Union helps boost local jobs for the black community

The T&G general union has been involved in a project to create employment opportunities for many local black people in Peckham in south London.

Working with the London Borough of Southwark and building contractors Laings and Countryside, on a social housing project, the T&G has ensured good employment conditions with an emphasis on training, health and safety and equal opportunities. The project is demolishing high rise blocks and building new homes.

T&G convenor on the site, Clinton McRaee said: "The T&G has changed the lives of many of the people involved in this housing project. I am able to offer a good trade union service which has led, not just to improved job prospects and training, but more people joining the union.

"Not only are we seeing the contractors taking on many young black people, but we are seeing a policy being developed of using skilled local sub-contractors. This is very good news as many of those firms are from the black community."