The government is threatening to change firefighters’ pension schemes, meaning all members will pay more, work longer and still get less. Pay more Before 2010, firefighters already contributed one of the highest proportions of their salary towards their pensions (11%), and in April this year it increased for the third year running. Firefighters typically now pay over £4,000 a year from a £29,000 salary, and the government has announced they will impose another increase in 2015. Work longer Firefighters will be expected to work until they are 60 however the government’s own report by Dr Tony Williams, published in December 2013, recognises that two thirds (66%) will not meet the current fitness standard. Firefighters, who are forced to retire at 55 due to a natural decline in fitness, could lose up to half of their pension or face the sack. Get less Firefighters will only receive the full pension they signed up for if they work for 40 years in the service which given current retirement and fitness rates is unlikely for the majority of firefighters.

It will put money in the Treasury's coffers as well as ending a deep unfairness

We, the undersigned members of Unite, were disappointed by Unite's decision, announced on 2 July 2014, to urge the Labour Party to commit to holding a referendum on the UK’s membership of the European Union.[1] We believe this decision by Unite's Executive Council was a mistake. It does not reflect our wishes, it was taken without consulting Unite's members, and it demonstrates race-to-the-bottom politics. We believe the UK should remain a member of the EU because membership enhances UK workers' rights, including via the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.[2] We believe the best way to ensure the UK remains a member of the EU is for political parties to reject referendum calls and instead make the case for continued membership. With no referendum, there would be no risk of the UK exiting the EU. We note that the Conservative Party rejected the Charter when previously in power, and that it is only thanks to the Labour Party that it covers UK workers.[3] We note that because the Conservatives have committed to a parliamentary vote in favour of an in/out referendum on the EU, the only realistic prospect of avoiding such a referendum and saving the Charter is for the Labour Party and the Liberal Democrats to commit themselves against such a vote.[4] The Liberal Democrats have already done this.[5] We emphasise that neither this petition, nor the act it requests, brings any injury to or discredit upon Unite or any member of Unite. On the contrary, the act requested would strengthen Unite by demonstrating Unite's commitment to the EU's protection of worker's rights, and would help to forge a Labour Party that will provide a real alternative to the Conservative Party in opposition and at the next General Election. REFERENCES: [1] http://www.unitetheunion.org/news/unite-urges-labour-party-to-hold-eu-referendum/ [2] http://ec.europa.eu/justice/fundamental-rights/charter/index_en.htm https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Charter_of_Fundamental_Rights_of_the_European_Union&oldid=614017036#Legal_status [3] http://socialrights.net/community-charter-of-fundamental-social-rights-of-workers/ [4] http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/may/02/david-cameron-eu-referendum-pledge-disaster [5] http://www.libdems.org.uk/european_election_manifesto_2014 Image source and license: https://secure.flickr.com/photos/skuds/3736995016/

GCHQ are taking away our freedoms and rights to privacy. Collecting masses of data that will undoubtably be leaked in the future. All of UK citizens privacy is now at risk!

Sepp Blatter has expressed concern about the safety of the players playing in 50 degree heat. There has also been concern about the shady way Qatar - one of the World's richest countries - has obtained the right to host the world cup. But no-one seems to have expressed concern that there are already over 1200 dead migrant workers building the British designed stadiums that we are all supposed to be enjoying in 8 years time. This is not on. There are reports that workers, who have travelled from India, Nepal and Sri Lanka, are living in slave like conditions and earning as little as 45p an hour. The ITUC has based the estimate on current mortality figures for Nepalese and Indian workers who form the bulk of Qatar's 1.2 million-strong migrant workforce, the large majority of whom are builders. While it admits that the cause of death is not clear for many of the deceased – with autopsies often not being conducted and routine attribution to heart failure – it believes harsh and dangerous conditions at work and cramped and squalid living quarters are to blame. Workers described forced labour in 50C heat, employers who retain salaries for several months and passports making it impossible for them to leave and being denied free drinking water. The investigation found sickness is endemic among workers living in overcrowded and insanitary conditions and hunger has been reported. Thirty Nepalese construction workers took refuge in the their country's embassy and subsequently left the country, after they claimed they received no pay. It it simply an affront to humanity that Qatar is to host the world cup and an utter disgrace that no-one in the world of football seems to care. We need to show the FA and FIFA and their sponsers that we the people care about these issues and this is not OK. It is not Ok that there are already 1200 dead workers building the stadiums. We need to show that we care about these workers and their families and that what once was a beautiful tournament is fast becoming a giant corporate money machine that has no regard for even the very people that make it happen. That number again, 1200 dead workers. And there's 8 years to go.

We are pleased to inform everyone that DBT is now available to those in Derby City. All Derby City and Derby County psychological services are now under the same bracket and receive funding from the same pot, so DBT is no longer classed as an external service. This means that Derby City residents with BPD can be referred for an assessment for the service via their CPN or psychiatrist. This change has been in progress for a while now, and would have happened despite our campaign. Nevertheless, as a result of this campaign many more people will now be aware of the treatment and that this service is available. More importantly, we have raised awareness of BPD and that there is hope for those with the condition. Breaking down stigma surrounding BPD is what Borderline is all about, and thanks to the campaign and the support of Unite the Union, especially the Derby Unite Community Branch, have certainly helped to do this. We would like to thank everyone who has been involved, as you have all played a big part in making this happen. Once again, thank you!!

This 4 year old child is shown, named, along with his parents and home town. What long-term effects is this likely to have on the child? http://www.theguardian.com/media/2014/jul/29/the-sundevil-satan-boy-outrage-chest

Peter Nelson, who formerly run Crystal Commissions in the town centre, erected this memorial in tribute to his late wife, Angela, and also as a gift to the town he has called home for so many years, and the town he has provided invaluable services to from his business. Given the history of the slag bank, being built upon what was formerly known as Chapel Hill, and the location, many people in the area think this is a wonderful tribute and should be allowed to remain. The full story can be read here: http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/491978/Widow-puts-up-statue-of-Crucifixtion-in-tribute-to-late-wife (Photo credit: John Harkness)

One of my cats was recently run down and killed and thanks to a lady passing in a bus who went back and took him to the local vet i was informed about it. Although this news is extremely upsetting at least I got to take him home and have him buried properly. I'm not a mad cat woman but i considered him to be one of my family and i miss him to bits.

As we have seen in recent exposures regarding racism, just 1% of these complaints were upheld, can we really believe that 99% of those complaints were untrue? This is also reflected in many other complaints. Very few appeals, when made, are also upheld. it is common sense not to allow public bodies to investigate themselves. Let us have truly independent complaint investigations for everyone who feels they have a complaint regarding the police, that is only fair for those people who have suffered unfair treatment at the hands of the Police. Even the IPCC itself has been critical of local police forces investigating themselves stating:'Police forces are still failing to respond to far too many of the public’s complaints despite improvements made to the complaints system in 2004 and additional guidance issued by us to forces back in May last year'. They also criticised the time it takes for complaint to be dealt with, which is on average 6 months! Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2075045/Police-failing-investigate-thousands-complaints-officers-6-10-appeals-upheld.html

For all the right reasons it needs to happen to demonstrate how safe it is to the british public

The interest of the general public should be the sole motive of government. If other motives exist, these should be publicly known.