NATS sell-off a security risk

PCS has grave concerns over the security of our skies as the chancellor, in the spending review, resurrected plans to sell off the government's share in the National Air Traffic Service.

Recent speculation over the sell-off of NATS, the UK's main air navigation service provider, became a reality when George Osborne announced that the government is going to explore the sale of its 49% shareholding in NATS in his autumn statement and spending review on Wednesday.

In 2011, the debate over such controversial plans was eventually shut down following outcry at the prospect of the UK losing control of its own airspace, potentially to an overseas owner. Both PCS and our sister union Prospect argued that a full sale would lead to greater instability with an increased emphasis on profit and short term dividends coming into conflict with NATS safety and other duties.

PCS NATS section president Jacqui Nicholls said: "If ever there was a case against the privatisation of a vital public service, it is NATS.

"Running control of the airspace for profit is a very big threat to safety and security. PCS’ NATS section will now be looking to meet in early January to relaunch our campaign to stop the sale of our skies."

From the PCS website.

Don't Bomb Syria - petition & demo

Lobby your MP to vote against UK military action in Syria. Click here.

Union action updates

• MOD: nearly 1 in 3 civilian staff to lose jobs under defence review - more info.
• HMRC: sign the petition to oppose HMRC office closures - more info.
• HMRC Bootle: have a look at the Bootle HMRC Facebook page.
• Land Registry: Government trying to sell it off again - more info and petition.
• DVSA: driving examiners strike to escalate - more info.
• Hovis closure: statement by BFAWU (Bakers Food and Allied Workers Union).
• NHS: provisional dates for junior doctors' strikes are Tue 1 Dec & Wed 16 Dec.

Members benefits news

The PCS free legal helpline

The PCS free legal helpline gives you immediate access to legal advice from one of the UK’s largest law firms, Slater and Gordon.

With more than 90 years’ experience, the firm’s reputation is built on the range of expertise offered by its partners and staff and its mission is to give people, including PCS members, easier access to world class legal services. What advice is available?

• Family law 
• Consumer law
• Criminal law 
• Probate matters 
• Neighbour disputes 
• Other legal matters (apart from employment or personal injury). 

Who can use this service? PCS members, their spouse, partner and dependent children. CALL 0800 916 9066 (service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year).

 

Save up to 55%* off your pet policy

We know your pets are like family, that’s why pet-insurance.co.uk offers hassle-free insurance that looks out for you and your loved one.

We’re proud to help pet owners secure that little extra peace of mind, so you and your best friend can look forward to the future.

Benefits include up to £4,000 in vet fees and £1.5 million public liability. With introductory and multi-pet policy discounts you could save up to 55% with cover levels starting from as little as £6.55† for dogs and £3.37† for cats, helping you cut the costs in protecting your pet.

Visit our website or give our friendly team a call on 03300 243 877.

Celebrating resilience

An exhibition organised by PCS National Gallery strikers

One year on from our last exhibition, and after 111 days of strike action, PCS National Gallery strikers have organised a new exhibition with the theme RESILIENCE. The exhibition at PCS HQ Clapham will feature work by PCS members responding to the strike, as well as pieces by campaign supporters, plus art works, banners and posters made during the strike.

Exhibition opens: Wednesday 11th November at 6.30pm in PCS HQ Clapham. Join us for an evening to celebrate our successes and our resilience

Event details on Facebook - click here.

Exhibition opening times: 12th to 22nd November, on Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm.

Venue: PCS HQ Clapham, 160 Falcon Road, London, SW11 2LN.

Directions: the PCS office is next to Clapham Junction station reached by trains every few minutes from Waterloo and Victoria.

Political Fund Ballot

ARMS members: it's nearly the deadline. Make sure you return your vote. For more info, click here.

"Unlawful, unwarranted and unworkable."

A recent anti-austerity demo

That's how Steve Cavalier, the chief executive of Thompson's Solicitors, described the Trade Union Bill to MPs on the Trade Union Bill Committee yesterday. Read more of what he said here.

Sajid Javid, the business secretary, is behind the bill that plans to ban strikes by key public sector workers unless they are supported by at least 40 per cent of all of those eligible to vote. But in May's general election, he himself was supported by just 38.3% of the 74,000 people eligible to vote in his Bromsgrove constituency. Like most Tory MPs, he wouldn't have reached the threshold he is setting for trade unions.

Every Lidl helps ...

Lidl is getting great press right now for paying local staff living wage salaries in the UK and Ireland, but did you know there's a campaign to support workers in Lidl's supply chains to get fair pay too? The company said recently that it's developing an action plan to ensure living wages are paid to workers in its supply chains, and will share details on October 27.

Every extra petition signature now could make a difference!

Please add your name to the Lidl petition and share it widely so the company continues to feel the pressure. Click here to sign.

Thank you.

Yes, they really are the nasty party

"We have become one of the most unethical nations in the West, where slick presentation, propaganda and incessant spin make their own realities."

If you need more evidence that the Tories are not just misguided but otherwise fundamentally decent people, please have a look at this article in The Independent by Yasmin Alibhai-Brown.

Pensioners pay 11% of UK income tax

It's been estimated that the average pensioner pays £3,285 each in income tax every year, giving a total of £17.5 billion a year, which represents a surprising 11% of all the income tax collected in the UK. To make things worse, there's a very real risk that many of them are paying far more income tax than they should.

Financial journalist Sarah Coles suggests five ways of cutting pensioners' income tax bills - click here.