March 2008

26.3.2008 14:30
EFFORTS OF WARTIME “BEVIN BOYS” RECOGNISED
The Bevin Boys are the latest wartime heroes to receive a special badge of recognition from the Government for their efforts during the Second World War. The Bevin Boys scheme was introduced in 1943 by the then Minister for Labour, Ernest Bevin, in response to a shortage of workers in the coal mines. The scheme ran from 1943 to1948 and involved recruiting some 48,000 men to work in the pits providing fuel for the nation. So if there are any surviving Bevin Boys out there in Inverclyde, all they have to do is call David’s Parliamentary office in Greenock on 798120 and he will arrange for them to get their badges.  

19.3.2008 10:28
FAIRTRADE STATUS DEPENDS ON MORE LOCAL RETAILERS COMING ON BOARD
Inverclyde MP David Cairns is calling on more local retailers to sell Fairtrade goods. A recent meeting of the Fairtrade Committee (photo) heard that the area is still falling just short of the target number of outlets needed to get Fairtrade status for Inverclyde. Now David wants to enlist the help of local people to persuade shops, cafes and restaurants to carry Fairtrade branded items. Goods carrying the Fairtrade logo guarantee that workers in the developing world are not being exploited.   

14.3.2008 14:29
JOBCENTRE CAMPAIGNS WILL HELP PEOPLE BACK INTO WORK
More help is at hand for Inverclyde jobseekers looking to go back to work, thanks to two new initiatives from the UK Government. The JSA 50+ Campaign reaches out to older jobseekers and encourages them to take up an interview with a personal adviser at the local Jobcentre; while the National Jobsearch Campaign is aimed at all JSA customers who have been unemployed for more than six months and offers a Job Kit containing advice on interviews, CVs and filling in application forms.  

13.3.2008 10:39
LOCAL PRIMARY SCHOOLS INVITED TO ENTER PARLIAMENT’S NATIONAL TECHNOLOGY CONTEST
The UK Parliament’s Information and Technology Committee is launching a competition for primary schools throughout the length and breadth of Britain. The 2008 Make IT Happen contest calls on schools to show how they would change an aspect of their local community using modern technology. One lucky Scottish school will win £1,000 and, if they make it through to the UK final, they could be in line for a cash prize of £4,500.  

13.3.2008 10:30
RISE IN MINIMUM WAGE GOOD NEWS FOR INVERCLYDE WORKERS
Almost 2,000 people in Inverclyde are due to benefit from a rise in the National Minimum Wage set to come into force in October. The new rate for adults will be £5.73 up from £5.52, 18-21 year old will also see an increase from £4.60 to £4.77, while for 16-17 year olds the rate will rise from £3.40 to £3.53. Local Labour MP David Cairns has given the news a warm welcome and says it will make a real difference to many people working in Inverclyde’s shops, offices and factories.  

3.3.2008 10:30
LOCAL RETAILERS URGED TO STOCK FAIRTRADE GOODS
During this Fairtrade Fortnight (25th Feb-9th March) Inverclyde MP David Cairns is urging local shoppers to buy Fairtrade goods whenever they can. Goods bearing the distinctive blue and green Fairtrade logo guarantee that workers and producers in the developing world are getting a fair price for what they make, and are not being exploited.