New Bill to keep Britain moving during transport strikes

THE Government has taken the 1st steps to ensure transport strikes no longer grind the country to a halt. The Transport Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill means, even during the most disruptive of strikes, a certain level of services will still run. This will allow passengers to go to work, attend School and make vital medical appointments and businesses to continue to grow the economy.

As well as the huge impact on people's day to day lives, economists have assessed that the 1st wave of rail strikes alone, in June 2022, cost the UK economy nearly £100m, putting extra pressures on business and stopping people from across the country accessing their workplace during a cost of living crisis. This law will mean businesses and passengers are no longer disproportionately and unfairly hit in the pocket through events outside of their control and the decisions of striking workers and the Unions.

The Prime Minister is delivering on her commitment to introduce the legislation within her 1st 30 parliamentary sitting days and meets a Conservative Party manifesto commitment to limit the impact strikes have on hardworking people and businesses across the country.

Prime Minister Liz Truss said:- "Hardworking people and businesses should not be held to ransom by strike action which has repeatedly crippled our transport network this year. This legislation delivers on our 2019 manifesto and will not only limit the unions' ability to paralyse our economy, but will ensure passengers across the country can rightly continue to get to work, School or Hospital."

Transport Secretary Anne Marie Trevelyan said:- "Strikes have affected nearly all of us over 2021; whether that means losing out on a day's pay at work, having to close your business, missing vital medical appointments or stopping our children from getting to School. It is vital that public transport users have some continuity of service to keep Britain moving and growing; this legislation will give everyone the certainty they need to carry on with their daily lives."

The legislation will mean:-

► A minimum service level must be in place during transport strikes; if this is not delivered, the unions will lose legal protections from damages.

► Employers will specify the workforce required to meet an adequate service level during strikes and unions must take reasonable steps to ensure an appropriate number of specified workers still work on strike days.

► Specified workers who still take strike action will lose their protection from automatic unfair dismissal.

The Bill will set out the legal framework to allow minimum service levels to not only be set across the entire transport sector, but also implemented and enforced. The specific details of how minimum service levels will apply to transport services will be set out in secondary legislation in due course after a public consultation.

The intention of the legislation is that relevant employers and unions agree a minimum service level to continue running during all strikes over a 3 month period. If such a level cannot be agreed, an independent arbitrator; the Central Arbitration Committee; will determine the minimum number of services. The Bill had its 1st Reading on Thursday, 20 October 2022. The legislation is expected to come into force on transport services across the country in 2023 and follows similar rules already in place in countries across Europe, including France and Spain.

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Dogs Trust Merseyside issues advice for owners ahead of the firework season

AS autumn approaches, firework season will soon whizz pop into our lives and for this Halloween, Diwali and Bonfire Night, Dogs Trust Merseyside is issuing advice to dog owners to help our canine companions, who might be scared by the unexpected bangs and bursts of fireworks. Georgina Lowery, Dogs Trust Merseyside Manager said:- "Dogs have approximately 4 times more sensitive hearing than humans, so the loud cracks and bangs of fireworks can often be a terrifying and confusing experience for them. Fireworks tend to be sudden, unpredictable and bright. This combination can be distressing and have a lasting impact on dogs. There are lots of things dog owners can do to help make fireworks less stressful including having a clear plan, ahead of time, to help their dog cope. Dogs will respond to fireworks in different ways, some will want to find a cosy hiding place, whilst others will want reassurance. It is important to recognise the individual needs of your dog, whilst also letting your dog do what makes them feel most comfortable."

The charity urges owners to visit its website for full guidance on how to help dogs stay safe and settled during fireworks. The top tips include:-

► Adapt your routine - To avoid taking your dog out when fireworks have started, gradually change their routine in the weeks leading up to events. For example, it may be a good idea to start walking them earlier in the day alongside gradually changing their feeding time to allow them time to exercise, eat and toilet before dark.

► Plan ahead - Ensure you are aware of any local firework displays and make arrangements so your dog is not left alone. Prepare their environment in advance, close curtains, turn on the lights, and turn on the television or some music to help block the outside noise.

► Keep your dog safe - Make sure your house and garden are secure.

► Recognise the needs of your dog - Fireworks can spark varied reactions from dogs, some will appear relaxed and unbothered by the loud bangs; others will show signs of anxiety or fear. They may show subtle signs, such as panting or licking their lips, finding somewhere to hide or seeking attention from their human family. Or they may show more obvious signs, such as pacing, barking or even toileting in the house. Whilst these signs can be directly related to fear of noise, they can also indicate underlying health problems so please contact your vet as early as possible.

► Enable their preferred response by letting your dog do what they feel most comfortable with. Some dogs will benefit from having a safe place to retreat to should they feel worried by fireworks. Introduce this safe place well in advance and encourage them there by building up positive associations with their new 'den.' Other dogs will cope best by seeking reassurance, so give them attention and comfort if they seek this out. Some dogs may not seem worried, and it's best to keep them occupied with their favourite toys or activities to reduce the likelihood of them becoming anxious; experiment before the firework season begins, and slowly introduce them, to find out what they enjoy the most.

► It is important to remember, fear of fireworks can appear at any time and any age, so it is essential to support your dog throughout their life.

► Seek guidance from your vet.

► They can help with advice, refer you to a clinical behaviourist, and may also prescribe medication if deemed necessary to help your dog cope.

► Medication can be extremely useful where dogs are fearful as it can not only help them cope during the fireworks event, but also stop their fear escalating after each event. Give any prescribed medication well in advance of events starting.

Georgina adds:- "We recommend noting down how your dog reacted during the fireworks and what worked well to help them cope in preparation for the next firework event. The following day, after an evening of fireworks, we would also advise returning to a normal routine to help dogs settle down. If they were worried during fireworks, it is a good idea to seek professional help before the next firework season starts."

If you are planning a firework display at home, please consider:-

► Letting your neighbours know well in advance, so they can prepare their dogs.

► Limiting your display to 30 minutes or less.

► Opting for quieter, lower decibel fireworks.

For those who have welcomed a puppy into their life recently, check out the free sound therapy programmes, that can help to gradually expose puppies to different noises in a positive way, so they can perceive them as normal.

For detailed advice on preparing your dog for fireworks season visit:- DogsTrust.Org.UK/Fireworks.

Dogs Trust recommends dog owners to seek veterinary advice for any concerns. They can check if there are any contributing medical problems, and if necessary, refer you to a clinical behaviourist. Read our advice on finding a qualified behaviourist.