Details of which Southampton schools will be open on Thursday and which will be closed as result of the national schools strike can be found HERE.
Well done to all those schools that are able to stay open. I know many schools are thinking creatively about how best to manage the school day and how to make curriculum changes to deal with some staff striking.
It is important that the impact on children and their families is minimised by the action.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Striking Staff Offered A Payrise
In a bid to end industrial action in Southampton the City Council last week offered to exempt all staff earning £22,000 or less from pay cuts and ensure a £250 payrise for those earning £21,000 or less.
The offer forms part of a 10 point plan put to the unions. Sadly the unions bosses have refused to put the proposals to their members, despite claiming that 7 out of the 10 proposals were their ideas!
Union bosses seem more interested in striking for political reasons rather than seeking the best deal for staff and their members in difficult financial times.
The offer forms part of a 10 point plan put to the unions. Sadly the unions bosses have refused to put the proposals to their members, despite claiming that 7 out of the 10 proposals were their ideas!
Union bosses seem more interested in striking for political reasons rather than seeking the best deal for staff and their members in difficult financial times.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Local Residents Should Not Be Put In The Front Line Of A National Trade Union Campaign
As Southampton enters a fourth week of union strike action, every effort must be made to resolve the dispute and get services back to normal.
This coming Thursday will see a fifth negotiation meeting between the City Council and trade unions. Compromise is needed from both sides and the focus has to be on protecting front line services to residents and protecting jobs.
With the unions set to hold a major rally in city tomorrow it is important not to let national disagreements cloud the debate. We have to sort out our problems here in Southampton and putting local residents in the front line of a national dispute between trade unions and the government is not fair.
This coming Thursday will see a fifth negotiation meeting between the City Council and trade unions. Compromise is needed from both sides and the focus has to be on protecting front line services to residents and protecting jobs.
With the unions set to hold a major rally in city tomorrow it is important not to let national disagreements cloud the debate. We have to sort out our problems here in Southampton and putting local residents in the front line of a national dispute between trade unions and the government is not fair.
Debating with the trade unions on the Politics Show
Saturday, June 11, 2011
We Need Local Police Stations in Southampton
Hampshire Constabulary are looking to close Portswood and Shirley police stations within the next 2 years. The closures are part of a wider programme to reduce the number of police buildings across the county, which might also see the police offices in Hulse Road close. The changes also reflect the fact that Southampton’s new city centre police HQ has recently opened.I am campaigning to keep local police stations in our districts. It’s vitally important that local beat police are based in the area and that people can report crimes locally.
I was pleased to be able to secure a commitment from the Chief Constable that alternative local police stations would be put in place before any closures and that local beat police and PCSOs would be based there. These police stations need front desks too and I am fighting for a cast iron commitment from the police on this issue.
Monday, June 06, 2011
Friday, June 03, 2011
Save our Heart Unit
Like the majority of residents from Southampton I was extremely concerned to learn that the children’s heart surgery unit at Southampton General Hospital could close.
Losing the Ocean Ward would be a terrible loss to Southampton. It would mean that patients from Portsmouth, the Isle of Wight and the Channel Islands would have to travel to either London or Bristol for treatment; creating extra financial pressure on families, at a time that is already extremely emotional and stressful.
In a recent independent report by Sir Ian Kennedy, Southampton’s Heart ward was ranked second best in the country. It performs first class life saving procedures for hundreds of young children and babies in the South of England every year. Losing this ward could have huge consequences for those parents and children who depend on the dedication and expertise the Ocean Ward provides to their family.
Four options have been proposed by the NHS, three of which put Southampton’s Heart Unit in danger of being closed.
The Safe and Sustainable review itself says that option which includes Southampton (Option B):
- is the best option for retaining centres ranked highest for quality;
- includes the centres that are best for research and innovation;
- Would also protect vital intensive care services.
It’s quite simple; I, like you believe that patients deserve nothing less then very best in care. The ward is a leading centre for specialised treatment and is rated 2nd best in the country in its field. It makes absolutely no sense to close this much needed service. I would urge everyone to support the campaign to help keep the Ocean Ward open.
This campaign certainly has Southampton City Council’s support.
Register your view
The consultation survey is the only official way for the public to have their say and save our heart unit.
The survey can be completed online or you can request a paper copy by calling 020 7025 7520 or emailing nhsspecialisedservices@grayling.com
For help filling in the survey, see these guidance notes.
Losing the Ocean Ward would be a terrible loss to Southampton. It would mean that patients from Portsmouth, the Isle of Wight and the Channel Islands would have to travel to either London or Bristol for treatment; creating extra financial pressure on families, at a time that is already extremely emotional and stressful.
In a recent independent report by Sir Ian Kennedy, Southampton’s Heart ward was ranked second best in the country. It performs first class life saving procedures for hundreds of young children and babies in the South of England every year. Losing this ward could have huge consequences for those parents and children who depend on the dedication and expertise the Ocean Ward provides to their family.
Four options have been proposed by the NHS, three of which put Southampton’s Heart Unit in danger of being closed.
The Safe and Sustainable review itself says that option which includes Southampton (Option B):
- is the best option for retaining centres ranked highest for quality;
- includes the centres that are best for research and innovation;
- Would also protect vital intensive care services.
It’s quite simple; I, like you believe that patients deserve nothing less then very best in care. The ward is a leading centre for specialised treatment and is rated 2nd best in the country in its field. It makes absolutely no sense to close this much needed service. I would urge everyone to support the campaign to help keep the Ocean Ward open.
This campaign certainly has Southampton City Council’s support.
Register your view
The consultation survey is the only official way for the public to have their say and save our heart unit.
The survey can be completed online or you can request a paper copy by calling 020 7025 7520 or emailing nhsspecialisedservices@grayling.com
For help filling in the survey, see these guidance notes.
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