Old Curmudgeon

@policylaila Closed in 2017 due to reduction in funding from central Government Funnily enough that was the Tories who are the only Party you have ben elected for

Your enemy arrives by private jet not a small boat. Farage literally is part of the establishment. Never Vote Reform

🚨PCS PRESS RELEASE: PCS Calls for Urgent Pause to FCDO Job Cuts after Permanent Secretary Exit The Public and Commercial Services (PCS) Union is calling for an immediate halt to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) restructuring programme following the departure of its Permanent Secretary, Sir Olly Robbins. PCS, which represents staff across the department, has consistently opposed the plans, which include cutting up to 25% of jobs, affecting approximately 2,000 staff. The union warns these reductions risk stripping the department of vital expertise at a time of growing global instability. The restructuring programme has already been criticised by the International Development Committee (IDC) as rushed and financially driven; with warnings it could damage the UK’s international capability. Despite calls from the IDC to pause the plans, Robbins refused. His departure now raises serious questions about the decisions taken under his leadership. PCS believes the scale of the proposed cuts, combined with the absence of a clear workforce plan, leaves the department exposed and risks undermining its ability to respond to international crises. FCDO members are currently being balloted for industrial action, with the ballot closing on 20 April, amid growing fears that job cuts are already affecting the department’s ability to respond to the escalating crisis in the Middle East. The union has also raised concerns about a pattern of behaviour during Robbins’ tenure, including allegations of bypassing established recruitment processes and misleading Parliament. During a Foreign Affairs Committee session Robbins stated both that he was unaware PCS was in dispute and that he had seen a letter formally notifying him of that dispute, statements PCS says cannot both be true. PCS has further criticised comments suggesting that staff who fundamentally disagree with government policy, particularly on Gaza, should consider resigning. These remarks followed a letter signed by more than 300 officials raising concerns. PCS General Secretary Fran Heathcote said: “This reckless programme of cuts must be stopped immediately. Stripping out a quarter of the workforce with no credible plan is not reform, it’s vandalism. “Staff are being pushed to breaking point while being told by the now departed Permanent Secretary, Olly Robbins, to stay silent or leave if they disagree on an issue. That is not how a modern civil service should operate. His departure provides the opportunity for a reset. “The government must now step in, halt this damaging restructure, and start listening to the workforce before lasting harm is done to the UK’s ability to operate on the world stage.” #PCS

What?

In case you're wondering why the far-right have suddenly upped their attacks on poor Brits claiming benefits, it's cos channel crossings are down.

Nigel Farage earns over a million pounds a year. Still claims £160,900 in expenses (benefits) Moans about people abusing benefits. But not himself, of course.

Lancashire to charge £20 for streaming. It will be a disaster. Surely a sponsor worth £20k a year will be more than the subscribers? I doubt 1000 will take it up.

NEW🚨| Advert promoting an AI company at Bristol Airport has been pulled after backlash.

Robert Tressell, known for his classic book "The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists" was born on 17 April 1870. Ahead of his birthday we take a look at his connection with Liverpool: sites.google.com/view/pcsmersey…

@RMTunion Members in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary will be taking industrial action tomorrow at Cammell Laird Ship Repair Birkenhead, CH41 9BP, between 08:00am and 12:00pm then 13:00pm and 15:30pm. Please join their demonstration at the "Old Drinking Fountain" opposite Cammell Laird.

A retired prison officer waiting for his pension since July was told by Capita he needed more patience and then that they’d lost his details! @POAnatchair @POAUnion tells the meeting in Parliament

Remembering all those who lost their lives on the 37th anniversary of The Hillsborough tragedy. Thoughts, love & prayers to their families, friends and everybody affected by that tragic day in 1989. They shall never walk alone. #YoullNeverWalkAlone #Hillsborough #NeverForgotten

I've been leaked a letter from the Telegraph's new owners. It's now mandatory for the Telegraph's journalists to support Israel. And their new owner's record is deeply disturbing 👇 owenjones.news/p/at-the-teleg…

With the UK economy predicted to be hit hardest by Trump's war, remember who supported it.

Trade unions demand the government deliver ‘biggest wave of insourcing’ in response to the Capita scandal. PCS supported a Trade Union Coordinating Group rally in Westminster last night alongside RMT, Equity, UCU, Napo, POA and BFAWU Read all about it: pcs.org.uk/news-events/ne… #PCS

It’s ludicrous that after Capita’s failure over civil service pensions they would be awarded another major contract - this time to run the payroll for 4 major government departments - says @FranHeathcote of @pcs_union

The Hillsborough disaster claimed 97 lives and left families to fight, for decades, for truth and justice. The Hillsborough Law, named in their honour, would ensure no other bereaved families are forced to endure the same struggle. liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool…

#JFT97 #dontbuythesun

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Today marks 37 years since the unlawful deaths of 97 men, women, and children at Hillsborough. They will never be forgotten.