433,000 workers have insecure jobs in the North West, says TUC

NEW analysis published on Thursday, 10 May 2018, by the TUC finds that 433,000 workers in the North West are in insecure work. This is 12.7% of the Regional workforce. As well as economic hardship and disruption to family life, many workers in the 'gig economy' are denied key workplace rights, including:-

► Protection from unfair dismissal.

► Family friendly rights.

► Rights to be represented by a trade union.

Bosses are falsely labelling staff as:- self employed, outsourcing work to agencies or using zero hours contracts to drive down costs and dodge their employment and tax responsibilities, says the TUC.

Agency and zero hours staff can he hired and fired at will and have no right to return to their job after having a baby. And 'gig economy' workers forced into bogus 'self employment' by their boss are not guaranteed the national minimum wage, paid holidays or sick pay.

TUC Regional Secretary for the North West Lynn Collins said:- "Every worker deserves fair pay, decent rights, and a voice at work. But too many are stuck in jobs with bosses who treat them like disposable labour. We need a new deal for working people in the North West so that every worker gets respect, and every job is a good job. The Government must crack down on shady business models that exploit workers. No more zero hour contracts. No more bogus self employment. And no more using agency workers to undercut permanent staff. As we seen last year, nearly ½ of all new jobs created in the Region were in insecure work. Workers deserve so much better. That's why working people from the North West will be travelling to London on Saturday for the TUC's 'A New Deal for Working People' demonstration."

The TUC's national march and rally for 'A New Deal for Working People' takes place, on Saturday, 12 May 2018. Thousands of people are expected to attend from across the UK. Assembly is from 11am at Embankment. The march will commence at 12noon and will culminate in a rally at Hyde Park at which Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn will speak.

The best alternative afternoon teas in Liverpool

RESTAURANTS across the City are coming up with innovative new ways to turn the typical experience completely upside down on its head.  From Gatsby style soirees, to flamboyant drag queens and samba dancers, please find below details of some of the best alternative afternoon teas on offer in Liverpool.

► The Royal Afternoon Tea at 30 James Street.   -  Saturday, 19 May 2018 - With Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding just around the corner, 30 James Street will be inviting guests to join them for an afternoon tea fit for the Queen, complete with a live showing of 1 of the most highly anticipated events of year. With bubbles on arrival and an assortment of mouth watering cakes, sandwiches and other delicacies, guests will be able to feast like royalty in the beautiful surroundings of 30 James Street, also known as 'home of the Titanic.' The event will take place in the stunning White Star Grand Hall, and also feature a spectacular singer to set the mood as guests toast to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on their special day.

► 1920's Gatsby Afternoon Tea at The Cunard.  -  Saturday, 9 June 2018 at 1.30pm - Situated on Liverpool's iconic water front, The Cunard is inviting guests to join them for a 1920's inspired afternoon tea for the 1st time, in 1 of the City's most glamourous venues. Guests can be transported back in time to the roaring twenties, and spend the afternoon quaffing bubbles and sampling an array of delicate finger andwiches, sweet treats, pastries and freshly baked scones. Fizz will be provided on arrival to kick start the festivities, with the opulent surroundings and live entertainment providing the perfect atmosphere for an afternoon of revelry and merry making.

► Mad Hatter Afternoon Tea at The Shankly Hotel.  -  Saturday, 30 June 2018 and Sunday, 30 September 2018 - This Summer, sweet toothed cake lovers are invited to enjoy an unforgettable afternoon tea, like no other. Taking place on 2 dates only, the talented team behind The Shankly Hotel are inviting guests to join them for the amazing Mad Hatter Afternoon Tea. Taking place in the stunning Garden of Eden rooftop venue, guests will be greeted by a mad mob of crazy characters, taken from their favourite literary worlds. The adult only event will take party goers to a vibrant, colourful and topsy turvy wonderland, complete with delicious food, an eclectic mix of music, and unforgettable performances. The Garden of Eden will be bursting with creative décor, with 3 fabulous drag queens posing as extravagant Alice in Wonderland characters, creating an extraordinary afternoon tea experience.

► Alma de Cuba's Samba Afternoon Tea.  -  Every Saturday from 2pm to 4pm - Alma de Cuba's Samba Afternoon Tea invites guests to dine in true Brazilian style whilst enjoying an enthralling performance from the talented Samba Dancers. With a delicious new menu launching this month, diners can now enjoy an indulgent feast of delicate Mojito Macarons, Orange Polenta cake with mascarpone cream, Chocolate Chilli tart, and a zingy lemon and lime meringue tart; a menu sure to sate even the most discerning palates. With the up beat music and beautiful vibrant costumes, this Samba loving soiree is the perfect event to start the weekend.

Liverpool Running Club 5 Mile Race
Report by Thomas William Davis.

IT was that time of year again, the honorary Liverpool Running Club pleased a warm crowd along with a plethora of running clubs, making it a fantastic local scene. Directed by Jo Moody, it's been a success for numerous Liverpool running club members like Penny Lane and Kirby Milers. The event contained lots of runners who have had many successes across the globe.

Training for any event like this requires focus and commitment without taking away the fun aspect. For many, this type of event is integral to the community and precious to the running club itself. It's a chance for a variety of people to come together and run a race.

This is Liverpool Running Club's feature race and what better way to start the local running club events calendar, but with a 5 mile race that would suit varying levels of runners.

The race is held at Walton Park, near Bootle on a Tuesday every year. Long serving Liverpool Running Club member, Kenny R Worrall, who said:- "The course is a fast course with one smaller lap followed by two longer laps. The longer laps have a short incline at approximately the midway point."

Course record holder in the veteran, aged 45 and over, category and legendary racer Tony Wilcox said:- "in this type of race you've got to run your own race and not get carried away."

The race had sold out prior to the day, and umpteen running clubs attended all celebrating in groups for photos afterwards. The race is extremely well marshalled and very well facilitated.

It's an unusual distance between that of 5k and 10k, but far enough for it to be considered Long Distance. Liverpool Running Club member, Kenny R Worrall added:- "Historically the race event was on a Sunday, however it was changed to Tuesday evenings about 30 years ago."

Liverpool Running Club is based out of Walton Park on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and is affiliated with the UK England Athletic's association. Congratulations to all competitors, the results can be found on the Run Britain website.

For more information and if you're looking to join a well established running club, visit the website.

Transport for the North welcomes Transpennine launch for Digital Railway Strategy

THE North's most famous railway City was selected as the launch venue for a major new announcement on the future of the railways on 10 May 2018, when the Secretary of State for Transport, the Rt Hon Chris Grayling MP, and Network Rail's Chief Executive Mark Carne chose York to announce plans to make Britain's railways 'digital.' They launched Network Rail's Digital Railway Strategy and committed to ensuring all new trains and signalling are digital or digital ready from 2019.

Making the announcement, the Secretary of State confirmed that he wants the country's 1st digitally controlled InterCity railway to be the North's Transpennine route, between Manchester and York.

The Government has earmarked ₤5 million for Network Rail to develop proposals for embedding digital technology between Manchester and York, as part of the ₤3 billion upgrade of the route starting next year.

Transport for the North's Northern Powerhouse Rail Director Tim Wood said:- "We have been closely liaising with the Government on the future development of the Transpennine route which is a vital link between east and west and part of a much wider plan to revolutionise rail travel in the North of England. We welcome the fact that the North will be taking a lead in the implementation of this new technology which will lead to faster and more reliable train services for everyone."

Transport for the North is currently working with the Department for Transport on the Strategic Outline Business Case for the Northern Powerhouse Rail network which will further improve rail services in the North of the Country by linking the Region's 6 major City Regions and its largest airport with faster, more frequent high capacity services and which would be fully digital when completed to align with the Government's strategy.

 Mr Wood commented that:- "Digital rail technology is just 1 of the pieces in the jigsaw in transforming the capabilities of our railways.  What will really make the difference is the application of a 'guiding mind' to join many different initiatives together and efficiently implement a long term plan which can give confidence to rail users and the businesses and industries that will grow and develop around the revitalised rail network."

Transport for the North, which launched its draft Strategic Transport Plan earlier this year, and which last month became England's 1st sub national Transport Authority, has developed a long term vision for the Region's railways which will see a rolling programme of investment through to 2050 and which has the potential to create 850,000 additional jobs and add an additional over business as usual ₤100 billion to the UK economy.

Mr Wood also told the media that:- "This announcement should be seen in the context of a much wider vision.  It's a vision which makes the best use of existing, upgraded and new rail infrastructure and which makes full use of smart technologies; not just signalling; but ticketing too, so we can change the way people see rail travel and move much more freely within a thriving and developing economy."

When the new digital rail technology that is being introduced on the Transpennine route, it will:-

► Safely allow more trains to run per hour by running trains closer together.

► Allow more frequent services and more seats.

► Cut delays by allowing trains to get moving more rapidly after disruption.

► Enable improved mobile and wi-fi connectivity.

This l technology will ultimately allow passengers to make the most of their travel time and communities close to the railway can connect more easily.

Chris Grayling, Transport Secretary, said:- "We are investing in the biggest modernisation of our railway since Victorian times to deliver what passengers want to see; faster, more reliable and more comfortable journeys. Passenger numbers have doubled in recent years; which means we need to invest in new technology to help deliver the reliable and frequent trains that passengers want. Investing in a railway fit for the 21st Century will help the UK become a world leader in rail technology, boosting exports and skills. As we celebrate the Year of Engineering, this is a chance to show young people how digital innovation is opening doors to careers that will shape the future of travel."

Digital rail technology will ensure the best use is made of the almost ₤48 billion being invested in maintenance, modernisation and renewal on the rail network between 2019 and 2024, which includes:- new and replacement signalling. The Government has also earmarked ₤450 million specifically for digital railway schemes.

Mark Carne, chief executive, said:-  "Not since the railway transformed from steam to diesel in the 1960's has a technological breakthrough held such promise to vastly improve our railway for the benefit of the millions of people and businesses who rely on it every day. The age of a digital railway has today moved from the drawing board and into reality as we reveal a blueprint that will improve the lives of millions of passengers and freight users across the country. Today's commitment is to adopt and roll out new digital technology, for both trains and track, that will deliver faster more frequent services for passengers and businesses alike, giving our economy a massive boost. Digital signalling will mean drivers are provided with real time information about the network and the location of other trains. They will no longer have to rely on signals by the side of tracks, which will mean fewer train services held up, reducing stop starting. And in the event of disruption, the digital railway will advise signallers of the best option to get services back to normal and help the network recover more quickly."

The roll out of digital signalling on the UK network is already underway. The technology is assisting drivers as part of the Thameslink Programme upgrades and the rail industry will fit 200 trains with digital signalling technology by the end of 2018. Crossrail will use in cab signalling to deliver more trains and seats East-West through London.