Unions join calls for alternatives to Port of Liverpool Access Road

TRADE unions have unanimously passed a motion at the TUC's North West conference calling on the Executive to support efforts to progress non-road alternatives to port access. The motion was put forward by Prospect; a union with over 150,000 members across a range of professions, including engineers, scientists, managers and civil servants.

It acknowledged that the expansion of the Port of Liverpool could bring benefits to the Liverpool City Region, but noted that it was:- "deeply concerned" that the UK Government chose to appoint National Highways, leading to the current road proposal. The motion stated that the plan:- "does not sit well with the (TUC's) green agenda and the pursuit of NetZero" and that the loss of Rimrose Valley Country Park would be:- "a devastating blow" to the borough of Sefton.

It added that:- "alternative solutions would create long term high-quality jobs." Such alternatives could include the pioneering freight pipeline, put forward by Sefton Council's 2020 ARUP report. It concludes with an action for the Executive to engage with campaigners, Sefton Council, local MPs, the LCR's Metro Mayor and the Department of Transport on the issue.

Jez Stewart, National Secretary at Prospect said:- "As a resident of South Sefton and a regular user of Rimrose Valley, I was keen to put forward this motion and I am delighted that it was passed unanimously at conference, having been seconded by our sister union, PCS. It has now been formally adopted as TUC North West policy and I look forward to seeing them support efforts to secure a better outcome for Sefton residents and the environment. The motion acknowledges the importance of the Port of Liverpool, but its expansion cannot come at any cost. It is fantastic that conference agreed with this position."

Responding to the latest development, Stuart Bennett of Save Rimrose Valley said:- "We've known for some time that many union members supported our campaign, but having official backing is a fantastic endorsement and represents a significant breakthrough. We need forward thinking solutions to port infrastructure which urgently address the climate emergency AND reduce the impact of port related HGV traffic on our communities. Our friends and neighbours all along the A5036 are suffering today. You don't solve a problem by simply shifting it elsewhere. We need fresh ideas and a vision for a better future. We are looking forward to working with TUC North West on this and can't wait to get started."

UK's digital watchdogs take a closer look at algorithms as plans set out for year ahead

THE Digital Regulation Cooperation Forum (DRCF) has published its annual report, its workplan for the year ahead and 2 papers on algorithms with a call for comments.

Every day, we access services that process data using a wide variety of automated systems. This "algorithmic processing" is commonplace and often beneficial, underpinning many of the products and services we use in everyday life. However, algorithmic systems pose significant risks if used without due care.

Regulators need to work together to articulate the nature and severity of these risks and take measures to mitigate them. The four digital watchdogs; the Competition and Markets Authority, Financial Conduct Authority, Information Commissioner's Office and Ofcom; has invited views on what more is needed from regulators and where industry should step up.

The DRCF workplan for 2022/23 includes projects that will help to tackle some of our biggest digital challenges, including:-

►  Protecting children online.

►  Promoting competition and privacy in online advertising.

►  Supporting improvements in algorithmic transparency.

►  Enabling innovation in the industries we regulate.

ALDI donates 8,152 meals to Merseyside's charities over the Easter School holidays

ALDI helped local charities in Merseyside provide over 8,150 meals to people in need over the Easter School holidays. The supermarket paired its stores up with local charities, community groups and food banks to donate surplus food, making the most of unsold fresh and chilled food throughout the Easter period.

Around 105 tonnes of food were donated throughout the UK, with more than 187,000 meals expected to be donated to causes focused on supporting families and children.

The donations followed research from Aldi and community giving platform Neighbourly which found that 99% of food banks in the North West have seen demand soar since the start of the year.

Neighbourly recently polled more than 700 food banks and community causes nationwide and found that an estimated 31% of people using these services in the North West in recent months have been new to the food banks.

On average, food banks in the Region reported an average rise in demand of around 30% for their services so far this year, with expectations of further increases of around 32% in the next three months as higher energy bills and an increase in national insurance contributions add to the pressure.

Liz Fox, Corporate Responsibility Director at Aldi UK, said:- "The School holidays can be a busy time for the local charities and organisations we support, but especially in the current climate, food banks are experiencing even greater demand than usual. We're proud to support so many good causes in Merseyside helping them to provide meals to those in need over the recent School holidays."

Steve Butterworth, from Neighbourly, added:- "The findings of our latest survey highlight that the cost-of-living crisis is clearly deepening, with families and households up and down the country really starting to feel the pinch and turning to charities and local causes for support as a result. During what is a hard time for everyone, anything people can do to give back in the coming weeks will make all the difference."

Aldi has community donation points in stores nationwide to help those in need, and is encouraging customers to help in any way they can. According to its poll with Neighbourly, products that are most in demand at local community groups include tinned food, tea and coffee, UHT milk, toiletries, and household cleaning products.