The current valuation of the USS pension scheme is critically important to its members, as the results may well lead to significant benefits cuts or large contribution increases. The assumptions and methods that USS have used in their valuations are causing huge amounts of controversy, and led to the biggest strike in higher education for a generation. The 'Academics for Pensions Justice' campaign, resourced through donations by 2,000 USS members, are demanding that USS provides full disclosure of the data, assumptions and modelling approach underpinning the 2017 valuation. It is imperative that those wanting to scrutinize the workings, including the Joint Expert Panel established in the wake of the strike action, are able to do so. The current lack of transparency is indefensible and should be of huge concern to all USS members, who have every right to see the workings behind any figures USS produces and need to be sure that any claims of unsustainability are put under proper scrutiny.

Until McDonalds recognise that their workers, who make their profits, are paid proper wages and enjoy proper conditions by allowing union recognition I will not buy McDonald's products.

Because the population of South Tyneside are struggling to get medical attention with shift of facilities from south shields to sunderland. The town of south shields becomes unsafe and unaccessible to live in. The elderly and chronic patients will have to shift from their beautiful town of south shields and move to sunderland to have an easy access to facilities, the town of south shields will become an unsafe place to live in specially in an emergency, the shut down of STFT will create more of unemployment, the nursing homes in south shields will have to slowly close down due to reduction of residents because who would prefer to live in a town with no access to health facilities. This is what happens to south tyneside if the departments of STFT are close down, eventually shutting down the only acute care facility in this town forever.

The whole idea of Universal benefit was to eliminate the exploitation of the poor and disadvantaged. the re-introduction of this concept is a social disgrace and it should be stopped. We should also not continue the current propaganda campaign to encourage the UK Public to blame the unemployed for our economic problems which, in reality, rest exclusively with the government.

Temporary staff are recruited to outsource. 9 out of 10 times there isn't any follow up from the agency liaising with staff to find out how they are getting on unless it's an email regarding their changes or contact by the agency changes or you yourself need to query your salary etc. Based on experience an speaking to other people that work for agencies they feel less important because once recruited they feel as though they are recruited to clean up what the permanent staff doesn't want to do and are sometimes left to be a self learner with no assessments once started. Staff enjoy the agency roles because of the flexibility and weekly income but are not listened too by the companies nor agency enough and feel that they should've atleast paid for bank holidays. E.g....If for any reason there's two bank holiday in one week staff are only paid for 3 days. A lot of staff are very committed to their jobs because this is how they feed their families but believe they/we should be paid full salary on bank holiday or half pay so that annual leave should not be considered to be used on this occasion but for other personal holiday bookings. Staff are neglected to often by agencies that are paid out a lot for their work/efforts when none of the agency staff even liaise with the workers to understand how hard working they work, what they do or upcoming issues giving agency stay a sense of belonging knowing they have full support. A lot of us are very flexible e.g. If It's summer holiday permanent staff or people without children often has priority in booking their annual leave over some of the temps when it should be the same. It's unfair an whilst am speaking from experience. Yes some agencies may be different but I do believe if this petition goes public a lot of staff will come forward with the same concerns.I believe it's happening in other agencies and we should be paid on bank holiday and be treated equal like permanent staff because we work just as hard.

We need to challenge casual racism, especially from respected figures, such as Geoffrey Boycott. Such attempts at humour, no matter where the offence takes place, undermine efforts to create a more equal society, in which respect is due to all. The BBC should apply its equality policies consistently, irrespective of how long a person has worked for them. The Black and White Minstrel Show, in which white performers appeared with blacked out faces, ended in 1978, because it was felt to be offensive and inconsistent with British values then. The BBC Code of Conduct states in Part 1.3 Treating everyone equally "We don’t tolerate discrimination of any kind, and we speak up when we see it. We’ll take disciplinary action against anyone who crosses the line, including firing them for gross misconduct, if it’s serious."

Pontefract used to be a thriving town with local and passing trade, in recent times many ships have become empty pubs closed etc, the closer of pontefract has had a detrimental effect on local establishments ,it wouldn't cost anything to re open it , If monitored could provide a fairly healthy income from otherwise non existent parking charges.

As, Carers are the lowest paid in society and do it to look after their loved ones its putting an impact on Carers financially,which is forceing them to work or deter them from claiming Carers Allowance. Putting a strain on Social Services, Health providers and the NHS. As Caring for a relative on a low income is financially constraining with DWP rulings affecting other income. A review needs to be looked into classing Carers Allowance as a income.

In a time of so many pub closures, we feel that BeerHeadz would provide a licenced premises to the area that will compliment the existing pubs/bars in the Bailgate area. If allowed to trade they'll provide employment in the area, promote Lincoln through pub tourism helping out local transport and eateries. Being free of Tie, they'll also be able to support the local brewery scene. They'll promote responsible drinking in a controlled environment, much more than the less controlled off sales from the supermarkets!

Self-employed parents are not eligible for Shared Parental Pay (ShPP). The current system of Maternity Allowance for the self-employed places the entire burden of childcare onto the mother, and offers no financial support for self-employed fathers or same-sex partners wanting to share childcare. We would like to see ShPP implemented for self-employed parents, as it would allow them more flexibility to successfully run their businesses without claiming any more money from the government than the mothers are currently entitled to. Self-employed mothers claiming Maternity Allowance have none of the legal protections afforded to employees when they go on maternity leave, so the flexibility to share childcare and stop and start their maternity pay in order to maintain their business becomes even more crucial. We believe that in 2017 gender-equality is a fundamental right, not an optional extra reserved for those in traditional employment.

I stand with all those charities and community groups that provide transport for a social purpose and community benefit. They enable people to live, learn and work independently, to stay fit and active, to access vital public services and participate in their community. This type of transport provision is Britain at its best with communities doing things for themselves and it must be cherished, protected and nurtured. I want the UK Government to work with its counterparts in the devolved nations to commit themselves to making sure that nobody suffers as a result of its proposed changes operator and driver licensing. I want them to commit to fully understanding the impact of their proposed changes so they can decide whether all this upheaval is worth it and choose another path or decide how they can support those communities most affected, especially our most vulnerable and isolated citizens.

The proposed closure of the office means relocating 250 staff outwith Coatbridge. The closure of the office will have a crushing affect of Coatbridge Main Street and other small businesses within the area. Over 50% of the staff within the office are on alternative working patterns such as school term time or compressed working days; to suit family life within the area. Staff relocation's are currently planned between September & November. The closure of this office is part of the conservatives centralization plans to remove hundreds of government offices out of small towns and place them within large hubs in cities. The campaign is headed by Hugh Gaffney MP & PCS (DWP Lanarkshire Branch)