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Arena Magazine 2006 Issue 2 March April |
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Premier Blair supports parents & carers
Prime minister Tony Blair took time out from his busy schedule to lend his support to Usdaw’s Parents and Carers Campaign.
The Labour leader was at the Party's Spring conference in Manchester earlier this year and went out of his way to meet the union's delegation and sign campaign banners and posters.
"I have a lot of respect for Usdaw," said Tony Blair. "It's one of the best campaigning unions in the UK."
Delegate Yvonne Kendall was delighted to meet the prime minister. "This was a lovely surprise and it was great to get the support of Tony Blair," she said.
More change is on the way. Throughout 2005 Usdaw put the case to Government for improved rights for parents and carers and received a positive response.
Following our campaign the Government has announced the following improvements:
- Extending paid maternity leave to 9 months from April 2007, increasing to one year from April 2009, with either mums or dads being able to take the leave after the first six months.
- Extending the right to request flexible working to carers of sick and disabled adults.
- Increasing childcare places and extending the Sure Start scheme to all parts of the country.
- Extending the respite care available for carers of elderly and disabled people.
- Increasing paid holidays to include public holidays - an extra eight days' paid holiday.
Carer's Allowance (CA): Usdaw wants the Government to remove the £82 a week earnings limit for people who qualify for CA. Anyone who earns more than £82 will lose part or all of their CA benefit.
If you have had problems with CA contact Ruth Stoney on 0161 224 2804.
For more information visit: Supporting Parents and Carers Campaign.
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