IN THIS ISSUE:

P07 FAIRER PENSIONS FOR WOMEN P46 POVERTY P13 OBITUARY WASPI campaigning for fairness for 25% of elderly struggle to survive, whilst Remembering Rodney Bickerstaffe, a thousands of women born in the 1950s £3.5 bn of benefits goes unclaimed labour movement great THE LINK THE MAGAZINE OF THE RETIRED MEMBER’S ADVISORY COMMITTEE WINTER 2017 WWW.CWU.ORG

LOBBYING PARLIAMENT Campagining for a decent deal for pensioners EDITOR’S COLUMN

ContactUs STRIKE, YES VOTE CWU The Communications Union DAVE WARD 150 The Broadway, Wimbledon, GENERAL SECRETARY London SW19 1RX T: 020 8971 7200 E: [email protected] s we approach the end of taking a motion to a local Labour Party W: www.cwu.org 2017, as I’m sure retired or getting involved more directly, all General Secretary Amembers will recognise, the of us have a role to play in the union’s DAVE WARD industrial challenges we face as a campaigns. E: [email protected] @davewardGS union are coming to the fore. With the relaunch of the union’s In Royal Mail, the 89.1% Yes #CloseTheGap campaign against low Publication Editor SIMON ALFORD vote for strike action at the start pay for our agency worker members in E:[email protected] of October was an overwhelming Manpower and BT – and with BT raising

Consulting Editor rejection of the business’s plans. the prospect of closing the BT Pension Paul Donovan Although we have been forced Scheme for active members – it is equally

BT personal Helpline into mediation, crucially the ballot important that we all get behind our T: 0800 731 1919 is still live and unless Royal Mail members here. Accenture BT Pension significantly shifts its position it is Alongside the industrial challenges central T: 0800 731 1919 simply delaying strike action. we face, politically the government is BT Benevolent Fund One notable feature of the dispute looking increasingly weak. For us as a T: 0845 602 97 14 Royal Mail Pensions Centre which I wanted to mention here has union this means there is a genuine T: 0800 731 1919 been the level of engagement we’ve prospect of securing a radical Labour Rowland Hill Fund T: 0800 232 1762 seen across the union and the wider government which – along with the public support our members in Royal pledges on our industries – is committed Support your magazine and send items for the Mail have received. to protecting the triple lock on the state next issue to: This underlines to me pension, maintaining the winter fuel The Editor, SDGS Department, 150 how important it is allowance and investing in the NHS. the Broadway, Wimbledon, London, SW19 1RX that the whole union On all these fronts the CWU will comes together in continue to be at the forefront of the Published on behalf of campaigning. Whether labour movement in standing up for our CWU it’s supporting our members and re-asserting trade union Century One Publishing Ltd. Alban Row, 27-31 Verulam Road members on values in the country today. St. Albans, Herts AL3 4DG social media, T: 01727 893 894 F: 01727 893 895 E: [email protected] W: www.centuryonepublishing.uk

Art Editor Heena Gudka Farewell to Rodney, missed by all Design & Production Caitlyn Hobbs BRIAN LEE EDITOR & RMAC MEMBER Cover image CWU The Trade Union Movement and National Pensioners Convention Copyright Reproduction in whole or part by said farewell to Rodney Bickerstaffe. The lifelong trade unionist any means without written permission of the publisher is strictly forbidden. and former NPC president passed away at the beginning of October.

The publisher accepts no responsibility for He will be sorely missed by all. errors, omissions or the consequences thereof. The whole of the CWU stands behind the postal members in their The views and opinions IN THIS ISSUE:

P07 FAIRER PENSIONS FOR WOMEN fight with Royal Mail. After a fantastic result from the ballot there WASPI campaigning for fairness for P46 POVERTY expressed in THE LINK thousands of women born in the 1950s 25% of elderly struggle to survive, whilst P13 OBITUARY £3.5 bn of benefits goes unclaimed Remembering Rodney Bickerstaffe, a are not necessarily labour movement great can only be one winner. those of the CWU, the THE LINK THE MAGAZINE OF THE RETIRED MEMBER’S ADVISORY COMMITTEE RMAC or the editorial WINTER 2017 WWW.CWU.ORG Please let us know what you think, the Link is always open for team. letters, views – get in touch and let us know. © CWU 2017 Thank you also to Age UK for the sourcing of some of the material in this edition.

LOBBYING PARLIAMENT Brian Lee Campagining for a decent deal for pensioners

02 THE LINK WINTER 2017 COLUMNIST

TIME RICH PAID THEIR WAY TONY KEARNS: SENIOR DEPUTY GENERAL SECRETARY The lie that elderly people have never had it so good, is exposed by Tony Kearns who argues that growing numbers are being cast into poverty as the 1% rich elite prosper at the cost of everyone else

A damning report from pensioners are living in media depiction of life We have also learned the charity Age UK has “material deprivation”, as a retired person in recently of a number revealed the conditions unable even to afford the UK. The nonsense of wealthy individuals that many elderly the basics. spouted around the across the country people are forced to The charity’s research debate over whether the avoiding tax by putting endure on a daily basis. showed that those who country “could afford” their money offshore. Not One in four are are in advanced old age to keep the triple lock on paying tax is effectively struggling financially. or are single or who rent pensions was a case in stealing from everyone More than half a million homes rather than own point. Penny pinching else. Tax avoiders are (572,600) are unable them were at increased on the basis of a false using services like to keep their homes risk of living in poverty, perception that elderly the NHS, education adequately warm, while with nearly one in five people had not suffered and welfare, which 286,300 are unable to (19 per cent) of all 80 so harshly from the are provided by other pay regular bills and to 84 year-olds and 21 austerity driven policies people’s taxes. They 708,800 are unable to per cent of over-85s in of this Government. The are the real spongers, keep their homes damp poverty. figures relayed above yet it never seems to be free. Is this really any certainly expose that portrayed that way. falsehood. Almost a million way to be treating If a number of (945,100) would be anyone in a so-called The mass of the companies and unable to replace a civilised society in elderly are not individuals paid the cooker if it broke down. the 21st century? It prospering, together correct amount of tax The latest is certainly a picture with the other then there would be more Government figures that many would not generations. Some money for pensions, the show that 800,000 recognise from the though are. Take Sir Robert Devereux, the NHS, education and permanent secretary many other services that at the department of we are being regularly Work and Pensions, who told cannot be afforded. oversaw the passing This is an upside down into law of the extension world, where those with of the retirement age to the least pay the most 68. We now learn he is and in some instances retiring at 61 with a those with the most pay £1.8 million pension pot. nothing at all. This has Sir Robert it would seem to stop in order that we comes from the wealthy can have a more fairly 1%, whilst the people we ordered and just society represent are amongst in which everyone across the 99% just struggling the generations can live to survive. and flourish.

WINTER 2017 THE LINK 03 Elderly suffer in silence in hospital

HOSPITAL CARE where they were not adequately involved and other UK public concerned about the care in decisions about their organisations. A survey published or treatment of their older older relative’s care and Rob Behrens, by Gransnet and the relative in hospital; and treatment. Parliamentary and Health Parliamentary and Health 31% felt that the hospital Poor communication Service Ombudsman, said: Service Ombudsman staff did not have an is a factor in around one “The NHS is a life-line for found elderly, vulnerable adequate understanding third of all complaints many vulnerable older people are often reliant of their older relative’s the Ombudsman service people but when things on relatives to raise condition or care needs. investigates about the go wrong, too many are concerns when things The survey also reveals NHS in England. suffering in silence. go wrong in hospital, The Parliamentary “NHS staff should yet over half (51%) of find it difficult and Health Service make patients and their family members with a to complain Ombudsman makes final loved ones aware of how about care concern say it is difficult 51% decisions on complaints to complain, point them to complain about the that have not been to available support, and hospital care or treatment wider concerns about resolved by the NHS make it absolutely clear of an older relative. communication with in England and UK that their future care will The survey of over older patients and their government departments not be compromised.” 600 Gransnet members families: reveals that of those who Some 2 in 5 of were concerned about the participants did not treatment of their older feel they were kept relative, just over half informed about their (58%) complained; elderly relative’s Two-thirds of those condition in hospital who complained do not and were not given believe complaining enough opportunities makes a difference; some to discuss their care and 35% of respondents said treatment; and 33% of there were occasions respondents felt they were Civil servant retires at 61 with 5 million grandparents take on pension of £1.8 million childcare responsibilities

PENSIONS he leaves the job. Sir CHILDCARE least once a day, with a Robert’s is believed to further 18% looking after The civil servant be the biggest pension A survey has found that them four to six times a who pushed through in Whitehall. 40% of grandparents week. Some 38% looked the extension of the In July, the over the age of 50 after grandchildren two retirement age to government provide childcare for to three times a week 68 is set to retire announced that it their grandchildren. Around 51% of these himself at the age of was bringing forward The survey conducted grandparents provided 61 on a pension of £1.8 by seven years the by YouGov for Age regular care for up to million. extension of the UK found that 89% of five years and a further Permanent secretary retirement age to 68. the five million UK 28% did so for between at the department for The higher retirement grandparents provided 5-10 years, with well Work and Pensions age will now come regular care at least over half saying their Robert Devereux into being in 2037, once a week: Some help had enabled their will receive £85,000 rather than 2044 one in 10 were found own child/children to a year and a lump as laid down in to be looking after work more to support sum of £245,000 when previous legislation. their grandchildren at their family.

04 THE LINK WINTER 2017 NEWS

Call for financial “MOT” at 50

RETIREMENT be offered to everyone at age 50, so that people Half of all workers aged have time to make 40-64 – nearly eight plans and put them into million people – do not action in order to create expect to have enough the smoothest possible money to stop work and transition to retiring. retire when they reach Caroline Abrahams, the state pension age. director at Age UK, said: Research conducted “Our research shows that by YouGov for the millions of people across charity Age UK found a or to reduce their hours The charity called for the country will need to third of those surveyed before their late 60s, just the government to take continue working in some expect to be working under a quarter cited action to help people plan capacity past their state the same hours in their poor health as the likely for their later lives. pension age. Some will current job in their late reason, while over 28% Having a career MOT want to and others won’t, 60s, a quarter expect to felt their job would be too at the age of 50 appealed but however people feel be working fewer hours physically demanding at to around 51% of those about it there is a lot to in their current job, and that stage. surveyed, increasing to be said for taking stock at just over a fifth do not Only 17% of those who 60% for those aged 40-44. age 50, while there is still expect to be working in expect to stop working Successful government- time to make changes their current job at all by said that this is because sponsored pilots took to how the rest of your this point. they would be financially place in 2013-15 and working life and your Of all those who secure enough to give up the charity believes the transition to retirement expect to stop working their job. career MOT should now are shaping up.” Market volatility can cost savers up to £5,000 in their annual pension

INVESTMENT in a defined contribution female retirees are likely life should not have to scheme for 40 years. to have greater reliance play roulette with their A typical worker could The impact of on the state pension. The pension fund. But if their be £5,000 a year poorer investment returns on analysis therefore focused retirement lands on a bad in later life if they retire the workplace savings on historic figures for year, market volatility after a bad year for of women is similar. median male earners. could leave them with a pension funds rather However, due to a pattern TUC General Secretary much poorer standard of than in a good year. across the last 40 years of Frances O’Grady said: living for the rest of their Analysis of historic lower wages and savings “Someone who has life. investment returns for women workers, saved all their working “Every saver should by the independent be enrolled into a well- Pensions Policy Institute governed scheme that is for the TUC found that a able to cushion members pension saver’s pot size from the worst markets can vary by up to 40%, can throw at them. And and it’s just the luck of it is time to implement the draw. plans that were passed This can mean a into law two years ago difference of as much for collective pensions, as £5,000 a year for life which can be less volatile for a man on median and more efficient than earnings who has been traditional schemes.”

WINTER 2017 THE LINK 05 25% OF ELDERLY STRUGGLE TO SURVIVE WHILST £3.5BN OF BENEFITS GO UNCLAIMED New research has found one in four older people are struggling financially, with more than £3.5bn worth of benefits for pensioners going unclaimed each year

ew research has research found that well over at Age UK, said: “Some people found one in a million (1,299,600) have just don’t know that there are four older people no access to a car and can’t benefits out there; they just are struggling afford a taxi. haven’t heard of benefits like Nfinancially, with The latest Government the pensions credit. Often more than £3.5bn worth of figures show that 800,000 even if people know there is benefits for pensioners going pensioners are living in support out there they think it unclaimed each year. “material deprivation”, won’t apply to them. A study by Age UK has unable even to afford the “This is combined with found nearly three million basics. other concerns. For example, elderly people are having Last year, the number people think they might have money problems, with of pensioners living below to fill in long forms, give lots hundreds of thousands the poverty line rose to of personal information. It unable to pay regular bills or 1.9 million. might be difficult for them keep their homes warm. The charity’s research getting out of the house or to The charity said that showed that those who are get someone to help. despite so many older in advanced old age or are “And people often just don’t people experiencing financial single or who rent homes 800k like to ask for help. They feel hardship huge sums are going rather than own them were pensioners cannot there’s something not quite unclaimed every year in at increased risk of living afford the basics right about claiming benefits. benefits, including help with in poverty, with nearly one Caroline Abrahams, charity council tax, as pensioners in five of all 80 to 84 year- director at Age UK, said: are not receiving adequate olds and 21% of over-85s in “Today we are at risk as a support in claiming the poverty, compared with 13% society of blithely assuming money for which they are of 65-69 year-olds. that every older person is eligible One in five single comfortably off, but these new A survey of more than pensioners live in poverty, figures show that to be way off 1,300 people over the age of compared to 13% of couples, the mark. 65 suggested that more than the figures show. “Trying to make ends half a million (572,600) are Age UK also highlight meet on a low income is a big unable to keep their homes how £3.5bn worth of pension challenge at any age. But if adequately warm, while credits and housing benefit you are an older person living 286,300 are unable to pay are not being claimed by on your own and praying regular bills and 708,800 are pensioners, with campaigners that your ageing television unable to keep their homes warning that the overall somehow keeps going, because damp free. figure of unclaimed benefit you know there is no way Almost a million (945,100) for the elderly is likely to be you’ll ever be able to afford would be unable to replace a much higher. to replace it, life becomes cooker if it broke down, the Sally West, policy manager especially grim.

06 THE LINK WINTER 2017 FEATURE WASPI DEMAND FAIRER PENSIONS Brian Lee looks at the injustices to thousands of women born in the 1950s that the Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) seek to confront

age 60 until State Pension Age. Not means-tested and with compensation for losses for those women who have already reached their SPA. The group do not ask for a reversal of any Pension Act to age 60 “We are angry that we have been treated unfairly and unequally just because of the day we were born. Significant changes to the age we receive our state pension have been imposed upon us with a lack of appropriate notification, and much faster than we were promised,” said Mary. She is especially concerned that many women do not know about the changes and so are unprepared and unable to make alternative arrangements. “And there is no guarantee that further changes cannot be made. The pension pot is not ring-fenced and it is a worrying state ASPI is Mary Duggan, from of affairs that could affect fighting for fair WASPI, told attendees at a everyone in the end.” transitional recent meeting that “WASPI In the most extreme cases, arrangements agrees with this equalisation, the loss for those affected Wfor women but does not agree with the could amount to £45,000, says born in the 1950s unfair way the changes were WASPI. And the situation is Thousands of women implemented.” made worse because many who were born in the 1950s The problem is a result of women are already out of are being unfairly treated a 2011 decision to raise the the labour market, caring for by changes to the age at pension age more quickly elderly relatives, providing which people are eligible than initially planned which childcare for grandchildren, for pensions, according to means that: “hundreds of or suffer discrimination in the WASPI. thousands of women born workplace and so struggle to The equalisation of state in the 1950s (on or after 6th find employment. pension age at 65 for both April 1951) have been hit “We demand that fair men and women was first particularly hard.” transitional arrangements set out in the Pensions Act WASPI’s aim is to achieve are put in place. This means 1995, with the increase to fair transitional pension a bridging pension and 66 specified in the Pensions arrangements for all women compensation for those Act 2007. Many can see the born in the 1950s affected affected to cover the period logic of raising the women’s by State Pension Age (SPA) between age 60 and the new pension age from 60 to 65, and changes. This translates 45k state pension age. We need that, as people live longer, into a ‘bridging’ pension potential loss women to write to their MPs raising the age for both to 66. to provide an income from of pension and make a fuss.”

WINTER 2017 THE LINK 07

NPC DEMANDS A DECENT DEAL FOR PENSIONERS John Thorne of London Region reports from the recent National Pensioners Convention lobby of Parliament by the NPC

ensioners from across Above: pension upon retirement. He acknowledged it the land descended 2017 pensioners He called for transparency would be difficult to draw lobby Parliament on Parliament in for better deal in all pension schemes, up a standard method October to lobby asking for the charges and covering all work types. PMPs about the costs for running a scheme, “We also need defined deteriorating situation for and the amount paid pension schemes so people elderly people. out when retiring, to be can plan their future, and Addressing the meeting specified. Alex said that the those living abroad should in Parliament, Alex changes in state retirement receive the same as UK Cunningham, Labour age needed to be flexible and pensioners.” pensions spokesperson, variable, depending on the called for the auto-enrolment type of work undertaken. SOCIAL CARE pension scheme to be He declared that certain Dr Lydia Hayes, from extended to the low paid and manual work was not Cardiff University, self-employed, so that they achievable or productive as spoke about social care, can benefit from a decent the body ages. and condemned the

08 THE LINK WINTER 2017

FEATURE

Lydia also pointed out how there is a loss to the UK economy, as workers give up work to become home carers for their aged relatives. She called for the need for a National Care Service as promoted by the NPC. Mick Cash, General Secretary RMT, raised the issue of transport needs of the old and disabled. He highlighted how both trains and stations were lacking in facilities, with the dispute over driver only trains adding to the overall reduction of staff on the network. Mick argued that rail workers want a safe, secure and accessible railway that was properly staffed, not a financially restricted service based on profits for the private operators. He added that 70% of services had retained guards, with Scotland and Wales agreeing guards were necessary on trains, why not England? Mick called for the re-nationalisation of the railways. “Our railways are run by the French, Dutch, Italian and Chinese states, Conservative’s policy of “The old may be living and asked why not a UK requiring the sale of homes to 70% longer but they have more state run railway?” said pay for care provision. of railway services complex health problems,” Mick. have retained Pledging support for the guards said Lydia, who pointed A spokesperson for Pensioners’ Manifesto, she out the inequality faced the NPC’s Parliamentary asked what care was available by care workers denied Group of MPs declared that for the poor when the system the power to negotiate via the Pensioners Manifesto is based on an individual’s collective bargaining. was supported. financial position. The He pointed out that fairest way was universal TRANSPORT pensions in the UK were care providing for need and The USA, Canada and the poorest in Europe and dignity, which would be Australia have collective made worse by the collapse financed by taxation. bargaining and this of industrial schemes. Lydia called for care has improved working Later generations will workers to be paid properly conditions and provision of suffer even more, with with their skills recognised. good care services, she said. private pension companies u

WINTER 2017 THE LINK 09 FEATURE

reaping the benefit of defined Mick Newton, of the money being used to contribution schemes and UK Mineworkers’ Pension £700m increase pension payments. taken from miners’ no defined payment upon Association, told of the pension scheme in They are calling for a retirement. constant attacks on the 2016 by government Treasury Select Committee He claimed that miners’ pension scheme enquiry on the actions of privatisation of the NHS had which supports pensioners successive governments caused a worse service, with and widows. The fund with £700 million taken last Labour pledging to bring it actually has a healthy year, and the possibility of back into public ownership. surplus as many miners another £600 million after Sian Errington of UNITE suffered early deaths within the actuarial valuation, spoke on inter-generational a short time after retiring, begun in September 2017, is fairness and defended the or never saw their pension completed. argument for older people having died in service. Jan Shortt, NPC general not to have their benefits In 1994 the government secretary, rounded up the taken away. She said all took money from the session by highlighting the age groups use public pension fund to pay need for an integrated social services and receive benefits compensation to miners with care system with personal throughout their life, and the industrial diseases, and in payments available. She current attacks pitting young 1997 paid redundancy, and reminded those present against old was unjustified. for regeneration of the few about the Pensioners’ The old could not be blamed mines still in operation. Parliament in June 2018, for the financial crash and calling for a good turnout. austerity measures leading PENSION DEDUCTION This year’s Parliament many into poverty. The More money is due to be saw a drastic reduction in young are suffering because taken as the government attendance, mainly caused of a depressed labour market want to introduce CT by the general election. not paying decent pay and scans as a benefit for those Respects were paid to trade unions’ loss of power. still in the scheme. The former President of the There is a need to focus on association is running a NPC, Rodney Bickerstaffe, a continuing rise in living campaign against further who died on 3 October. He standards which includes money being taken out of represented the organisation equality in pay. the scheme with the surplus between 2001 and 2005.

u

10 THE LINK WINTER 2017 DEPRESSIONFEATURE EPIDEMIC AMONGST ELDERLY Age UK warn about the growing instances of depression amongst elderly people

early half of adults anxiety or depression said that programme (IAPT) were (7.7 million) aged their symptoms had in fact shown to be positive. 55 plus say they worsened as they’d got older. Caroline Abrahams, director have experienced Talking therapies can be of Age UK said: “In recent Ndepression and effective years there’s been nothing around the same number Research indicates feelings short of a cultural revolution (7.3 million) have suffered of loneliness and isolation in our willingness to be open with anxiety. could play a major role in the about mental ill health, but it’s The findings in a YouGov problems older people are one that may well have left study – for the charity Age facing: many older people behind. UK– revealed the scale of the Nearly three-quarters of “They grew up in an era mental health challenge facing older people (72%) think that when there was a real stigma older people in the UK today. having more opportunities to associated with mental illness The death of loved ones connect with other people (e.g. so for many these attitudes (36%) ill health of themselves joining local activity groups) are deeply ingrained and still (24%) and financial worries would be the best way to help driving their behaviour today.” (27%) are the most common people who are experiencing Caroline highlighted that triggers for mental health mental health problems. some older people experience problems, yet worryingly As well as having recurrent problems that they more than a third (35%) say opportunities to connect with have long since given up any they did not know where to other people, more than a hope of defeating. go for help and support. third (35%) felt that talking She continued: “It is The results come, as NHS therapy such as counselling understandable if a lot of older England has published new would best help with anxiety people, having seen so much guidance – ‘Mental health in and depression. and having experienced so older people’– to help GPs Research has found older many ups and downs through spot the signs of anxiety and people respond extremely life, take the view that feeling depression, and identify well to talking therapies: the depressed or anxious is just a range of mental health recovery rates for patients something they have to put problems including those aged over 65 years of age up with, not illnesses that are which specifically affect older who completed a course 7.7m just as deserving of a proper people. of talking therapy through of older people medical response as a physical One in five of the people the Increasing Access to have been problem like a chest infection who reported suffering from Psychological Therapies depressed or a leg ulcer.”

WINTER 2017 THE LINK 11 LETTERS

PENSION AGE UP Within 24 hours of being told that the 100 year long increase in life expectancy had actually stalled since 2010 – and our lifespan may even be getting shorter – the Government announced that some six million people now aged between 38 and 47 will not qualify for a state pension until they are 68. The Institute of Health Equity, led by the highly respected Sir Michael Marmot, said life expectancy was now “grinding to a halt”. It had been going up with some women gaining an extra year of life every five years and men an extra year every three and a half years. The slowing growth in life expectancy dates from the financial crisis in 2009 and the following austerity years of cuts. Sir Michael said that “miserly” spending on health and social care in recent years had affected the amount and quality of care that older people receive. Changes in legislation already enacted mean that the women’s state pension age is rising from age 60 to 65 by November 2018. All state pension ages for men and women will then rise to 66 between December 2018 and October 2020 and to 67 in 2028. But the pension age increases to 68 in 2036 – seven years earlier than previously planned. Despite the changes, the government believes people will still draw a state pension for almost a third of their lives, but this does not take into account that people spending a lifetime doing manual work, or earning poor wages are more likely to endure more years of ill-health and live shorter lives. In the absence of a flexible retirement age, “too old and ill to work, too young to draw a state pension” is likely to be the fate of Britain’s 16 million pensioners by 2040.

Peter Briggs, London

STAND UP FOR OUR RIGHTS At the last meeting of the South West regional council, the problems that our colleagues face in Royal Mail were discussed. It was felt that if we can help them in any way within the law we will. We understand that the employer wants to take away what we fought for over the years. We understand when our colleagues say they have had enough and the time has come to make a stand. What a marvellous ballot result it was. We all agreed that we would not want to be employed now with the terms and conditions our colleagues face.

Ken Ward Assistant secretary South West region CWU DIARIES 2018 The great value CWU 2018 diaries are now available for dispatch. SEND YOUR LETTERS TO: Simply send your order to: Marcia Murray, CWU, 150 The Broadway, Wimbledon, The Editor, THE LINK, 150 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London SW19 1RX London SW19 1RX OR FAX: 020 8971 7437 OR EMAIL: [email protected] Please make sure you enclose a cheque or postal order made payable to We reserve the right to edit letters, sent anonymously, but will 'CWU Diaries'. POCKET DESK withhold names and addresses if asked. Views expressed DIARY DIARY Enquiries to Marcia Murray on here are not necessarily those of the editor or the CWU. £1.50 SOLD 020 8971 7497 or [email protected] OUT

12 THE LINK WINTER 2017 26 THE VOICE Ocober/November 2017 www.cwu.org NEWS

RODNEY KEVAN BICKERSTAFFE

6 APRIL 1945 TO 3 OCTOBER 2017

t was a sad day that saw the Rodney commanded loyalty of a minimum wage from the late passing of former Unison and affection among the workers 1970s, seeing his vision come to and NUPE general secretary he fought for and represented, fruition in 1999 under the Labour Rodney Bickerstaffe, age 72. first as general secretary (1981-93) Government I A great trade union leader, of the National Union of Public Rodney was born in London, who led NUPE through the dire Employees (NUPE), then as towards the end of the second years of Thatcherism, he later associate general secretary and world war. His mother, Elizabeth became President of the National general secretary (1993-2001) of Bickerstaffe, a union activist Pensioners Convention, taking Unison, with 1.3 million members. from South Yorkshire, had been over from Jack Jones. Rodney championed the idea finishing her nursing training u

WINTER 2017 THE LINK 13 NEWS

at Whipps Cross hospital in the officer to Newcastle, and later to pension if they were in hospital heavily bombed East End during London, Rodney launched a major for more than six weeks. The rules the blitz. Rodney was the result campaign to recruit women to the were later changed to 52 weeks. of a wartime romance. His father, union before becoming its local “Taking over from Jack Jones was Tommy Simpson – whom he never government officer in the last days no easy job, but Rodney always felt met – returned to Dublin and of the Callaghan government. He at home. Rodney was a passionate ceased all contact with the family. was appointed general secretary in advocate for Britain’s older people, A couple of years ago, at a 1981. and often took on the Labour fundraiser for John Cryer, Labour Rodney was a stalwart supporter government over issues which MP for Leyton and Wanstead, of the miners during the strike of he felt were wrong such as the Rodney told how when Thatcher 1984/5, remaining a lifelong friend refusal to restore the link between and Blair described the state pension him as “a bastard” and earnings, and they were factually withRodney his mother, Elizabeth the way in which correct – given his social care was conception, not means-tested,” birth, at nearby said Jan Shortt, Whipps Cross. general secretary Rodney’s family of the NPC. “He tree can be traced was extremely back to the village funny and filled of the same name the room with his near Ormskirk in enthusiasm for life. Lancashire. At one He often used to time his mother’s begin his speeches family were so by saying that poor they lived in a when he started Gypsy caravan in a as a young trade field. Unsurprisingly, union official, he given his unstinting turned up to a championing of the refuse collectors underdog, Rodney dispute with a was one of the few brand new brief public figures to case and was met loudly champion the with laughter cause of Travellers when he told the over the years. workers his name was Rodney. CAREER When he was still LATER LIFE a small boy, his In later years he mother moved used to say “I don’t back to Yorkshire, care what they call and Rodney grew us, so long as we up in Doncaster. He went to of former NUM general secretary get a decent state pension”. the local grammar school and Arthur Scargill. He was one of the labour studied sociology at Rutherford Rodney retired as GS of Unison movement’s greats and the NPC is College of Technology (later part in 2000, then taking over in 2001 proud to have had the benefit of his of Newcastle Polytechnic, now as President of the National skills, intellect and humour.” Northumbria University). His Pensioners Convention from Jack He also served as president mother recruited her student son Jones. He served for four years of the charity War on Want and into the union movement and his in the role. One of his personal chaired the Ken Gill memorial rise was meteoric. He became a achievements was to challenge the fund. NUPE official in his late 20s and, government over the rules which Rodney is survived by his wife moving from Yorkshire as an area reduced an individual’s state Pat and four children.

14 THE LINK WINTER 2017 FEATURE

SIX STEPS TO BETTER HEALTH Brian Lee looks at six ways to improve health and wellbeing

1. Put the kettle on dancing are also good, fun ways to build fitness Dehydration can make us feel tired and confused, and you can strengthen muscles by using light so it’s important to make sure that you drink hand weights as you sit in a chair.” enough. Older people are particularly susceptible to 4. Eat more snacks dehydration because they aren’t so sensitive to You may have been brought up to believe that the feeling of thirst. The kidneys don’t function as healthy eating means not snacking between efficiently as they did when they were younger. meals, but that’s really not the case. “If you can’t NHS guidelines recommend drinking eight manage much food in one go, then eat little and medium-sized (150ml) glasses of water each day. often,” says Gaynor Bussell from the British Tea, coffee and squash all count towards this Dietetic Association. “Research shows that total – but look for low-sugar varieties and, if eating regularly helps prevent weight gain.” you take sugar in your tea, try to cut it down. 5. Buy a pair of trainers 2. Floss before bed Sore or painful feet can really affect your ability Using dental floss helps to prevent gum disease to lead a full and active life. It’s tempting to stay by removing pieces of food and plaque from indoors if you can’t find a pair of comfortable between your teeth. shoes and relying on slippers can make some If it’s left you might notice sore or bleeding foot problems worse and increase the risk of gums, and studies have shown links between slips or falls. a build-up of dental plaque and heart disease, “A pair of running shoes is the best option Alzheimer’s, diabetes, strokes and lung disease. as these provide a good amount of shock absorption and stability and can also support 3. Improve your balance the arch,” said Mike O’Neil, Consultant NHS guidelines say healthy adults over 65 Podiatrist and spokesperson for the College should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate of Podiatry. activity per week, plus muscle strengthening activity on two or more days. 6. Get a Vitamin D boost “Yoga and Tai Chi can be very helpful for We get most of our vitamin D from sunlight older people, as they can help to increase on our skin – so it’s no surprise that many of flexibility and improve balance and coordination, us are deficient, especially during the winter reducing the risk of falls,” says fitness expert months, when there is less sunshine. That’s why Ben Coomber. many doctors recommend a daily vitamin D “Walking, swimming, aqua aerobics and supplement – especially if you’re over 65.

WINTER 2017 THE LINK 15 COLUMN

SOUNDING OFF WHY IS THE RETIREMENT AGE GOING UP? Brian Lee questions assertion that life expectancy will continue to rise thereby justifying an ever higher retirement age

he reason given have an impact. last few years has been the next couple of decades. for continually It is not right to expect highlighted by Sir Michael What will this mean extending the a manual worker in a Marmot of the Institute of for retirement? It should T retirement foundry or teachers, health Health Equity, who says mean more leisure time age is that people are and social care workers life expectancy is now for everyone, more time living longer, however, to, in some cases, work for “grinding to a halt”. for education and other this assertion is being almost 50 years with the The slowing growth activities. A retirement questioned more and same zest. in life expectancy dates age rapidly coming more. from the financial crisis in down. But we have been This mantra enabled LIFE EXPECTANCY 2009. Sir Michael said that here before, back in the the Government to bring Geographically, it is said “miserly” spending on 1970s, when there was forward by seven years the that men living in east health and social care in talk of shorter working rise in retirement age to 68. Dorset on average will live recent years had affected weeks, more leisure time So those working today, to the age of almost 82.9, the amount and quality and earlier retirement. who retire from 2037 will so under the pensions at of care that older people Then came Margaret now have to be 68 to do so. 68 targets they’ll collect receive. Thatcher’s neo‑liberal There are though for nearly 15 years after Moving forward, the policies resulting in people wide differences in life retiring. workplace terrain is going working longer for less. expectancy depending on But a Glaswegian with to look very different, with where an individual lives an average lifespan of the use of what is called TECHNOLOGY and what sort of work just 72.6 years will be a artificial intelligence, So the unveiling world they have undertaken pensioner for less than five digitisation and robotics. of automation is one during their lives. The years. It is estimated that a large where the trade unions austerity policies of recent The impact of the number of jobs are simply are going to have to fight years are also starting to austerity policies of the going to disappear over for jobs and pensions, just as much as in the past. Used effectively, these technological changes can increase productivity and the country’s wealth, which should bring many benefits to everyone. It should lead not to increasing the pension age, but reducing it, enabling many more people to enjoy a long, happy and healthy retirement. We must ensure that working people receive these benefits, fruits of their labour and the benefits of decent pensions and more free time moving forward.

16 THE LINK WINTER 2017