News

Firefighters' dispute ends as detailed talks continue (537 words)

The fire service pay dispute is over, although talks about many of the details go on. ...

Action continues over London weighting (327 words)

The long-running dispute in local government over London weighting has led to further strike action. ...

Code sets out privacy rules (224 words)

A new code of practice for employers warns that employees are entitled to expect a degree of privacy in the workplace, and sets limits ...

Pension proposals offer more protection but at a cost (257 words)

Last month the government announced new measures to provide greater protection to occupational pension schemes. ...

Report backs national rail bargaining (235 words)

A report published by train drivers' union ASLEF argues that a more integrated approach to collective bargaining on the railways would be in the ...

Topping up your state pension contributions (886 words)

If people aren't already worried about their pensions, there was further cause for concern earlier this year over state pension entitlement. Back-up outlines the ...

Union news

Two new union leaders join independent squad (210 words)

The general secretary elect of the T&G general union, Tony Woodley, will in practice take up his position at the helm of the union ...

Amicus "yes" for political fund (111 words)

Members of the giant Amicus general union have voted to retain their political fund, in a campaign where references to the union's affiliation to ...

Union for broadband (69 words)

Trade unions are still needed in the modern workplace, according to the CWU communications union, which achieved a strong vote in favour of recognition ...

Finance union merger (40 words)

Finance union UNIFI moved closer to a merger with general union Amicus after delegates at its annual conference rejected calls to slow down the ...

Unions hold back from Party split (299 words)

Most unions appear to be drawing back from a serious financial break with the Labour Party, judging by the voting at recent delegate conferences. ...

European news

Italy faces further strikes (114 words)

Last month saw the start of a wave of separate strikes in Italy with walkouts in both newspapers and airlines. ...

UK blocks equal pay for agency workers (320 words)

The UK government joined with three other governments last month to block progress on a European directive which would have improved protection for temporary ...

French and Austrians continue protests (356 words)

Massive protests against government proposals on pensions continued last month in both France and Austria. ...

Features

Crown bodies - the untouchables (1488 words)

Over half a million public servants work for employers that can never be prosecuted for health and safety breaches. Unions are calling for an ...

Two cheers for gay-bias rules (1845 words)

Unions and campaigners have welcomed new rules outlawing discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation. But they are angry over the exemption for religious organisations, ...

NHS deal gets nervy welcome (1836 words)

Most health workers have said "yes" to the sweeping new NHS pay system, Agenda for Change. But Labour's talk of regionalised pay and foundation ...

Labour's identity crisis (1448 words)

Another government has another proposal to introduce identity cards. But the reasons such plans have been dropped in the past - fears of racism ...

Key equality rulings produce mixed results (417 words)

Employers will no longer be able to get away with victimising ex-employees who have taken discrimination claims against them. However, neither will they be ...

Injury-to-feelings claims are limited to specific cases (200 words)

There is no right to compensation for injury to feelings in unfair or constructive dismissal cases, according to a recent Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) ...

Tribunal confirms workers' rights to paid holidays (215 words)

In a recent case the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) has confirmed that all workers, including those with contracts just to provide their services, have ...

Contractual changes (212 words)

One of my members has been told to switch from the night to the day shift. He is facing a pay cut of around ...

Maternity rights (184 words)

Our Christmas bonus scheme pays 8% of salary to every employee. Recently it has come to light that women on maternity leave only get ...

Disciplinary procedures (99 words)

Two of my members were issued with informal oral warnings that are now held on their files. In neither case were they allowed to ...

Learning reps' rights (111 words)

We understand that there are new rights for union learning reps. What are they and when do they come into force? ...

Maternity rights (129 words)

I am due to return to work after a period of 26 weeks' ordinary maternity leave. While I have been away my employers have ...

Race law may not help discrimination claims (862 words)

Later this month a new law on race discrimination comes into force. While some of its proposals have been welcomed, there are concerns that ...

Campaign week will focus on dangerous substances (198 words)

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched its campaign for European Health and Safety week, which begins on 13 October. This year's campaign ...

Unions say working hours must be cut (265 words)

Unions in the transport and manufacturing sectors want the working week cut and are prepared to take action if necessary to secure the changes. ...

Welfare workers suffer stress (71 words)

More than four fifths of workers in the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) have suffered ill health as a result of pressure of ...

Vibration white finger (89 words)

Workers suffering from vibration white finger (VWF) have submitted claims for compensation to Edinburgh city council. Public services union UNISON is backing at least ...

Risks for funeral workers (79 words)

Research by the GMB general union warns that funeral workers are at greater risk than previously thought from chemicals used in embalming. Glutaraldehyde, formaldehyde ...

Employers must tackle manual handling risks (829 words)

Many workers carry out manual handling operations at work. Back-up looks at the implications of recent court cases for how to do it safely. ...

Equality targets welcomed despite the gaps (216 words)

The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) has welcomed government targets on gender equality but argues that there are major gaps. ...

Unions want legal right to expel racists (245 words)

Trade unions are campaigning for a change to the law to allow them to expel racists and fascists. ...

Survey reveals pressures on senior black teachers (258 words)

Black and ethnic minority teachers in senior management feel they must continually prove themselves and work harder than their white counterparts, says a survey ...

Reviews

The investigator's handbook (174 words)

Centre for Public Services, 142 pages, paperback, £14.50 including postage and packaging. Only available from CPS, 1 Sydney Street, Sheffield S1 4RG ...

The economist's tale (180 words)

A consultant encounters hunger and the World Bank Peter Griffiths, Zed Books, 252 pages, hardback £49.95, paperback £15.95 ...

The accumulation of capital (153 words)

Rosa Luxemburg, Routledge, 454 pages, paperback, £9.99 ...

E-views

Eviews (272 words)

To what extent can your employer monitor your use of e-mail, internet and phones at work? ...