The TUC has taken an active role in supporting the Robin Hood Tax campaign (applying a tiny tax on speculative banking transactions) and as a TUC affiliate we've been asked to join the campaign. After careful consideration, weighing-up the potential impact on Nationwide and therefore NGSU members (which we believe to be minimal) we've decided to lend our support. As an organisation operating within the financial services sector we have a responsibility to help support reform and efforts to regain public confidence in the industry.
The TUC is also running its annual campaign highlighting the problem of long working hours. We know this is something that effects many of our members at Nationwide. In particular the demands on Senior Financial Consultants to start studying for a new qualification on top of their working day is causing concern. If you're an SFC please complete our online survey below about working hours (click on the Read More link below).
The issue of work-related stress is something that we're actively monitoring through the Strategic Health & Safety Committee. It's an issue we raised last year and now risk measures monitored by the Committee are beginning to indicate that we were right to be concerned. As a result we've asked the Society to take steps to increase the awareness of stress and remind everyone of the duty of care to protect the mental and physical well-being of employees.
The recent bad weather also raised a concern about the well-being of employees. Overall we think Nationwide took a fair approach in supporting people who couldn't get into work but there were inconsistencies across the business. We've therefore asked the Society to publish more guidance on what's expected during adverse weather conditions but let's hope we won't have to refer to them too soon.
The recent snow was tiresome but of course it was nothing compared to the devastation caused by the earthquake in Haiti. A few years ago our National Conference voted to establish a charitable reserve and at the recent NEC meeting it was agreed that we should make a donation of £5,000 to the relief effort. Our donation has been made to the TUCAID fund and we'll report on the work the fund is doing later in the year.
Finally, do you work in the West Region of Retail? This is the only part of the business without a Representative on our National Executive Committee (NEC). We'd really like someone from the West to join up so that we can be sure we're hearing about the issues that affect all our members.
Best wishes
Tim Poil
General Secretary
Work Your Proper Hours Day (WYPHD) is the TUC's annual campaign to make people aware of the long hours culture. WYPHD (26 Feb 2010) is the day when the average person who does unpaid overtime finishes the unpaid days they do every year, and starts earning for themselves. Over five million people at work in the UK regularly do unpaid overtime, giving their employers £27.4 billion of free work every year.
NGSU members can save over 30% admission this February Half Term - Escape to the Alton Towers Resort this February Half-Term and enjoy an early preview of Sonic Spinball as well as a selection of the Resort's best attractions before the main season even begins!