Disabled workers earn ₤1.50 an hour less on average than non-disabled workers

A new TUC report published on Friday, 25 May 2018, finds that the disability pay gap has increased to its highest level since 2013.

In 2017 average hourly pay for disabled workers was ₤9.90, compared to ₤11.40 for non-disabled workers; a disability pay gap of ₤1.50 an hour or ₤2,730 a year.

The disability pay gap has now reached 15%; its highest level since the UK Government began publishing comparable data using the 2010 Equality Act definition of disability in 2012/13.

There are 391,000 disabled workers in the North West (11.8% of the regional workforce). Although their individual experience of the pay gap will vary, on average they are paid significantly less per hour than their colleagues.

Other key findings on the disability pay gap are:-

► Low-paid work:- Disabled workers are more likely to work in lower paid occupations than non-disabled workers.

► Education:- Fewer disabled people have higher levels of education which may make it harder to get jobs with higher rates of pay. But even when disabled workers have the same level of education a pay gap remains.

► Gender:- Disabled women face a larger pay gap than disabled men. Compared to non-disabled men, the pay gap is 13% for disabled men and 22% for disabled women.

Working hours:- More disabled workers are part time (36.4%) than non-disabled workers (23.4%), which partly accounts for the gap.

The annual disability pay gap of ₤2,730 is equivalent to 11 months of the average household spend on food; 9 months of household average fuel and power costs; or 8 months household average transport expenditure. The gap leaves disabled workers more likely to struggle to meet everyday costs, let alone the additional costs that can be associated with being disabled, says the TUC.

TUC Regional Secretary for the North West Lynn Collins said:- "Too many disabled people face lower pay and worse jobs than their non-disabled peers. The government should reverse cuts to disability benefits, which are making it harder for disabled people in the North West to cover extra costs to get to work. And employers should talk to their disabled workers about how to make work more accessible. New rules to make bosses reveal gender pay gaps have been successful at shining a light on the problem. We think a similar law should be considered so employers publish their disability pay gap. Disabled people can get help by joining a union. Unions reps have experience negotiating with employers to get the support disabled workers need."

So what your your views on this? Does it affect you or someone you know? Please email us to:- News24@SouthportReporter.Com with your thoughts on this issue.

Christine joins the chain gang

LIVERPOOL'S new Lord Mayor Councillor Christine Banks will weigh anchor, at the Town Hall, on Wednesday, when she will be officially sworn in as the City's 1st Citizen. The former youth worker and mother of 4 will be swapping her usual job as chair of the City's Licensing Committee for the ambassadorial role of promoting Liverpool to a global audience.

City girl Cllr Banks was born and brought up in Thurlow House, Gerard Crescent, and was the eldest of 7 children. Her mother, Esther Barton, started her career in tailoring before working in the family business. Her father Frederick Barton, served in the Royal Navy and Merchant Navy before finding work as a steel erector.

During her mayoral year Cllr Banks will be using her maritime ancestry to support modern day naval workers. 1 of her chosen charities is The Liverpool Seafarers Centre. Situated in the heart of Liverpool's docklands, the centre welcomes thousands of sailors to the City each year. Cllr Banks said:- "Liverpool's seafaring history has helped to shape the City we see today. It is a thriving multicultural melting pot, unique and instantly recognisable wherever you are in the world. As a major port it is only right that we offer our famous warm welcome to anyone who arrives at our shores, which is why the work of the Seafarers Centre is so important."

Educated at St Joseph's Primary and the Bishop Goss Senior School, Cllr Banks went onto Liverpool College before graduating from John Moore's University in Youth and Social Studies.

Married to retired BT engineer Brian, the couple have children Jennifer, Michael, Gerrard and Chelsea, along with grandchildren Liliahbel, Emilia and Mason. Husband Brian will become the Mayoral Consort, while daughter Jenny will be the Lady Mayoress.

Cllr Banks worked at Vernon's Pools baths and washhouses at age 15. She was a volunteer play worker for 30 years and went on to become a part time youth worker. She eventually became a full time Youth and Community Manager in the Marybone Youth and Community Centre. She has been a community activist for more than 30 years, setting up projects across the City.

Elected to represent Central Ward in 2008 and is a member of the Port Health and Audit and Governance Select Committees.

When she's not doing her best for the people of Liverpool, Cllr Banks enjoys an active lifestyle with regular gym and swimming sessions.  She said:- "It has been my privilege to serve the City as a Councillor for the past 10 years and it is a real honour to be chosen as the new Lord Mayor. I am looking forward to a fantastic year when we can really shout about all the great things Liverpool has to offer and support some really worthy causes."

Cllr Banks' chosen charities also include:-

► The Michael Causer Foundation- Michael Causer was a young man of just 18, whose life was taken just because he was gay. The Michael Causer Foundation was set up by his parents, Marie and Mike, and Merseyside's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community.

Their aim is to provide education, motivation and accommodation for young LGBT people like their son. The foundation is pleased to be recognised and supported by the Lord Mayor in the 10th year since Michael's death. More information is available online.

► Everton in the Community- Since 1988 Everton in the Community has been at the forefront of social intervention across Merseyside, tackling issues which are prevalent on the streets of its local communities. The Charity delivers 44 programmes covering a range of social issues including health, employability, anti social behaviour, crime, education, dementia, poverty, youth engagement, youth justice and disability. The vision of Everton in the Community is:- "to be the most effective charity, both nationally and internationally, that uses sport as a tool to identify and support vulnerable people and help change lives and save lives." More information is available online.

Calling all the heroes! Southport residents asked to nominate their Brave Britons

PEOPLE in Southport are being urged to nominate the unsung heroes in their communities as part of a nationwide search to find 'The Best Of British.' For the 3rd year running Global hearing specialist Amplifon, which has a store on Lord Street, in the Town, is holding The Amplifon Awards for Brave Britons are in memory of the company's founder, 2nd World War hero Charles Holland, who was honoured for his bravery by Britain and America.

After the war the courageous veteran dedicated his life to providing better hearing for people affected by the conflict and in 1950 launched Amplifon, which has become a global company specialising in providing the best in class hearing solutions and devices.

To honour his valiant actions, The Amplifon Awards for Brave Britons will celebrate the courage and achievement of exceptional people from all walks of life, of all ages and from all over the United Kingdom.

Nominations can be made in 6 categories:- Service to their Country, Against All Odds, Hero Pet, Young Hero, Charity Champion and Active Ager, and Amplifon are keen to receive nominations from people in Southport. All those who nominate a hero will be entered into a free prize draw for a chance to win a ₤250 M&S gift card.

Emma Haouche, audiologist at Amplifon's Lord Street branch said:- "The awards celebrate the real unsung heroes in our local communities -  those truly remarkable people who are an inspiration to us all. We are looking for people who have overcome adversity to take on an exceptional challenge, staff or volunteers who have made a significant or inspirational contribution to a charity, hero pets who have transformed the lives of their owners, and former military personnel who've shown courage in the service of their country. And this year we've added 2extra categories to our awards: the Young Hero category will mark the outstanding achievements of those under 18, whilst the Active Ager award will be given to someone whose age defying antics redefine what it means to be over 60 in today's world.  If you know someone who epitomises the 'Best of British' and deserves to be recognised then we'd love to hear about them."

Closing Date is on Friday, 3 August 2018. Nominations can be made via the Amplifon website.

The winners will be unveiled by Falklands War veteran Simon Weston, who was voted Britain's greatest hero in in a 2014 poll, at a ceremony at the Army and Navy Club in London, on Tuesday, 16 October 2018.

A panel of judges will also choose an overall Hero from the category winners who will win a trip to Italy.

Farmers and landowners to play crucial role in improving air quality

THE UK Government has announced for the 1st time that "concerted action" will be taken to tackle ammonia from farming by "requiring farmers to invest in the infrastructure and equipment that will reduce emissions." Publishing the Clean Air Strategy, on 22 May 2018, the UK Government has confirmed that farmers will be supported to achieve the strategy through the new system of public money for public goods. CLA President Tim Breitmeyer said:- "Farmers and landowners can make a significant contribution to improving air quality as technology and research allows for more sustainable production systems. We welcome the opportunity to shape and deliver on this strategy. We will consider carefully the proposals that require farmers to invest in any system or new infrastructure and equipment that helps deliver sustained improvements. It is important that any scheme put in place provides genuine incentives that support farming businesses to make these changes. This means a system which provides flexibility and easy engagement for applicants alongside clear obligations for delivery."  So what your your views on this? Does it affect you or someone you know? Please email us to:- News24@SouthportReporter.Com with your thoughts on this issue.