Lobby of Parliament

The NUT is supporting the rally and lobby of Parliament on 22 October jointly with the NPC. (National Pensioners Convention)
The idea is for a pensioner and a working trade unionist to lobby their M.P. together.~
Mid Essex has 3 M.P.'s :-
Simon Burns, John Whittingdale and Eric Pickles.If you live in their constituency and would be willing to take part in the lobby, please contact the secretary on 01277 626321

UDA

This is the Trade Union Disability Alliance which aims to co-ordinbate the voice of disabled people in the trade union movement.To find out more visit their website on www.tuda.org.uk

Centenary of State Pension

It is a 100 years this year since the state pension was introduced. To commemorate this the NPC, (the Natiobnal Pensioners Convention) are planning a year round
series of events.
These started on January 1st with the launch of the new website.www.pension100.co.uk and a reception at the House of Commons on 23 January where the new NPC publication about the 100 years struggle will be available. In addition Kate Hoey has put forward an EDM (Early Day Motion ) The secretary has written to all our M.P.s asking them to sign it. Simon Burns , however, because he is a Junior Minister is not able to do so. Eric Pickles and John Whittingdale both support the restoration of the link with earnings
The NPC will have a fringe meeting at the Women's TUC conference in March a stand at the NUT Conference in March
To keep up to date make the website one of your favcourites.

Political Levy Vote Result

A low turn out of just 10% of the membership saw a yes vote of 73.7 % for and 26.7% against. Members should remember they can opt out but it is likely to be a short timescale allowed for this.

Lucy Lund Holiday Grants Fund

This is a small charity run by the TPS to help teachers, especially older retired teachers, in need of financial assistance for a holiday. If you, or anyone you know, would benefit from this fund please contact the secretary by email (marion.wilson@tiscali.co.uk)

Workload Campaign

School representatives should by now have received a booklet on identifying priorities and raisning concerns.
The NUT advice is to call a meeting of members in the school and use the booklet to prioritise the concerns in the school. Then meeet with other unions beforre seeking a meeting with the head to try to negotiate improvements.
The NUT is anxious that as much as possible should be done by consultation but if agreement cannot be reached contact the local association or Essex Division to process a ballot for action. This cannot be done without approval of Regional Office.

Regional office moves

The new address is Elm House, Kennett Park, Moulton Rd., Kentford, CB8 8GF, and the new phone number is 01638 555300 and the new fax number is 01638 555300

TSN launches a New Service

The telephone support service is still available but for those who would prefer it there is now a new support service.
It is now possible to get help online by logging on to the website www.teachersupport.info. This will let you try out the service by using the'Ask 1 Question' option.Support will be provided in the form of one-to-one confidential dialogue for those who sign up (for free)
The TSN is now also providing a service for retired teachers.

Travel club for the Retired

The National Pensioners Convention has launched a non - profit making travel club. It will give discounts off brochure holiday, low airfares, coach tours, car hire ferries and travel insurance.
To join phone 0845 60 60 910.

Fair Trading

National NUT is now Fairtrade and serving Fairtrade products at Hamilton House

Planning

The Union has just issued an excellent leaflet giving advice to members on short term, medium and long term planning

They say re long and medium term planning, " It is not reasonable to expect teachers to write new plans for every group or cohort of pupils. Plans can be stored and revised and, often, only minor amendment is necessary. "

They also draw attention to the range of high quality material for all primary core and foundation subjects available on the Internet, including Teachernet (www.teachernet.gov.uk/Useful_Lesson_Plans_And_ Resources )
Schemes of work identical to those published by QCA are available on the Standards Site (www.standards.dfee.gov.uk/schemes/)

Welcome to all Student members

Members of the Mid Essex committee attended the Freshers Fayre at APU last week together with Hilary Bucky, the Regional Officer, to sign up students currently on teaching courses at APU. Hilary is seen below with some of the new recruits.

All student members are most welcome to attend any of our meetings. Check out what is coming up by clicking onto the Meetings page.

Essex Stressline

Access to the Essex Sressline has been improved.
You should already have a poster in your school showing the new freeline number 0800 5870014. You should also have been given your own personnal stressline card which is credit card size.Please let me know if this is not the case.
Don't forget that you can phone up at any time if you need help, which is strictly confidential.

Useful TSN numbers

Welfare helpline 0207554 5222, for those coping with serious illness, disability or a family crisis.
Teacherline 08000 562 561 for counselling and advice for working teachers, related to personal or work problems
Retired Teachers 0207554 5208 for help with residential accommodation etc.

Tackling Stress

LEGAL SERVICE for members