PCS news digest 15 June 2012

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15 June 2012

This weekly news digest is a summary of news, campaign articles, media releases and reports from the past week

15 June

Chancellor should do more to boost the economy – PCS

PCS has called on the government to do more to create growth in the UK.

Vickers urges tougher line on banks – Financial Times

The government has been accused of watering down a number of key proposals on banking reform just as the crisis afflicting parts of the eurozone strengthened the case for tough action, reported the Financial Times.

Courts in chaos as delivery of legal papers is privatised - London Evening Standard

Courts in the capital were in left in chaos this week after a “botched” switch to a new courier service delivering vital legal documents, reported the London Evening Standard.

14 June

Mutualisation appeals to 16% of officials – but 69% opposed – Civil Service World

Just 16% of civil servants are interested in exploring the idea of launching a ‘mutual’ organisation, with 69% dismissing the idea, a Civil Service World survey has found.

Having a job is no guarantee of escaping poverty in modern Britain – Independent

Getting a job is no guarantee of escaping poverty in modern Britain, according to a new report by Oxfam, as new government figures are expected to show a rise in the “working poor” today, reported the Independent.

13 June

Regional jobless gap widens – Daily Mirror

A yawning north-south divide in Britain’s battered jobs market has widened, a key survey has revealed, reported the Daily Mirror.

Osborne’s regional pay plan ‘is under review’ – Daily Telegraph

Danny Alexander, the chief secretary to the Treasury, has cast doubt on George Osborne's suggestion of regional pay rates for the public sector.

12 June

First international poll by global union reveals deep mistrust of economic decision-makers – TUC

The first international public opinion polling commissioned by the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) - the Brussels-based global union representing 175 million union members across the world - shows deep uncertainty, fear and political disempowerment across half the G20 economies, six European countries and four emerging economies.

Major recruitment campaign in Northern Ireland – PCS

A major campaign to recruit and organise PCS members in Northern Ireland is being launched this week.

11 June

Vince Cable plans ‘settlement agreements’ for firms to axe staff – BBC

Business secretary Vince Cable has announced plans to make it easier for firms to remove under-performing workers in return for a pay-off, reported the BBC website.

Coastguard blocks ‘unsafe’ handover – Greenock Telegraph

Clyde Coastguards blocked 'unsafe' plans for the Belfast station to take over their operations for two days, reported the Greenock Telegraph (subscription required).

Unite accuses London transport bosses of ‘hypocrisy’ over Olympics bus workers – Union-News

A war of words has escalated between union officials and London transport bosses over bus drivers’ demands for a £500 bonus during the Olympic games, which start next month, reported the Union-News website.

10 June

Renting to be ‘way of life’ for young UK families – Observer

Price rises are blocking ownership, new study warns, with trend 'set to continue for a decade', reported the Observer.

The Spanish bank bailout: digging a deeper hole – Red Pepper

A Spanish bank bailout of up to 100 billion will worsen the country’s debt dependency and prolong austerity, writes Oscar Reyes for Red Pepper magazine.

9 June

Back to the workhouse – Guardian

In all the debate about jubilee stewards sleeping under bridges, one big fact is being overlooked – Britain's army of unpaid labour is growing bigger each month, reported the Guardian.

Tories under fire over divisive outsider who will police the police – Independent

Anger among grassroots police officers developed into a full-blown political row last night, with Labour attacking the Home Secretary Theresa May over her provocative choice of an arch-reformer as the new Chief Inspector of Constabulary, reported the Independent.

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