Today's job figures reveal people a huge increase in the number of long-term unemployed workers across the North East over the last year, with the biggest jump among young people looking for work. During the last year the numbers of workers requiring jobseekers allowance almost doubled among 25-49 year olds and those aged 50 and older. However among 18-24 year olds the number of long-term unemployed has increased fivefold during the last twelve months.
Responding to the latest unemployment figures published today (Wednesday) by the Office for National Statistics, TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said:
Age UK, the TUC and Which? have issued a joint statement saying that they are “extremely concerned” by the approach to dealing with pension small pots in the government's consultation response published today (Tuesday).
The latest Pension Trends statistics, published today (Tuesday) by the Office for National Statistics, show that the number of people saving in a contract based defined contribution (DC) pension scheme through their workplace has overtaken the number saving in a trust based DC scheme this year.
In the aftermath of the problems that afflicted London's World Pride earlier this month, community groups and LGBT trade unionists have confirmed their support for a national Pride to be held in central London, an event that is free and accessible to all, and a celebration as well as a demand for equality.
Commenting on the latest inflation figures published today (Tuesday) by the Office for National Statistics – which show that CPI inflation fell to 2.4 per cent and RPI inflation fell to 2.8 per cent in June – TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said:
Long-term unemployment is at crisis levels and getting worse, even as the rest of the labour market improves, the TUC warns today (Tuesday) ahead of the latest unemployment figures published tomorrow.
Responding to the World Economic Outlook published today (Monday) by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which has slashed its growth forecast for the UK economy to just 0.2 per cent in 2012 (from 2.3 per cent in its June 2011 forecast) and 1.4 per cent in 2013, TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said:
There is no evidence that the pay of teachers, nurses and dinner ladies is preventing local firms from hiring staff, and government plans to introduce regional pay rates for public servants could cost the economy almost £10 billion a year, according to a report published by the TUC today (Monday).
Responding to the announcement today (Friday) that the government is to introduce fees for employment tribunals, TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said:
“It is vital that working people have fair access to justice, but introducing fees for tribunals will deter many – particularly those on low wages – from taking valid claims to court. Many of the UK's most vulnerable workers will simply be priced out of justice.