for colleges in response to the decision by the Office for National Statistics to reclassify further education colleges as part of central government for the purpose of National Accounts.As part of the consultation, the Welsh Government will be holding a public event to discuss the further education provisions of the Bill: Venue: Metropole Hotel, Llandrindod Wells Date: Monday 10 September 2012 Time: 10:00 - 16:00To book a place at the event, please complete the online booking form . Places will be limited, so we would recommend that you book your place as early as possible. Please complete one form per attendee.You will receive confirmation of your reservation by email.We look forward to seeing you there, but if you have any queries in the meantime please telephone 01443 663905 or e-mail us at: [email protected]
Equality Law e-noteFrom Bernard Atkinson -
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“The E notes are great, they make you think and if you have to think you might learn something; learning something gives you the opportunity to teach what you have learned to others and the cycle is complete.” http://www.unionlearn.org.uk/index.cfm/raot
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Co-operatives United Co-operatives United is an inspiring global festival of events and exhibitions set in Manchester, UK, October 31 – November 2 to mark the close of the United Nations International Year of Co-operatives.
With 1 world premiere, 3 exhibitions, 10 conferences, 45 countries, 150 workshops, 200 exhibitors and 10,000 people, Co-operatives United will inform and inspire everyone building an ethical economy and a better world.
People from around the world will be visiting Manchester for a packed programme of national and international conferences, fun and inspiring workshops, new films and exhibitions.
This momentous event will bring global and UK supporters of co-operative, Fairtrade and ethical business together at the birthplace of the global co-operative movement.
Highlights will include:• A fringe festival packed with films, food, theatre, music, fireworks, art and competitions• Over 12 major national and international conferences• More than 100 workshops and lite bite sessions• A unique interactive Co-operative Living exhibition• The ICA’s trade expo - bigger and better than ever• A virtual Co-operatives United for all those who can’t make it to Manchester
Many of the events are free. Join us for as little or as much time as you have available!We look forward to seeing you in Manchester for this momentous event.http://www.co-operative.coop/2012
Hi to all Co-operators, I've got the details about the massive Co-operative International Year of Co-operation Expo taking place in Manchester - it'll be the Olympics of Co-operation, so really not to be missed. The dates are Monday 29 October to Friday 2 November. Entry is free, no doubt with lots of co-operative goodies on offer at the event(s).
Co-op Group North and Mid Wales Area Committees thought it would be a good idea to provide two coach trips on Wednesday 31 October and Friday 2 November at just £5.00 per head, provided you were a Co-op Group member. Places will be limited so you need to plan and book a place(s)asap.
If you wish to attend and are a Co-op Group member send an email request to Duncan Rees the Co-op Affairs Officer at email [email protected] with name &contact details and preferred day -31/10 or 2/11.
I will send further email information about this event, as I receive it from the Co-op group.Cheers, ChrisChris Hall PCS
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New scheme to help find jobs for Remploy workersA new scheme to help find employment for the Remploy workers put out of work by the UK government’s decision to shut their factories, has been announced by the Minister for Education and Skills, Leighton Andrews.
Mr Andrews said the Welsh Government would be offering an Employer Support Grant for up to four years to encourage and support employers to offer employment in Wales to eligible disabled Remploy workers.
The scheme will contribute to the costs of wages and also pay companies for all other reasonable costs that may arise from employing a disabled person, e.g. workplace modification. It will cover former disabled Remploy employees who lost their jobs in the wake of the UK Government-driven closures of Remploy factories in 2012.
And funding will be available to local authorities who can offer sheltered or suitable employment to ex-employees of Remploy for a minimum period of four years. The scheme is expected to cost up to £2.4m a year.
The UK Government confirmed it would be closing Remploy sites in Aberdare, Abertillery, Merthyr Tydfil, Swansea and Wrexham leading to the loss of at least 183 jobs.
Mr Andrews said: “Last week’s decision to close the Remploy factories in Wales was a devastating blow to the workers and their communities.
“We disagree profoundly with the one-size-fits-all approach to finding employment for disabled people. So while mainstream employment should be the aim for most, we believe there is a place for supported and sheltered employment, skills development and other public service provisions where appropriate.Details of the scheme and how to register an interest can be found at:www.business.wales.gov.uk/remploy
Free Apps from the OUKevin Pascoe from the Open University in Wales entertained members at the June Network Meetings with a demonstration of several of the OUs free apps. Lots of fun with some great learning going on. Some of the apps would be brilliant to use for a learning event.Look for:
Devolve me Photo fit me Virtual Microscope Beginners Mandarin My Story
Go to: http://appstore.open.ac.uk/downloads/
What is an Apps? It’s an abbreviation for application. An application is a small program that is chiefly designed for the newer mobile phones and/or i-pads.
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Joint Statement from Age UK, the TUC and Which? Age UK, the TUC and Which? have issued a joint statement saying that they are "extremely concerned" by the approach to dealing with pension small pots in the government's consultation response published this week.
Pensions Minister Steve Webb is backing a 'pot follows member' solution that will see small pension pots automatically follow a member from job to job, moving from the previous employer's scheme to that run by their new employer.
But the consumer groups warn that there is a risk of consumer detriment if the new employer's pension scheme is worse than the old one. They also believe that there are practical issues as not every employee moves in an orderly way from job to job.
Instead the groups favour the alternative 'aggregator' approach where small pots could only be automatically transferred to a limited number of high quality pension scheme which would guaranteed low charges, good governance and economies of scale.
TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said: "This is a very disappointing consultation response, especially as the minister has a good record in taking forward the wide consensus for auto-enrolment established by the Pensions Commission.
"At the heart of the new auto-enrolment approach to pensions is meant to be a system that uses inertia to deliver a good outcome. But 'pot follows member' is not just an administrative nightmare but takes us back to a discredited buyer beware market model."
Richard Lloyd, executive director of Which? said: "One of the most important things people need to do is save for their retirement and government policy needs to make sure that every penny counts. That's why we're disappointed at the government's wish to adopt a 'pot follows member' approach which could mean people end up in poor value schemes which have a detrimental effect years down the line.
"The government now needs to make sure that all eligible schemes are of a high quality and that consumers will be protected from excessive transfer fees."
Michelle Mitchell, Charity Director General at Age UK said: "We know the difficulties that can face savers who have accumulated a number of small pension pots and we are disappointed with the government's suggested approach.
"Auto-enrolment means that the vast majority of employees will have the right to join a private pension scheme with a contribution from their employer, giving them a better chance of securing a decent retirement income but we don't believe that a 'pot follows member' approach will work well for those who move jobs often, who need to take career breaks or hold more than one job - the very people most at risk of having a poor retirement income.
"Pensioner poverty is still a very real problem in today's society and to break the cycle we must ensure that future retirees get off to the best start when saving for their future."
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Tribunal fees will price low-paid workers out of justice. Responding to the announcement that the government is to introduce fees for employment tribunals, TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said: "It is vital that working people have fair access to justice, but introducing fees for tribunals will deter many - particularly those on low wages - from taking valid claims to court. Many of the UK's most vulnerable workers will simply be priced out of justice.”
"The government's remission scheme to protect low-paid employees is woefully inadequate, and workers will be more likely to be mistreated at work as rogue bosses will be able to flout the law without fear of sanction."
New report shows huge value of facility time Facility time for trade union reps in the public sector saves the taxpayer money, cuts the number of strikes and disputes and improves workplace relations – these are some of the key findings of a new independent report by NatCen Social Research for UNISON.
The report found that facility time creates a structure for consultation and negotiation helping workers to feel that their voices will be heard when decisions are made. Trade union reps are instrumental to managing change – especially important given the upheaval currently hitting the public sector. Read more: http://www.unison.org.uk/asppresspack/pressrelease_view.asp?id=2748
Join us on October 20. Austerity isn’t workingA Future that Works is a TUC campaign aimed to show that Austerity isn’t working, that spending cuts threaten a lost decade, that we need to invest in jobs and growth and that we need to defend public services. Join us in London on October 20 to show your support. The more people we can get on the street the stronger our message will be.
We have set up http://afuturethatworks.org which contains information about the March, downloadable booklets and posters to help you publicise the event through your networks. Welsh language and Welsh relevant posters and documents are due to go up soon.
Please contact your union regarding transport, or your local campaign co-ordinator who is listed here http://standupforabetterway.org/coordinators/.
You can volunteer to become a route steward and help the march pass problem free. Visit the website http://afuturethatworks.org and follow the tabs.
Over the coming weeks and months the Wales TUC will be providing updates regarding the march through their Facebook page and Twitter feed, simply search Wales TUC.
If you are part of a local campaigns group we would love to find out about the good work you are doing in your area. Maybe we could help you maximise support in your area for October 20? If you think we can help or you just need a plug please feel free to e-mail
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Gareth at [email protected] or Rhianydd at [email protected] as we would be happy to offer our help.
October 20 - a future that marchesOnce again extensive use will be made of social media to build support for the march and a special website www.afuturethatworks.org.uk is now live.
October 20 Stewarding EnquiriesMarch 26th 2011 was a great day for the trade union movement. We mobilised half a million people to demand an alternative to austerity and through a huge collective effort by all TUC affiliates, made sure it was a day that will stay in the memory for a long time.Now we are mobilising again for what I’m sure will be another huge demonstration - the March for A Future That Works on October 20 in London
To make sure that this march is as successful and safe as the March for the Alternative, we need to make sure that it is stewarded properly. And to help do this, I’m asking you to volunteer again.
If you can help out again by volunteering to be either a SENIOR or ROUTE Steward on October 20 you can register at the link below. This also provides information on what each role involves and the training that you’ll be given.http://afuturethatworks.org/march-logistics/stewarding-the-march Many thanks for your support CARL ROPER - Chief Steward, TUC March for a Future That Works
From the Wales Learn with your Union Hub Take a look at the facebook page – loads of useful learning info.http://www.facebook.com/WLWYUH
If you are not willing to learn,no one can help you.
If you are determined to learn,no one can stop you.
Summer E - Zine 2012 Wales TUC #Learning & #Education Services http://tiny.cc/un6vhw Summer 2012 - WTUC Learning & Education Services E-ZineThe Wales TUC Learning Services Official Website.
RT @WelshGovernment #broadband contract BT to create 100 new apprenticeships. See our videos of three young BT apprentices http://ow.ly/cnvKY BT Apprentices - Prentisiaid BT
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As a result of this contract, 100 people from across Wales will be offered an apprentice place with Openreach which will become permanent positions at the end of the programme.
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Peoples Collection Wales I love this website! Have a look at this page.http://www.peoplescollectionwales.co.uk/Home http://www.peoplescollectionwales.co.uk/Item/43160-diary-of-corporal-thomas-griffiths-march-1917
People’s Collection Wales is an innovative bilingual digital platform to collect, interpret and display the story of Wales. The People’s Collection Wales (PCW) website is dedicated to the story of Wales and its people and is free to use. It is a place to discover, learn and contribute your story of Wales alongside stories and content provided by other people and organisations. People’s Collection Wales represents an innovative approach to collecting, interpreting and discussing Wales’s cultural heritage in an online environment.
Led by Wales’s national heritage institutions, People’s Collection Wales brings together a wide range of partners from different fields to share tools, resources, skills and expertise. The website is supported by a programme of activities to explore new and exciting ways of collecting, exploring, discovering and sharing the stories of Wales and its people. The programme will continue to develop exciting tools to bring our heritage and history to life.
People’s Collection Wales is funded by the Welsh Government, and is a key commitment in the Programme for Government 2011-2016. The programme’s activities support key agendas such as digital inclusion, lifelong learning, cultural tourism and pioneers a range of innovative technological applications through partnership working.
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Same details if you need to unsubscribe.
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