GENERAL ELECTION 8 JUNE
Quizzing the candidates
Prospect emailed questions to candidates in the top 25 constituencies in the UK populated with our members about issues relevant to local workplaces as well as national issues.
You’ll find the questions, and answers received so far, here.
We will keep adding candidates’ responses right up to election day and after 8 June we’ll keep up the pressure on elected MPs to carry out their pledges. (* Member log-in required)
Election web pages – www.prospect.org.uk/ge17
All of our blogs, information and guidance on the general election will be posted on a special web page – www.prospect.org.uk/ge17. You can check here regularly for the latest Prospect news about 8 June – including questions you may wish to ask of your local candidates.
ELECTION BLOGS AND NEWS
Hustings at Harwell
Prospect hosted a hustings at the Harwell science campus in Oxfordshire, chaired by general secretary Mike Clancy. Parliamentary officer Graham Stewart witnessed democracy in action.
Protect our EU migrants
Migrant scientists in Prospect came to London to hear immigration lawyer Nicola Braganza of Garden Court Chambers outline their rights as Brexit looms. Members explain their concerns in a new video and deputy general secretary Sue Ferns describes what the union is doing. Organiser Jenny Andrew blogs about why politicians must act.
In the manifestos: civil service
Beyond differences on the pay cap, the main parties’ election manifestos are light on detail about the civil service. In his blog, deputy general secretary Garry Graham expresses disappointment and outlines what Prospect wants for our members.
In the manifestos: pensions
What are the main parties are saying about the triple lock, winter fuel allowance, state pension age, pension tax relief and protecting occupational pensions? Pensions officer Neil Walsh offers an overview.
Energy and the election
Innovation, skills and regulation are what matters to the energy sector, whoever wins the election. We need a long-term vision from the next government, says deputy general secretary Dai Hudd.
Conservative silence on nuclear
The Conservative party's failure to mention nuclear energy in its manifesto is worrying, says Prospect. In a blog, general secretary Mike Clancy highlights the perfect storm casting a shadow over the nuclear industry and calls on the next government to come up with a long-term strategy for new build and clean-up.
Investing in our cultural heritage
Britain routinely punches above its weight when it comes to heritage and the arts. Find out what the three main political parties have to say in a blog about their manifestos.
Electorate deserves better on education
Education journalist Warwick Mansell highlights questionable calculations in the Conservative manifesto on schools funding and the ability of grammar schools to offer social mobility, and wonders where the money will come from for improvements promised by the other parties.
ALSO THIS MONTH
Picturehouse hardship fund
Members of Prospect’s BECTU sector employed by Picturehouse Cinemas, part of the Cineworld Group, have been taking strike action to campaign for the London Living Wage and the Living Wage for members outside London. Further strikes are planned but their hardship fund is running low and they would be grateful for any support you can give them. You can:
- donate online
- Send a cheque, payable to BECTU (write ‘Picturehouse’ on the reverse) to General Secretary’s Office, Prospect, New Prospect House, 8 Leake Street, London SE1 7NN
- or make a payment from your bank to: Bank: Unity Trust Bank; Account name: BECTU; Account number: 33045388; Sort Code: 60-83-01; Reference: Picturehouse Hardship Fund
Free PPI check for members
Payment Protection Insurance was designed to cover repayments on agreements such as loans, credit cards and mortgages but in many cases it was missold.
PPI claims management company Gladstone Brookes is offering Prospect members a free PPI check. Members who subsequently choose to make a claim through the company’s claim services will be offered a reduced fee.
More details on our website (* member log-in required).
PRACTICALITIES
Prospect Extra's energy switch
Prospect Extra’s collective energy switch is back and could save you hundreds of pounds a year on your energy bills. All you need to do is sign up at http://energyswitch.prospectextra.co.uk by 19 June. Prospect Extra will contact energy providers on your behalf and present the exclusive energy tariff back to you from 20 June. We explain how the process works here.
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