Internet use amongst older people subject to the North / South Divide

NEW data from Age UK reveals a North / South Divide amongst older people when it comes to using the internet, with those aged 65 and over in the South of England generally more likely to be online compared to those in the North. Older people in Tyne and Wear are the least likely in England to be online, where only 28% of people aged 65 and over report using the internet. Meanwhile older people in Surrey are the most likely to be online, where 63% of people aged 65 and over report using the internet. The research, which comes at the start of the Charity's annual ITea and Biscuits Week, also reveals that there are only four areas in England where the percentage of older people online, outnumber those who are offline. This week Age UK is running ITea and Biscuits Week to enable people who have never been online to try out technology for themselves. The research sends a clear message to the government, local authorities and businesses about internet use amongst older people, many of whom are increasingly focused on getting people to access their services online.

Commenting on the new findings, David Mortimer, Head of Digital Inclusion at Age UK, said:- "It is concerning that in some parts of the country, more than twice as many older people are able to access the benefits of being online than in other areas, particularly as there appears to be a North / South Divide around internet use amongst older people.  The reasons behind this divide are wide and varied. We know for example that women aged 75 and over who live alone are the most likely group in society to have never been online. In addition, older people with lower economic wealth, those living alone and those in relatively worse health are far less likely to be online.  We hope this data will highlight to the government, local authorities and businesses the work that needs to be done across the country to help older people to get online. More services from the private and public sectors are moving online in a bid to make significant cost savings. However if they want older people to use these services, they need to help them get online in the 1st place with tailored and on going support."

The internet can offer huge benefits to older people with recent research suggesting that those aged 65 and over online are nearly three times less likely to report being lonely than people who are offline. Being online also allows people to make savings and pursue hobbies.  The Charity is this week encouraging older people who have never been online to attend a local ITea and Biscuits Week session and is calling on people who use technology to help an older person they know to get to grips with technology. To find an event or for more information visit:- ageuk.org.uk or call:- 0800 169 20 81.  As a founder partner of Go ON UK, Age UK is part of the Go ON North East campaign launching on 1 October 2013, a programme of activity to support individuals, SMEs and charities in the North East of England to get connected.

University and UCU agree staff terms and conditions

FOLLOWING constructive negotiations, using conciliation service Acas, the University of Liverpool and the University and College Union (UCU) have reached agreement with regard to the terms and conditions of the new harmonised contract for Professional, Managerial, Specialist and Senior Administrative (PMSA) staff. The institution and the UCU are working together to agree a timetable for implementation of the contract.   A University of Liverpool spokesperson said:- "Discussions have been constructive, enabling us to implement equal terms and conditions for this group of staff. Appointments to PMSA posts enable staff to have autonomy in the organisation of workload. Because of the professional nature of this contract, mutuality of flexibility in working hours is expected on both sides."

UCU Regional Official, Martyn Moss, said:- "We were pleased to be able to sit down with representatives from the university and Acas and work together towards this outcome which is acceptable to all. Our members at the University of Liverpool are more than satisfied with the results of the negotiations which will mean their revised contracts ensure they are compensated when they put in extra hours during evenings, weekends and bank holidays."

An Acas spokesperson said:- "We are pleased we have been able to help the parties reach a negotiated settlement. We would like to thank both Liverpool University and UCU for their commitment during what have been intensive negotiations."