FIRSTCALL USDAW – THE UNION’S STREAMLINED CLAIMS SYSTEM – FIRSTCALL USDAW

The magazine of the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers

arenaAutumn 2010 www.usdaw.org.uk FESTIVE TIME TUC BEST OFF EXPLAINED TRADE UNION MAGAZINE DRIVING 2010 AHEAD Dennis Nash on his union journey

COPING WITH CANCER MURIEL’S HAPPY TO BE HEALTHY LEADING MAN David Miliband Thousands wants sign up MP after your vote campaign NEW MEMBERS FLOOD IN DURING SUMMER

• RECRUIT A FRIEND AND WIN £500 • RECRUIT A FRIEND AND WIN £500 • FeelFeel likelike you’veyou’ve gotgot youryour headhead inin thethe cloudsclouds whenwhen itit comescomes toto Pensions?Pensions?

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Postcode: PUB ARN 0910 email: Branch: Membership No To place an order complete this slip and return it to: The Education Department, Usdaw, 188 Wilmslow Road, Manchester M14 6LJ. You can also telephone on 0161 224 2804 P22 AUTUMN Contents 2010 Inside this issue Know your rights

18 Christmas working Understanding your rights when public holidays fall at the weekend Legal Plus

10 FirstCall Usdaw The union’s specialist direct line claims system is proving to be a big hit with members P26 People like you

08 Warren Scott is one of the youngest activists on this year’s Academy – find out what he thinks about it 09 Diane Palmer Distribution rep has turned her depot around after the Co-op took over 38 Dennis Nash HGV driver on how his union work makes life more interesting 46 Muriel Levett Cancer survivor wants to use her experience to help other workers 41 Tanya Scott Active rep on how she has progressed over the last three years Campaigns

26 Membership Week Usdaw’s membership broke the 390,000 barrier in August for the first time since 1990 P30 Features 16 Transport With 20,000 members in the transport sector Usdaw is a major operator on the UK’s roads 22 David Miliband MP Answers our questions about his bid for the Labour Party leadership 28 All new website Following a complete revamp Usdaw has one of the best websites in the union movement 30 Training courses Ever wondered what it’s like on an Usdaw training course? Now’s your chance to find out 34 Health Practical advice on how to deal with health problems at work Regulars

44 Recruit a Friend You could be £500 better off if you sign up a colleague to Usdaw arena 03 Have your say in the

Labour leadership race

most. In the election to and Carers campaign also be the next leader of the won third prize showing once Labour Party Usdaw is again our unrivalled record of backing the former producing top quality foreign secretary David publications and campaigns Miliband MP. We believe significantly enhances our David’s commitment to profile and underlines Usdaw’s our campaigns, his reputation within the trade experience and his union and Labour movement leadership qualities as ‘The Campaigning Union’. make him the ideal candidate Finally, take a look at our he Coalition for the job. new website, redesigned with Government’s first On a separate matter, a fresh new look and new T Budget has both congratulations to our arena features. Visit: failed the ‘fairness’ team who won top prize in the www.usdaw.org.uk test and will hit our members TUC’s magazine awards for hard in their pockets. the second time in four years. VAT will go up to 20 per The judges described arena cent in January, tax credits are as ‘. . . very professional in John Hannett General Secretary set to be cut, help for new design and style, well tailored parents will also be withdrawn. to its readership . . . It strikes Not much festive cheer in that an outstanding balance package of measures. That’s between union news and why Usdaw believes only giving vital information to Labour can protect our members. A magazine that members from these cutbacks, really adds value to the Usdaw Members’ Helpline: which will hit the low paid and membership offer. Spot on!’ 0845 6060640 hard-working families the Our Supporting Parents

PUBLISHED BY EDITORIAL ASSISTANT PRINT Sarah Bailey Polestar UK Print. Usdaw 188 Wilmslow Road, ADVERTISING & DESIGN Paper produced from ecologically sustainable sources. Manchester M14 6LJ Century One Publishing T 0161 224 2804 Alban Row, 27-31 Verulam Road, Arena is the membership magazine of F 0161 257 2566 St. Albans AL3 4DG the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied E [email protected] T 01727 893 894 Workers (Usdaw). Published quarterly, W www.usdaw.org.uk F 01727 893 895 Arena is distributed to Usdaw members. E [email protected] HEAD OF MEDIA & W www.centuryonepublishing.ltd.uk COMMUNICATIONS COPYRIGHT Reproduction in whole or part by any Mike Glover ADVERTISING MANAGER means without written permission of the Oliver Kirkman publisher is strictly forbidden. The EDITOR T 01727 739 184 publisher accepts no responsibility for Peter Rees-Farrell E [email protected] errors, omissions or the consequences thereof. REPORTER DESIGN & PRODUCTION Mairead Bradley Heena Gudka © arena 2010

04 arena arenaNEWS Decision time ahead David Miliband MP at Youth rate boost Usdaw’s central office he annual pay review T at the UK’s biggest retailer Tesco will see a minimum increase of 2.3 per cent with youth rates abolished from the end of August meaning a 19.76 percentage increase for 16 and 17 year-olds. The Tesco National Forum agreed the deal in June which gives an hourly rate of £6.811 for the adult established C grade at Extra, Superstore and Metro formats. In Express stores the rate will be £6.47.

Co-op rescue

sdaw has won U additional money for workers made sdaw is backing Usdaw – a modern, forward redundant by Vergo Retail David Miliband in looking union that campaigns from their former employers U the race for the on key issues of concern for its East of England Co-op and Labour Party members and is increasing its the Co-operative Group. leadership. membership as a result.” Some 345 of the Co-op’s General secretary John John Hannett added: “The former employees were Hannett said: “Usdaw is Coalition Government has made redundant following backing David because we already set out its plans to cut the collapse of their new believe he is the best choice for in-work and other benefits employer Vergo Retail in our members, the best choice which many of our members May. It had bought 12 Co-op for Labour and the best choice rely on. That’s why we need an stores in Norfolk, Suffolk and for Britain. effective opposition to remind Essex in July 2009. “David is a long-time friend the electorate there is an Of the 345 staff, 290 will of Usdaw and is someone who alternative to the austerity be eligible for the payments. really understands the needs measures announced in the The money is in addition to and aspirations of our members. Budget. Usdaw is backing what the workers will receive He supports our campaigns David Miliband MP to be the in statutory redundancy pay against violence, threats and new leader of the Labour Party from the Government abuse against shopworkers and to give us the kind of strong and will total for the extension of workplace leadership we need to protect several rights to help working parents.” our members against the cuts. hundreds of David Miliband, shadow This is a man who can deliver thousands of foreign secretary, said: “I am for Labour – and I hope Party pounds. honoured and delighted to members and trade unionists have secured the support of will join me in supporting him.” arenaNEWS Democracy in action King for Mayor

sdaw is backing U Oona King in the race to become Labour’s candidate for the Mayor of London election in 2012. General secretary John Hannett said: “Usdaw is backing Oona because we believe she represents a fresh start for Labour in London and is the very best choice to secure the change in the capital we want to see. “Oona is a longstanding friend of Usdaw, a tireless campaigner who understands the needs and aspirations of our members and a vibrant advocate who has always championed our campaigns to improve workers lives.”

Respect Week Remember to use your vote sdaw’s award winning Freedom U From Fear campaign to protect retail staff from violence and sdaw wants as many members as abuse will stage its annual Respect Week possible to use their votes in the from November 8 this year. Members and U forthcoming election for Labour Party reps are being urged to participate by leader. holding in-store awareness days, hand out Members in London will also get a ballot paper for leaflets and promote the respect message the election of the Labour candidate for the race to to the shopping public. be Mayor of London. “These are two very important elections,” said general secretary John Hannett. “As you know MORE INFORMATION.UK AT:] [ WWW.USDAW.ORG Usdaw is backing David Miliband MP for the Labour leadership and former MP Oona King for Mayor of London. “We’ve already seen what the coalition Government has done in terms of cutting working benefits for our members so we have to ensure Labour has the strongest leader possible. I believe David Miliband offers us the best chance of defeating the Tories and Lib Dems at the next election. “Our members, who pay the political levy, will receive their ballot If you have not papers in this issue of received your ballot Arena. The ballot closes paper(s) with Arena on September 21. contact the Electoral I would urge all members Reform Services on to use their votes.” 0800 800 800 06 arena Usdaw insurance deals for members right on your doorstep

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Warren Scott (right) in action in Northern Ireland Warren’s on a mission Young rep is a firm believer in unions

ctivist Warren Scott is preparation you do sometimes it dream of driving off without one of the youngest doesn’t go to plan. You have to insurance and it’s the same at A reps on this year’s be ready to think on your feet.” work, Usdaw is there for me if I Academy – the Warren started working have a problem. My work with union’s own training scheme – part-time for Tesco three years the academy has given me the and has been spending six months ago and has been a rep for two. opportunity to promote recruiting and organising “Having been a young worker I something I believe in. workers across Northern Ireland. know we need the union even “I’m learning every day. I’ve Warren is one of 50 specially surprised myself. It’s a great selected union reps who have feeling recruiting new members been seconded to Usdaw’s I know how much young “ and it encourages you to set highly successful Organising your targets higher and to do Academy, now in its eighth year. workers need the union even better next time round. “I’m half way through my “more than experienced I’m pleased with my success time with the Academy and I’m workers rate, especially the many young thoroughly enjoying it,” said the workers I’ve signed up, and 23 year-old from Belfast. “It’s a when the Academy finishes I’ll fantastic opportunity to test your more than experienced continue with my union work in skills in workplaces which aren’t workers. I had no hesitation in my store.” as well set up as your own. joining because I knew the “You never quite know what benefits and security it would to expect from one store to the give me. MORE INFORMATION AT:] .ORG.UK next. No matter how much “I love cars and I wouldn’t [ WWW.USDAW 08 arena PEOPLE LIKE YOU

Diane Palmer with colleagues at the CRL site in Fareham

Life changer for Diane Doors open following company takeover

etting involved in immediately joined Usdaw and me much more confident both Usdaw has opened became a rep. Everyone in the in my work and socially. I’ve G up a whole new depot knew I always spoke my met some fantastic people and world to admin mind so the role of rep was my involvement has given me assistant Diane Palmer who has almost ‘given’ to me. “Within an insight into how both sides progressed from being a about four months I had my work on a national level.” non-member to one of the first Usdaw course and since Diane also has her work cut busiest reps in the Co-operative out dealing with the sector over the last six years. restructuring going on at CRL. The life-changing journey Her depot will close next year began in 2004 when Diane’s I can’t believe how much“ and relocate to Andover. “We’re previous employer Alldays, a I’ve learned, it’s made hoping to take as many company that did not recognise “me more confident at members as possible with us. unions, was taken over and she work and socially It is a difficult situation but we was transferred to Co-operative are working closely with the Retail Logistics (CRL). management to ensure as “Prior to that I knew nothing then I’ve had some smooth a transition as possible.” about unions but once CRL took fantastic training and I’ve done When Diane is not on union over that changed. CRL brought just about every course on offer. or work duties she spends her a completely different way of It’s completely changed my life. time on her allotment with working with staff to our depot I’ve travelled the country in my husband Neil and a visit to in Fareham, Hampshire,” said role as a senior rep and I really their local pub, famously used Diane, 42. “It was a massive enjoy it. I can’t believe how in ’80s TV series Howard’s Way, change for the better and I much I’ve learned and it’s made often follows. arena 09 Injured?You know w

Assault victim thanks union

he Legal Plus Service proved a T godsend to Lee Whitwell after he was viciously assaulted in the car park of his Morrisons store in Northampton. The 46 year-old night shift worker was left battered and bruised and was off work for three months after the unprovoked attack. Because Legal Plus extends to cover members travelling to and from work Lee was supported with his claim to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority. Nine months later he received a cheque for £1,000. “Usdaw looked after everything,” he said “It was such a relief. I couldn’t have dealt with suspiciously around the cars. I glanced away, things myself, I just wasn’t up to it. but before I knew it he’d set upon me and flung “The incident happened in August last year. me against the fence. I was taken completely by I’d finished my shift and left via the store car surprise. I was injured, dazed and very shocked. park. I noticed a man in a hoodie acting “I wouldn’t be without my membership.” In the frame

hopworker Penny Dyer only wanted one S thing when she had a nasty fall because of a faulty pavement – a new pair of glasses. Instead, after Usdaw took up her case, she was awarded £2,000 in compensation and was ‘thrilled to bits’ by the Legal Plus Service. The accident happened in August 2008 at her local shopping centre in Torquay. Penny sustained cuts to her cheekbone, hands, knees and face and damaged her glasses. “It was a very nasty fall,” said the 60 year-old from Torquay in Devon. “Although you know these kind of trips happen all the time you never expect it to happen to you. I was hurt, shocked and dazed but more upset about my glasses at the time. “And when I contacted Usdaw all I was concerned about was getting a replacement pair. I didn’t expect to get anything. Thankfully the union did this and more. I was originally offered £700 but I was given sound advice not to accept this and I came away with three times that. I was thrilled to bits. Everything was taken care of for me. I tell everyone to join now.”

10 arena ho to call first

seemingly innocuous workplace LEGAL ROUND-UP A accident turned into a nightmare for cashier Andrew Batty who had to Hilda Hill have his right foot amputated after complications set in. Age: 56 Morrisons The 47 year-old tripped and injured his Employer: Hereford foot when he worked at a garage forecourt in Location: Wrist Leominster, Hertfordshire in 2006. Injury: Date of accident: January 2009 “At first it was a straightforward break of Case settled: February 2010 my metatarsal but my foot became infected Award: £5,750 and my condition deteriorated from then,” he said. Andrew had already contacted the union soon after the accident and an Usdaw Joyce Burrows solicitor had taken on his case. Age: 65 “I can’t speak highly enough of the Employer: Sainsbury’s union’s legal team. I had expert, professional Location: Ipswich advice and support all the way through. I Injury: Ankle saw consultants and specialists and even Date of accident: January 2008 had my own barrister. Four years later I Case settled: March 2010 received £300,000 in compensation. Award: £1,300 “It’s been a long, hard road. As you can imagine I’ve had extensive medical treatment and it took its toll on me and my Valerie O’Leary family. Thankfully Usdaw were with me. I couldn’t have done it without the union’s Age: 66 backing.” Employer: Sainsbury’s Location: Sheffield Injury: Shoulder Vital support Date of accident: November 2008 Case settled: October 2009 Award: £5,000

Lukasz Brzozowski Age: 34 Employer: Ikea Location: Belfast Injury: Back injury after car accident Date of accident: October 2008 Case settled: September 2009 Award: £3,500

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT_SERVICES]/ /LEGAL .UK/MEMBER_SERVICES [WWW.USDAW.ORG Expert help for all uni Usdaw takes the strain

sdaw helped take the pain out of the U strain for customer service adviser Julie Pickard after she developed a repetitive strain injury (RSI). The union negotiated on her behalf and she was awarded £5,000 in compensation. “It was such a relief having the union’s support,” said 48 year-old Julie who worked for Shop Direct in Burnley, Lancashire for 18 years until she was made redundant in July. “People don’t realise how restrictive and painful it can be. It’s very frustrating. My employer did make adjustments at work but I already had the symptoms and I struggled at work and home. “At first I just tried to ignore it thinking it would go away. It didn’t, the pain spread up my fingers to my wrist. So I called the union. Usdaw’s help was invaluable. I was kept fully informed all the way, it gave me real peace of mind.” Financial security delivered

arehouse operative Richard W Saunders sustained severe multiple injuries when a speeding motorcyclist crashed into him as he walked home from work in February 2006. The 54 year-old’s world was literally turned upside down and he has no recollection of the incident and now also suffers from epilepsy. “It’s been a terrible ordeal for me and my family,” said Richard who lives in Maidstone, Kent. “My life will never be the same again but thankfully my call to Usdaw gave me a lifeline. “The union supported me thank goodness as I couldn’t have afforded a legal battle myself. I received substantial damages earlier this year. The union’s solicitor was excellent and I had expert advice throughout. “Because of my injuries I lost my job at the Wincanton site where I’d worked for many years so the compensation will provide some much needed financial Anthony ‘settled in no time’ security for the future.” on members

he union’s FirstCall claims line came T up trumps for trolley man Anthony Silvester after he was crushed by a car in the store car park. The accident happened in May last year when Anthony worked for Morrison’s in Evesham, Worcestershire. He sustained injuries to his back and knee and was off work for three months. Usdaw took up his case, which was settled within nine months, and Anthony received £17,500 in compensation. “I was pulling trolleys from the bay to move them to the front of the store when a customer drove into the back of me and I was crushed,” said Anthony, 62. “I had treatment, but things didn’t improve and in November I had to have a knee replacement operation. “FirstCall was brilliant. I just dialled the number on the front of the card and had a call back from a solicitor almost immediately. “ I didn’t have to worry about a thing. I had a professional service and my case was settled in no time. I was delighted.”

arena 0013 • LIFELONG LEARNING • LIFELONG LEARNING • LIFELONG LEARNING

CAMPAIGNS Lifelong Learning – are

Checkout your learning opportunities ince Usdaw basic literacy and at: www.usdaw.org.uk launched its numeracy, IT, S successful languages, sign Lifelong language, photography Learning campaign ten and many more. Union years ago it has set up Learning Reps (ULRs) hundreds of successful have organised learning initiatives hundreds of open days with some of the and taster sessions for biggest companies in adult learners in a the UK and more than variety of workplaces 35,000 members have across the UK. ULRs returned to some form have also negotiated of learning. learning agreements Members have with management and taken up a variety of arranged tuition with courses ranging from local colleges.

Helping you progress at work “Learning has certainly taken off here,” said union learning rep Ananka Lyall. “There’s lots of taff at Tesco in St Rollox in Glasgow interest. We have an IT, Spanish and a sign S got their first taste of learning when language course up and running at the moment. the Check Out Learning campaign “It was a proud moment for all when our first arrived at the store earlier this year. group of 15 learners were presented with their certificates recently after successfully completing an Reps at Tesco St Rollox in Glasgow introductory course in British Sign Language.” Learner Maria King 61, said: “This campaign is great because it gets people back into learning who have maybe missed out previously. “I’ve done a course in sign language and now I’m doing a basic course in computers. I’m really enjoying it. “I always encourage my colleagues to get involved and sign up for one of the many courses on offer.” • LIFELONG LEARNING • LIFELONG LEARNING • LIFELONG LEARNING

Tesco depot staff you getting it? on the right course

earning is delivering for L distribution staff at the Tesco site in Nursling, Southampton where ULRs Heidi Swanborough and Magda Tomczyk have negotiated free computer courses. As a result drivers, warehouse operatives and admin staff have nationally recognised qualifications in Certified success computing. “It’s been a huge success,” said Heidi. “People jumped at the chance of getting a proper people here I didn’t do well at school, but qualification. course tutor, Margaret Girdwood, made it “We’ve had full backing from fun and made sure everyone was management who gave us funding and a involved and that helped all of us to get learning room and local providers Totton the most out of the learning and stay the College provided tuition.” course. Now we have a proper Learner Chris Heath said: “Like most qualification we can’t thank her enough.”

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arena 15 BUDGET 2010 • BUDGET 2010 • BUDGET 2010 • BUDGET 2010 • BUDGE

POLITICS Storm clouds gather as

Usdaw members will pay a high price for the failures of the bankers as the Government presses ahead with deep cuts which could see another UK recession

he Coalition’s from 11 per cent to Budget in June set 12 per cent but the T out plans to exempt amount also increase taxes and increases from April make drastic cuts in benefits 2011. People and services which will affect earning less than all of Usdaw’s members. £20,000 a year will The Government claims it is gain up to £120 a a ‘fair’ Budget, but many year. Higher people on low and middle earners will pay incomes will be worse off and more. new parents will lose £1,500 of help. I Higher Child Tax The main parts of the Credit but fewer Budget that will directly affect will qualify Usdaw’s members are: Child Tax Credit will rise by £150 I £275 more in VAT per child above On 4 January 2011 VAT will inflation in April increase from 17.5 per cent to 2011 and by £60 in 20 per cent. It will cost the April 2012. But fewer families abolished for those born after average household £275 a year. will qualify. By April 2012 31 December 2010. Lower income households families with one child will Health in Pregnancy grants spend a higher proportion of only qualify with household of £190 abolished for babies their income in VAT. income below £26,000. With due after 1 January 2011. two children the upper limit Sure Start Maternity grant I £200 less Income Tax will be £32,500. Many families of £500 – cut for 2nd or From April 2011 income tax for will lose £545 a year. subsequent babies from April people earning between £7,500 2011. and £43,000 will decrease by I £1,500 less for families Baby element of Child Tax £200 a year. with babies Credit worth £545 – abolished The Child Trust Fund reduced for babies under one year-old I Lower NICs on low wages from £250 to £50 for babies at April 2011. National Insurance increases born after 31 July 2010 and Child Benefit frozen for

16 arena T 2010 • BUDGET 2010 • BUDGET 2010 • BUDGET 2010 • BUDGET 2010

Budget cuts approach Many people on low and “ middle incomes will be “worse off and new parents will lose £1,500

How much will you lose? Effects of the Coalition Budget on a family with £26,000 household income and one child (Assuming one earner on £18,000, one on £8,000) three years – costing families around £50 a year for the first CHANGE GAIN LOSS child and £35 each for other 20% VAT (from Jan 2011) £275 children. Income Tax (April 2011) £320 Nat Insurance (April 2011) £155 I Massive cuts in services Freeze Child Benefit (April 2011, 2012 & 2013) £50 25 per cent cuts to public Child Tax Credit (April 2012) £545 services will affect us all, TOTAL £475 £875 including fewer police, longer waiting times for BY APRIL 2012 THE FAMILY WILL BE £400 A YEAR WORSE OFF hospital and GP If they decide to have another baby, they will also lose the following appointments and fewer that would have been available pre-Budget: Baby element of tax places in further and higher credits £545, Health in Pregnancy Grant £190, Child Trust Fund £250, education. further child benefit £35 – Total £1,020.

arena 17 • KNOW YOUR RIGHTS • CHRISTMAS WORKING • KNOW YOUR RIGHTS • Don’t bank on Bank H arena takes a look at the Holiday pay vexed issue of Bank Holidays Am I entitled to a paid day off on a Introduction QPublic Holiday? orkers’ There is no automatic legal right to rights to paid time off on a Public Holiday or to W time off receive premium payments for during the working on such a holiday. festive holiday period Your position in relation to will depend on their contract of employment and trade working/time off on a Bank/Public union/company agreements. When Christmas or Holiday will depend on what is Boxing Day falls at the weekend the time off and pay outlined in your contract of arrangements can become even more confusing than employment, staff handbook and if usual. Here’s our guide to working at Christmas. there is a union/company agreement.

Boxing Day blues Volunteers only? Most businesses will be closed on Is working on a Christmas Day. What if my Public Holiday Qworkplace opens on Boxing Day Qvoluntary? (Sunday 26 December) do I have to work? For some workers, working on a designated Public Holiday It depends on your contract and which days have is voluntary; for others working on been designated in your company as the some or all Public Holidays is part of your customary holidays. Your normal working hours contract. The position on whether Public also come into it, for example if you don’t usually Holiday working is voluntary is usually work on Sundays it’s unlikely you will be explained in your contract, the staff handbook expected to (unless your contract enables your or outlined in agreements between the employer to vary your days and hours). employer and your trade union. Don’t trust your diary

In my 2010 diary the two Bank Holidays for Christmas are Monday, 27 December and Tuesday, 28 December. Surely Qthese are the Public Holidays in my workplace? Not necessarily. Bank Holidays are the days the Government designates as Public Holidays under the Banking Act. When the traditional Public Holiday falls at the weekend the Bank Holiday is the substitute date for workers in Monday-to-Friday businesses. For others such as the retail and distribution sectors, that operate seven days a week, the customary holiday is sometimes kept to the traditional date. The arrangements for assigning the date of the customary holiday are different in each business. CHRISTMAS WORKING • KNOW YOUR RIGHTS • CHRISTMAS WORKING • olidays this Christmas Premium rates Sunday shift

Will I get additional premium The shop I work in is opening on pay for working on a Public Boxing Day, as it falls on a Sunday QHoliday? Qhow many hours can it open for?

There is no automatic right to an enhanced pay On Sundays in rate for working on a Public Holiday. The pay rate England and for working these days depends on your contract Wales, of employment and union/company agreements. larger The pay rates and any days that attract premiums shops are are usually explained in the staff handbook or in restricted other communications to staff. to trading Do I have to for a work on Monday Forced labour maximum 27 December? of six Q hours In many Usdaw-organised workplaces between Sunday is not viewed as a normal working 10am and 6pm. day and Monday 27 December will be designated as Some retailers are a customary holiday. In these workplaces, there may lobbying to be allowed be agreements that working this day will be voluntary longer trading hours this Boxing Day. and any hours worked will be paid at premium pay. The union will oppose any such de-regulation of Sunday trading rules for Boxing Day. Usdaw would like to see shops closed on Christmas Day Customers agree with Usdaw and Boxing Day to allow all retail and distribution workers a two-day break over Christmas. I A number of high profile companies wrote In Scotland there is no regulation of shops to the Government to lobby for a relaxation trading on a Sunday and in Northern Ireland large in Sunday trading laws for this year’s shops can only trade between 1pm and 6pm. Boxing Day however, a government spokeswoman said ‘there were no plans to change the rules at the moment’. Early closing I The Sunday Trading Act restricts larger shops to trading for six hours if Boxing Day I want to finish early on Christmas falls on a Sunday as it does this year. Eve but my manager says I have to Qwork my normal hours. Is this right? I A recent opinion poll revealed that 85 per cent of the public were not in favour of Christmas Eve is a normal working day and staff may further de-regulation if Boxing Day falls on be required to work their normal working hours. a Sunday. However, many businesses allow staff to finish early on Christmas Eve. Usdaw is urging businesses to I Evidence shows that the shopping public close their doors early to allow staff to get home to accept that shopworkers deserve a decent spend Christmas Eve with their family and friends. break over the Christmas holiday period.

arena 19 • KNOW YOUR RIGHTS • CHRISTMAS WORKING • KNOW YOUR RIGHTS • Only Usdaw is calling fo

arena outlines the union’s policy on Christmas working An Early Finish on Introduction Christmas Eve

sdaw wants to see Usdaw is urging members in the retail retailers to finish trading U and distribution sectors early on Christmas Eve. getting a break of at Shopworkers should get as least a couple of days at Christmas. much time off as possible Usdaw negotiators are in discussions with their families. with employers now to get the best deal on paid time off arrangements for workers but this is difficult when there is pressure to keep shops open for as long as Close the shops possible both from employers and consumers. There is a need for business and the shopping public to accept that shop and distribution workers have earned on Christmas Day the right to a decent break over the Christmas period. The Christmas Day (Trading) Act prevents all stores, except for Christmas Bank Holidays small convenience stores, from trading on 25 December. Monday 27 and Tuesday 28 December are The union designated Bank Holidays. When a public believes that all holiday falls at the weekend substitute shopworkers days, usually on Monday and/or Tuesday, should be able to are declared as Bank Holidays. These days have Christmas mainly affect businesses that operate a Day off. Monday to Friday working week. Some retailers will designate Monday 27 December as a customary holiday as Boxing Day falls on a A break for all workers over Christmas Sunday. Many are likely to treat Tuesday 28 as a Christmas and New Year is a special family holiday normal working day in Britain whether you are religious or not. Many and pay staff single workplaces across the UK will be closed for an time. The union believes extended holiday. Usdaw believes shop and employers should distribution workers should also be able to enjoy a consider premium decent break during the festive period and the union pay to workers is calling on shops not to trade on Christmas Day, working either of Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. these Bank Holidays.

20 arena CHRISTMAS WORKING • KNOW YOUR RIGHTS • CHRISTMAS WORKING • r a decent festive break Close the shops on New Year’s Day

Usdaw is urging retailers to close stores on New Year’s Day. In Scotland, the situation is different as 2 January is also a public holiday and Usdaw is calling for shops in Scotland not to trade on New Year’s Day and 2 January.

Early Finish on Keep the stores closed on Boxing Day

Usdaw wants to see shops closed on Boxing Day to ensure all New Year’s Eve shopworkers have two days off work. This year Boxing Day falls on a Sunday so larger shops are restricted to trading for a maximum of six Usdaw is calling for shops hours. If stores open on Boxing Day the pressure is on shopworkers, the to finish trading early on distribution network and the supply chain to work late Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve to allow even Christmas Day to ensure that there are goods on the shelves. Usdaw staff to go home at a is making the case that shops close for Christmas Day and Boxing Day to reasonable time. allow all retail and distribution workers a two-day break over Christmas. Ready and willing to bu David Miliband MP sdaw is backing former foreign U secretary David Miliband MP in the election for the Labour party leader. Union members will have their say when the ballot papers go out in late September. On these pages the MP for South Shields talks about the campaign, his aims and hopes.

Q. How has the campaign been so far? A. It’s been great. I have really enjoyed meeting Labour members and supporters as On the election trail . . . David Miliband chats with well as those who didn’t back workers at the Wincanton us this time. I have been to site in Northampton every region of the country and met thousands of people. It is clear that they are looking to the Labour Party to be a that have backed me to the not convince people. We lost credible opposition and people who have joined the ground on education. We alternative government; there party because they think were wrong on the 10p tax is deep concern about how together we can take Labour rate. right wing David Cameron and back to power. Our political style was also Nick Clegg are. a problem. All the gossip Q. How do you reflect on inside the Westminster bubble Q. What’s been the Labour’s record in office? discredited us in the eyes of highlight? A. I think that we did some the public. A. I have been truly humbled great things in Government: As leader I would build on by the people who have the national minimum wage, what we did right but make supported me. From the investment in our public sure we have the policies to supporting nomination I services, rights in the deliver on the things we received from Usdaw to the workplace, sure start and missed. I want a living wage local parties flexible working. We left Britain so a decent day’s work gets a Fact file richer, safer, healthier and decent day’s pay. I want world better educated. class teaching in all our Name: David Miliband MP But of course we schools. I want an economy Age: 45 didn’t get that generates jobs and Married with two young children everything right. growth outside of finance and Lives: South Shields and London On housing, outside of the south-east. I MP since 2001. Various ministerial welfare and want a political culture rooted positions, foreign secretary 2007-2010 immigration we did in authenticity and honesty. Education: Haverstock Comprehensive and Oxford University ild the people’s party breaches followed up. And building on your Freedom from Fear’campaign we need to make sure the Tory review of health and safety doesn’t put workers at risk.

Q. How do you get away from it all? A. I am a real family man. I love it when we all go to the park to have a kick around with the boys. I am really clear about the need to balance work with family and I know it is something lots of people struggle with up and down the country. For me family comes first. I love putting my children to bed at night and reading to them as they doze off. Louise Team player . . . David Miliband with and the boys have been so deputy general secretary Paddy Lillis supportive though; they are and general secretary John Hannett absolute rocks for me.

Q. Why should Usdaw members vote for you for Q. You talk about change, will defend it nationally and Labour leader? what do you mean? strengthen it locally – I will A. I embody the best spirit A. Reconnecting with the oppose any attempts to and values of Labour; I know country starts with renewing weaken it. The Labour Party is what it takes to rebuild our our party. I want our stronger because of the link party in communities and movement to be open and which brings together millions workplaces; I can take on the inclusive, a place where of working people to take Tories and lead a credible people come together to action and fight for change. alternative government; I can change things. We need to Our partnership secured turn new ideas into real learn from trade union many successes over the past change – traditions about building 13 years. We need to win back fighting for alliances and showing power precisely so we can a more solidarity. We need to be the build on them. We need more equal people’s party not the flexible working and decent society. politician’s - listening to support for carers (as Usdaw’s concerns on the doorstep, not excellent Supporting parents civil servants in Whitehall. & Carers campaign has highlighted.) We need to work Q. How do you see the role towards equalising maternity of trade unions in our and paternity rights and society? increasing paternity pay. We A. In our movement, the trade need better enforcement of union link is non-negotiable. I employment rights with any

arena 23 • KNOW YOUR PATERNITY RIGHTS • KNOW YOUR PATERNITY RIGHTS • Don’t miss out on vital

More and more fathers are sharing parental responsibilities and need all the time off they can get. Arena takes a look at paternity rights and asks every dad – do you know your entitlement?

f you are a fathers get two an emergency working weeks paternity involving a I father or leave at full pay and dependant. about to staff at Morrisons become one, do you are entitled to one Paternity leave is know your week at full pay and available to employment rights? the second week at employees who: Now is the time to the statutory level. I Have or expect think about whether To qualify for the to have you are getting the statutory minimum responsibility paternity and you will have for the child's parental leave you worked upbringing I Are the biological may be entitled to. continuously for father of the If you are a your employer for child or the father-to-be or will 26 weeks ending mother's share the with the 15th week husband or responsibility with before the baby is partner and a partner for due, or the end of I Have worked bringing up a child, the week in which continuously for you may have the the child's adopter their employer right to Statutory is notified of being for 26 weeks Paternity Leave and matched with the ending with the Pay. This includes child. 15th week before adoptive fathers-to- the baby is due be. These are the Do you know you or the end of the legal minimums to may also be week in which which you are entitled to parental the child's entitled to subject to leave? adopter is the qualifying All parents who notified of being conditions. Usdaw have worked for matched with may have their current the child. negotiated employer for at Those who are improvements on least one year are eligible can choose these legal entitled to unpaid to take either one minimums that will parental leave. You week or two form part of your are also entitled to a consecutive contractual reasonable amount weeks' paid Check out your parental entitlement. For of unpaid time off paternity leave rights at: www.usdaw.org.uk example in Tesco work to deal with (not odd days). KNOW YOUR PATERNITY RIGHTS • KNOW YOUR PATERNITY RIGHTS • time with your family Is any time off allowed with pay to attend Q antenatal appointments? No there is no legal right to paid time off, however some employers may make arrangements for you to attend: you could take some annual leave; or it may be possible to swap shifts or make time up. These arrangements must be agreed with your employer in advance. How much time off will I get? Q If you qualify for the statutory time off, you can take one or two weeks off. These must be taken together; however, your employer may offer more time off as part of your contractual terms and conditions of employment. A week is based on your usual working pattern. So if you work Mondays and Tuesdays only, a week would be two days or if you work Monday to Friday, a week would be five days. When can I take the time off? Q You will need to take your paternity leave within 56 days of the actual date of birth of the child, or if the child is born early, within the period from the actual date of birth up to 56 days after the first day of the week in which the birth was expected. Will I get my full pay for the time I am off? Q You may be entitled to Statutory Paternity Pay which is currently £124.88 per week or 90 per cent of your average weekly earning, if that is less. Your employer may however, give you more and this may form part of your terms and conditions of employment. When do I need to tell my employer I am Q going to take Paternity Leave? You should tell your employer as soon as possible, but no later than the end of the 15th week before the expected week of childbirth. You should tell your employer when the baby is due, if you're going to take one or two weeks off, and when you expect your leave to start. My employer is making it difficult for me Q to take my paternity leave. If you have a problem taking your Statutory Paternity Leave, talk to your line manager first of all. If that doesn't help, speak to your rep as you may need to make a complaint using your employer’s internal grievance procedure.

arena 25 • MEMBERSHIP WEEK • MEMBERSHIP WEEK • MEMBERSHIP WEEK • New recruits flood in Usdaw is the UK’s fastest growing union

Hard-working reps pulled out all the stops during June’s National Membership Week and now the union is on target to reach 400,000 by the end of the year

nce again stronger we are.” Membership Specialist teams of O Week proved reps, activists, academy a huge organisers and officials success with more than pooled resources to 3,000 new members organise hundreds of joining Usdaw during the carefully co-ordinated national event in June. recruitment events in “There’s never been a workplaces across Warren Scott (right) talks to a young worker better time to join the the UK. at the Tesco Belfast store in Northern Ireland union,” said deputy Reps took the union general secretary Paddy message to full-time, Lillis. “The recent part-time and casual emergency budget was workers in a variety of a harsh reminder of how workplaces including far this government will distribution, retail and go and it will be our transport sites. members and their Armed with a full families who are hit the range of resources and hardest. campaign materials they “The increase in VAT, highlighted the many the freezing of child services and benefits benefit and the abolition available to union and restrictions to a members and their range of other benefits is families, including Legal just the beginning and Plus; comprehensive will leave our members accident cover service; less well off and help and support with struggling to make problems at work; ends meet. advice and “If every member representation on signed up just one of conditions of their colleagues we employment; pension would be in a very strong and health and safety position to negotiate advice; cash benefits; improved conditions with training, education and their employers. lifelong learning as well Stephen Griffiths discusses Usdaw with Melanie Chodelkova at Tesco distribution Severn Beach “The more members as special money saving we have the louder and offers and discounts. MEMBERSHIP WEEK • MEMBERSHIP WEEK • MEMBERSHIP WEEK •

Reps Margaret McIntyre (right) and Margaret Wright (centre) at the Morrisons store in Greenock Scotland

Thomas Monaghan (right) at the Morrisons store in Warwick puts the union case to a worker

The Legal Plus Service was used to sign up new members at Tesco in Redcar

Sharon Newson signs up a new member at the Morrisons store in Fakenham

Carrie Fineron in action at the Newport Isle of Wight Morrisons store

arena 27 WWW.USDAW.ORG.UK Don’t miss out – start yo

Introducing the newly designed website www.usdaw.org.uk giving you everything you need to keep in touch with Usdaw

he union for you to view, launched download or print. T its new Make sure you look vist the union’s website in July. award winning Visitors to the site Campaigns area to will now find it easier see how you can to find information get involved with thanks to the new the latest campaign user-friendly layout activities. and its powerful search The new My facility. Union area details Dedicated specialist Usdaw training areas for Newsroom, opporunities and Events, Workers’ how to get Rights, Usdaw’s Legal involved. Plus Service, Health If you want to and Safety, Pensions know everything and Equality have all about Usdaw been designed with visit the members and reps website now – at the forefront. don’t miss out - The Advice and there is Resources area hosts something for masses of information everyone! Click Connect and WIN!

Sign up to our e-news service www.usdaw.org.uk/emailupdates for all the latest news, advice and resources and campaign activities. You’ll automatically be entered into a FREE prize draw to win a digital camera courtesy of Unisaver.

Sponsored by Unisaver. Tel 0808 1 444 288 www.usdaw-unisaver.co.uk. Closing date 1 October 2010. Open to Usdaw members only. Not open to Usdaw staff. Terms and conditions apply. ur online experience now Click with the new features: My Union is a dedicated area for members www.usdaw.org.uk/myunion Information on how to get more involved with your union, update your details, find out about union training opportunities and visit the online store

Member services, offers and discounts www.usdaw.org.uk/memberservices Check out Usdaw’s first class benefits package and view the latest free offers

Winning through campaigning www.usdaw.org.uk/campaigns Find out more about our campaigns – including Freedom From Fear, Supporting Parents and Carers, Pensions Awareness, Usdaw for Labour, Young Workers and the National Minimum Wage

Picture and Video Gallery www.usdaw.org.uk/gallery Check out the latest from our Spotlight Days, major conferences and membership weeks revious issues of the award winning Social networking P share your favourite articles with friends Arena magazine and the reps’ magazine Network are Use the range of social media tools available available to download. including Facebook, Twitter, Delicious and Digg to share content and images

Advice and resources – everything you need! www.usdaw.org.uk/adviceresources Redesigned specialist areas for workers’ rights, health and safety (including a forum) Legal Plus, pensions and equality PLUS all the www.usdaw.org.uk/magazines Union’s publications

arena 29 INFORMATION CENTRES Would a union training co Introduction sdaw trained more than 4,600 reps last U year usually on a three or five day course. The union has a team of expert trainers with years of experience in helping members who want to get more involved in Usdaw. The opportunities are many and on these pages we explain just what you can expect on an Usdaw training course.

Do you have to be a rep to go on a What happens I’m interested in getting more at an Usdaw involved in Usdaw but I’d feel Qtraining course? training course? Qnervous about being a rep Yes. You have to be a rep Q without any training. What should I do? before you are eligible to You will meet get paid time off for like-minded people, often from the same Firstly you should complete Usdaw’s Home training. Usdaw strives to company, in a friendly Study course. This is a distance-learning deliver your first training and relaxed setting. The course with four parts. It involves reading course as soon as groups are rarely bigger through booklets and answering some possible after you have than 20 and usually total questions in your own time at home. You become a rep. Your around 12. then send these back to the training introductory course is then It’s not about being department where a tutor will give you followed up with a more talked at by the tutor, personalised feedback. The booklets are in-depth course. rather everyone will easy-to-read and will give you an ideal participate in introduction into the work of the union, how Will I get paid time discussions and it operates and how you fit in. off to go on a workgroups which are training course? Q designed to give you Are there exams Yes. If you are an Usdaw rep recognised by information and build up at the end of the the company, you are entitled to reasonable your knowledge and Qcourse? paid time off to: confidence. I Carry out your duties Refreshments are No. You will be guided I Receive training relevant to carrying out provided free of charge through your course by those duties and any transport costs an experienced tutor. If you have been appointed as a learning will be met by the union. You will be given all the representative by your trade union again you All you have to bring is materials that you need are entitled to reasonable paid time off to: a willingness to learn, while on the course, I Receive training to carry out the duties of a and an ability to listen to which you get to keep learning representative others and voice your for future reference. I Carry out those duties own opinion. urse suit you? Of course!

Will I be with members What happens if my from the same manager won’t allow company or not? Qme the time off? Q While you have a legal right to paid Probably, although this time off you should be aware of is not always possible. It ‘the needs of the business’ and depends on the local should provide your employer with arrangements at the as much notice as possible, giving time. Usdaw runs details of your reason for taking company-specific courses on a regular basis but don’t worry, time off and how much time off is even if you go on a course with a mix of reps you will still enjoy required. If the problem persists it and get to see how other companies operate. contact your local area organiser.

What I’m shy and not happens MORE INFORMATION ON] very confident but .ORG.UK/TRAINING next? WWW.USDAW Qkeen to learn? Q [ If you are interested in becoming a rep you should speak to one of Usdaw courses are famous for the reps at your workplace if you have one. If not contact your local being friendly and relaxed. You office and speak to an area organiser. won’t be put under the spotlight or put under pressure like the bad old days of school. What the members say

I’ve heard there are “I found the courses informative different types of and enjoyable” Qrep, what are they? Everyone starts off as a union rep Donna Heapy Karen Bibby in most cases and completes the introductory and follow on “I’d recommend them, courses. You can then choose to they are very good” ‘specialise’ in health and safety or lifelong “Everything is explained very learning clearly it gives you confidence” and you will be Teresa Carson eligible to go on Mark Conteh courses “You’ll broaden your knowledge dealing and meet some great people” with these specific subjects.

arena 31 • MIGRAINE AWARENESS WEEK • MIGRAINE AWARENESS WEEK •

YOUR HEALTH Much more than just

Arena takes a look at the incidence of migraine as a leading charity looks to increase understanding of this common health problem

igraine accompanied by M Awareness nausea and vomiting. Week runs In some cases from 5–11 symptoms such as September and its seeing flashing lights, theme this year is temporary visual ‘Migraine in the loss, speech problems Workplace’. It is may occur. It is the estimated that 25 most common million working days neurological are lost each year due condition; it affects to the condition and people of all ages, 190,000 people will social classes, races have a migraine attack and cultures. in any one day. ] Employees have What are the MORE INFORMATION.ORG.UK ON reported a lack of symptoms of a [ WWW.MIGRAINE understanding, and migraine? cynicism, on the Migraines frequently condition from their start with changes in employers and work mood and feelings of colleagues alike. general hunger or Charity Migraine particular food attack begins. These What causes a Action say this cravings. Migraine feelings are the first migraine? problem is exacerbated attacks last from four signs of the attack and The precise cause of by some who use to 72 hours and are can include: food migraine is unclear. migraine as an excuse usually felt on one cravings, excitability, Many factors can trigger for ‘throwing a sickie’, side of the head and hyperactivity or migraines, including with 15 per cent of is often made worse tiredness. These sorts tiredness, stress, workers in the UK by movement, noise of feelings may only dehydration, missed or admitting to using and light. Having a be apparent after an delayed meals, and migraine as an excuse headache is not attack. Friends or certain food and drinks, to stay off work. normally the first relatives may be more such as cheese, sign of a migraine aware of these chocolate, coffee, tea What is a migraine? attack; you may start changes in your and alcohol. For most Migraine is a severe to feel ‘strange’ a day behaviour than you people there is not just headache, often or so before the are at the time. one trigger but a 32 arena • MIGRAINE AWARENESS WEEK • MIGRAINE AWARENESS WEEK • a splitting headache Did you know?

I 1 in 7 people in the UK suffer from migraine. I Migraine affects twice as many women as men. I Migraine affects people from all age groups (even young children) and all social classes. I Migraine costs the UK around £1 billion a year. I The World Health Organisation has classified headache as a major health disorder and has rated migraine amongst the top 20 most disabling lifetime conditions. I Sufferers experience an average of 13 attacks each year. I Around 60 per cent of sufferers never consult their G.P. because they mistakenly think that nothing can be done to help them. There is a combination of factors control. Keeping a but if attacks are wide range of effective which individually can diary helps to identify coming more treatments now be tolerated but when triggers that can then frequently or available including new they all occur together be avoided. Some symptoms are products introduced a threshold is passed people find that taking worsening, you should during the past year. and a migraine is medicines early in the see a doctor. Treatment triggered. Migraines attack reduces the can include painkillers, Migraine Action is a can start without severity and duration possibly combined registered charity that warning and their of the attack. with anti-sickness provides information and unpredictable nature and/or other support on migraine and can disrupt daily life. Is there treatment for medication. Some strives to provide an migraines? people find excellent patient led, Prevention or cure? For some, painkillers acupuncture, compassionate and Migraine can't be cured bought over the osteopathy, yoga or empathetic support but it can be kept under counter are enough, relaxation helps. community for individuals affected by migraine Diabetes impact ARENA I work on the night shift in a warehouse and have recently Qbeen diagnosed with diabetes. Health Will this have any effect on my work? Your health and your safety at work is a Feet of flames vital part of Usdaw’s service. For more advice visit: I work on the kiosk www.usdaw.org.uk in a busy store, usually six hours a day with a 30l Q minute break. So I am on my feet most of the day and my feet get very sore and tired. I have asked for a chair but my boss says I can’t have one. What can I do?

The law says that a suitable chair must be provided if the work or a substantial part of it can be done seated. Standing in a fixed position for more than a few hours can cause problems such as back ache. Varying between sitting and standing is better for you – especially if you have to scan heavier or awkward items. However, your employer can argue that a chair isn't suitable for the kiosk because you don’t stay in one position all of the time. In a busy store, you will be up and down all the time to get cigarettes from the gantry, to I work in a call centre and use the lottery machine and to serve customers – so you suffer from a weak don’t have much opportunity to sit down and a chair or Qbladder. It is difficult to stool could get in the way. If you do spend a lot of the leave my station to use the toilet time at one location – e.g. by the lottery machine – then a as I have to get permission each ‘perch-stool’ might be helpful if it gives you some time. My manager says I should chance to take the weight of your feet, but in many stores wait until break time, but that this is not a practical option. could be hours away when I need Sometimes the only solution is to to go. Is this right? swap people round to make sure that no-one spends Health and safety legislation all day on the one job. states that employers must Moving to a different job provide ‘suitable and sufficient such as shelf-filling after a sanitary conveniences at readily set time on the kiosk gives you accessible places’. Unfortunately a chance to move around and it does not explicitly say that they stretch muscles that have have to let you use them! However stiffened up. the fact that the toilet must be Talk to your manager and ‘readily accessible’ does imply union rep to see if a stool can you should be able to use it when be provided or if you can be you need to. Apart from the taken off the kiosk before your discomfort and embarrassment, feet get too sore.

34 arena Drug tests The answer will depend on what type of diabetes you have and how easy it is for At the factory where I work, they have just you to control. introduced a drug and alcohol policy. It says Working night shift disturbs your body Qif I have an accident in the workplace then I clock and this can make it more difficult to will have to take a test for drugs or alcohol. Can I cope with the effects of some forms of refuse to take a test? diabetes. Type-2 diabetes which is controlled by diet may not be a problem, Yes, you can refuse but if you have to inject insulin or are prone to take a test, but to rapid changes in blood sugar levels this you could face could be more difficult. At one time people consequences if you with more serious forms of diabetes were do. Your employer considered unsuitable for shift work. cannot force you to However, improvements in blood glucose take a test. However, testing and more flexible insulin regimes if your behaviour was mean that you may be able to cope. thought to be a cause of the accident and gave Working in a warehouse should pose no reasonable grounds for them to think that you may particular problems but you should ensure have been acting under the influence of drugs or that you take medication regularly, eat alcohol, then you could face serious disciplinary correctly and make sure you can inject action. yourself in a clean, private environment. Government advice is that all employers should You should have had a health have a policy on drugs and alcohol that is welfare- assessment prior to starting night work and based and offers help to workers who may have a this should be followed by regular checks. problem. Testing is only one part of an overall policy and is not a legal requirement, apart from some specific occupations (such as train drivers). Experts advise Give us a toilet break that random testing is unlikely to be effective and testing should only be considered when it can be justified on safety grounds. As a result many policies do include provision for ‘for cause’ testing. That is testing when a person’s behaviour gives reasonable grounds for suspicion. Testing for alcohol is usually done by a breath test, similar to that used by the police, and is a reasonable indicator of impairment. Testing for drugs usually involves a urine or saliva sample. It does not measure impairment but simply shows that the drug there could be serious longer-term had been used recently. In the case of cannabis, health effects if people are refused urine samples can detect use many days after the toilet breaks when they need last exposure. So it is vital that the employer consults them. with staff and the union before any policy is The TUC has been running a introduced. If testing is to be part of the policy it campaign on this issue called must be justified by the risk and the consequences ‘Give us a break’ and a Hazards of testing must be fully explained to all employees. factsheet can be found at: The TUC have recently issued a helpful guide www.hazards.org/toiletbreaks/ called ‘Drug Testing in the toiletbreaks.pdf Workplace’. Guidance for Make sure you raise this issue Workplace Representatives’ Remember! with your Usdaw rep on site or which explains many of the Usdaw has its own health area organiser if you do not have a issues available at: and safety section full of rep on site. www.tuc.org.uk/h_ useful information, advice and_s/tuc-18000-f0.pdf and a reps’ forum at: www.usdaw.org.uk Membership services

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TAX REFUND SERVICE BRITANNIA

Over 71,000 members have used this service and With Britannia, Usdaw members benefit from a great range so far received tax refunds in excess of £1.7million. of mortgage products and an exclusive instant access Refunds average £167.94 each! savings account. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE

To find out if you are due a refund, go to To find out more call free on 0808 156 2838*, www.taxrebates.com/ref/usdaw, Visit britannia.co.uk/usdaw or visit your local Britannia Branch. call the application information line 0845 058 2288 *Our lines are open 8am–8pm weekdays and 9am-12noon Saturdays. Calls may be recorded and/or or send a SAE for an application form to: monitored. Calls from landline phones are free however mobile providers may charge. The Tax Refund Co. 43-47 Middle Hillgate, Stockport, SK1 3DG. Britannia is the trading name of the Co-operative Bank plc.

DEBT REMEDY MERLIN ENTERTAINMENT

Usdaw and Consumer Credit Counselling Service Usdaw members can make great savings on the following (CCCS) have launched a new service providing debt UK attractions and theme parks: Alton Towers Resort, Chessington World of Adventures, LEGOLAND advice and solutions for all Usdaw members Discovery Centre Manchester, LEGOLAND Windsor, Madame CCCS provides free and immediate debt advice and solutions to Tussauds London, SEA LIFE Centres and Sanctuaries, the Dungeons, individuals and families in times of financial distress. In addition to its Thorpe Park and Warwick Castle. unique online counselling service, Debt Remedy, CCCS offers a free telephone counselling available Monday to Friday. To find out more or to book call 0871 222 4001 and quote REWARDS for your special discount or visit If you are an individual struggling to repay your debts use the CCCS Debt Remedy on-line assessment of your financial www.usdaw.org.uk/merlin circumstances: http://www.cccs.co.uk/usdaw Telephone debt counselling Freephone 0800 138 1111 Monday to Friday 8:00am-8:00pm

GYMTASTIC OFFERS £25,000 WOMEN’S CANCER COVER Discounted rates on Gym Membership • Covers 7 female-specific cancers (including breast, ovarian, cervical) exclusive to Usdaw Members • £25,000 cash sum paid directly to you on diagnosis to help with Save up to 30% bills, childcare, private drugs etc. Visit the following Usdaw websites for more • Or £1,000 for cancers usually treatable by day surgery • Advice and support from the Care Advisory Service information: • £10 Boots voucher (sent within 28 days of receipt of first premium) Fitness First: www.usdaw.org.uk/fitnessfirst • The WellWoman Plan from Usdaw approved partner UNAT Direct LA Fitness: www.usdaw.org.uk/lafitness Nuffield Health: www.usdaw.org.uk/nuffield For an information pack, call 0800 072 6178 Lines are open 8.00am to 8.00pm Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays). For security and training purposes calls will be recorded and may be monitored.

arena 37 PEOPLE LIKE YOU

Dennis motors ahead HGV driver has made speedy progress

GV driver Dennis driver. Since then I’ve worked reps. The set up here is fantastic. Nash set out on his my way up and now I drive a 44 Membership is high at around H own personal tonne HGV.” 80-90 per cent. journey of discovery Dennis has been a nightshift “Having the union on board when he joined the team of reps driver with Wincanton for 11 works really well and helps with at the Wincanton site in years. When the vacancy for a communication and integration Northamptonshire two years night rep was put up on his right across the site. We have a ago. union noticeboard he put his lot of migrant workers who Since then the 53 year-old has name forward immediately. know the importance of Usdaw. taken on a number of union “It’s crucial night workers “I’ve had excellent training roles and is enjoying his life in and support which has helped the fast lane. He has made improve my knowledge and speedy progress. He is a Having the union on “ confidence. I also try to member of the national transport encourage new reps, especially committee and also sits on the board works really well the younger ones to get involved. Wincanton European Works “and helps with on-site “I’ve travelled a long way Council. communication and it makes me very proud to “I like my job and my union be part of Usdaw and involved work and always try to give 100 in the transport sector.” per cent,” said Dennis. “Driving like myself feel part of Away from work it comes as is something I always wanted to the union and know that our no surprise that Dennis loves do. I love it. When I was 21 I voices are heard just like others. nothing more than holidays and started work as a parcel delivery “We have a good team of travel.

38 arena • LIFELONG LEARNING • LIFELONG LEARNING • LIFELONG LEARNING • CAMPAIGNS

AwardModel agreement winners

National hen a group of women shopworkers Institute of W from the Tesco store in Old Swan, Adult Liverpool won the chance to learn at Continuing work little did they know it would lead to a Education at model learning initiative that would give a special opportunities to thousands of Tesco staff and ceremony in win them a national award. London in In 2007 five colleagues at the store teamed The winning team from May. Tesco Old Swan up with their learning project worker Julia Learners Baldwin and using the union’s Check Out at the store Learning campaign they negotiated space in the who managed to fit their learning around shifts store’s training room and local tutors were have now completed a variety of courses brought in to run courses. including numeracy and literature. As a result Tesco agreed to create a model Helen Scahil said: “If I’d have had to go to union learning agreement and set up similar college I would have been nervous studying with learning initiatives in stores nationally. Their hard new people but with my colleagues as my work and dedication has been recognised with classmates I settled down a lot easier.” the prestigious National Group Award from the

arena 39 TRY OUR Win £50! will win Three lucky members Crossword£50 each if they answer correctly the crossword clues below. Closing date October 15, 2010. l(Not open to Usdaw staff) Have fun with our puzzle page & you could win £50!

Send your completed crossword with your details to: the editor, Xword Comp, Arena, Usdaw 188 Wilmslow Road, Manchester, M14 6LJ.

6. Revoke (6) ACROSS 23. Bowl for baptismal 9. Universe (6) water (4) 4. Prior to (6) 11. The opposite of high (3) 24. Slang word for money (4) 7. Not any more (2,6) 12. Group of witches (5) 26. Skill (3) 8. Busy (6) 13. Liberty (7) 27. Public school (4) 10. Girl's name (5) 15. Perform (3) 29. Muslim ruler (4) 13. Twelve inches (4) 16. Wag (3) 32. Baby carriage (4) 14. Extinct bird (4) 18. Buries (6) 33. Employment (5) 15. Weapons collectively (4) 20. Burnt remains (5) 34. Alcove (6) 16. Roll of banknotes (3) 21. Cooking vessel (3) 35. Percussion instrument (8) 17. Immoral or evil habit (4) 22. Swindle or defraud, 19. Send by post (4) 36. Sickly, feeble (6) informally (3) 21. Whit Sunday (9) 23. Turn to ice (6) DOWN 25. Large (3) 1. Work dough (5) 28. Appetising (5) 2. Flowing easily (5) 30. Type of fruit (5) The winners of the Arena 3. At some past time, 31. Insurgent (5) Summer crossword were: Anne Womersley formerly (4) 32. Pointed summit of a South Yorkshire Co-op F7 4. Besom (5) mountain (4) Christine Dixon 33. American state (4) NW Tesco Retail K139 5. Piece of information (4) Darren Parsons Exeter General A87

40 arena PEOPLE LIKE YOU Tanya at work (left) and (right) at play

Tanya is riding high Academy rep is a real thoroughbred

orrisons’s rep ago my boss suggested I take it results. I enjoy my role with M Tanya Scott is on telling me I should put my Usdaw. It is first class when it leading the field voice to good use! So I did and I comes to providing excellent when it comes to haven’t looked back.” training and education getting active in the union and Before working in retail opportunities. over the last three years she’s Tanya spent four years with The “I’ve completed a host of cleared every hurdle and made King’s Troop, Royal Horse courses, been out on stand- a real impact. Artillery where she developed down, attended the Annual The 28 year-old part-time her love of horses and her Delegate Meeting and my time checkout operator from with the Academy has been Skegness in Lincolnshire, has fantastic. Working with the taken advantage of every All in all I’ve had a “ union has also given me the training opportunity on offer opportunity to meet and work and is currently spending six brilliant three years. I’m with like-minded people. months with Usdaw’s Academy.“enjoying the challenge “This has certainly been the “Being involved with the and looking ahead case with the Academy where union has been a real learning I’ve linked up with the other curve,” said Tanya. “Once I got five organising officers from started and delved a bit deeper equestrian skills. She is now a my division. All in all I’ve had a there was no stopping me and regular contestant in show brilliant three years and I’m I’ve been encouraged and jumping and cross-country pleased with my progress – I’m supported all the way. competitions in and around enjoying the challenge and “When the rep’s vacancy Lincolnshire. “I am by nature looking forward to even more came up in my store three years competitive and driven by to come.” arena 41 OCTOBER IS ALCOHOL AWARENESS MONTH Everyone likes a drink

It’s difficult to avoid alcohol in the UK as every social occasion – whether happy or sad – usually revolves around it, but it not only comes with a hefty calorie cost but also a cosmetic one too

rinking in In a 2009 contains lots the UK is Department of Health of calories – D part of the survey of 2,000 adults, seven national four in 10 admitted calories a fabric, it’s cultural, but they didn’t know gram in the pleasure doesn’t those facts about fact, almost come without its fair calories in alcohol. as many as share of pain – health The survey also pure fat! problems, hangovers revealed that the Calories and looking haggard. average wine drinker from However what consumes 2,000 extra alcohol are many people don’t calories each month. ‘empty realise is the calorie Over the course of a calories’ – content in alcohol. For year, that’s the they have example: Did you equivalent of eating no know that a glass of 184 bags of crisps or nutritional wine has the same 38 roast beef dinners. value. calories as a slice of Most cake? How about a Calories in alcohol alcoholic pint of lager – are empty and extra- drinks surprised to hear it’s fattening contain the calorific equivalent Wine, beer, cider, traces of vitamins and carbohydrates and fat, of a burger? spirits and all other minerals, but not it can’t store alcohol. favourite tipples are usually in amounts So it has to get rid of it made by that make any – and doing so takes fermenting significant contribution priority. All of the and to our diet. other processes that distilling It’s not just the should be taking place natural calories that are a (including absorbing starch and problem for nutrients and burning sugar. waistlines. Drinking fat) are interrupted. Being alcohol reduces the high in amount of fat your Alcohol and appetite Remember . . . sugar body burns for energy. Along with drinking A glass of wine is the calorific equivalent means While the body can alcohol comes the of a slice of cake alcohol store nutrients, protein, temptation to eat

42 arena but it’s a weighty issue

How many calories are in my drink?

With a pint of bitter the same as a medium slice of pizza, and a standard size ‘ready to drink’ bottle (‘alcopop’) the same as 100g of cookies, the calories from alcohol soon add up… Gin or vodka and tonic =126 Dark rum and coke =142 120-130 Medium glass of wine (175ml) = 5% Lager (pint) =240-50 Cider (pint) =180-250 Bitter/stout =180-230 100 -170 Liqueur (50ml) = 160-228 Mixed drink (Ready to drink) (275ml bottle) = The Government guidelines recommend that women should not regularly exceed 2-3 units daily and that men should not regularly exceed 3-4 units daily. Drinking within these guidelines, and trying to give yourself a couple of days off alcohol every week, will help you avoid piling on the pounds.

More than can affect your “Alcohol is also one in three physical appearance thought to deprive the said they are the next day and in skin of certain vital likely to eat the long term. vitamins and more than Nina Goad of the nutrients,” she adds. they usually British Association of Alcohol can also Boozer beware . . . Calories in alcohol would or ditch Dermatologists cause your face to look are ‘empty’ and the healthy explains: “Alcohol bloated and puffy. You extra-fattening diet when they dehydrates your body might find it bloats drink above generally, including your stomach too. And fattening snacks – their the skin, which is your then there’s the crisps and salted nuts recommended daily body’s largest organ. cellulite; many believe in the pub, and chip limits. And more than This happens every the toxins in alcohol shop fare on the way six out of 10 drinkers time you drink. add to its build up. home. have a less healthy According to the breakfast if they have Department of Health a hangover. survey, almost one in Drinkaware – for the facts about alcohol three people order Mirror mirror Drinkaware, an independent UK charity, crisps, nuts or pork on the wall? provides consumers with the facts about scratchings to A spotty face and tired alcohol to make informed decisions about the accompany a drink, eyes – drinking can effects of alcohol on their lives and lifestyles. while nearly a fifth have some unwanted Its resources help create awareness of alcohol regularly opt for side-effects. Over and affect positive change. takeaway food. indulging on alcohol ] MORE INFORMATION.CO.UK ON [ WWW.DRINKAWARE Recruit a friend and yo

FIRST TIME LUCKY FOR ANDREA ike many Winner... shopworkers Andrea L Andrea Foster Foster has moved in and out of retail and been in and out of Usdaw membership over the years, but her latest stint has really paid off after she won £500 in the recruit a friend prize draw. Andrea, who works at the Tesco store in Ilkeston, Derbyshire, signed up her friend Dawn – the two are both checkout operators. “We’re good friends and enjoy working together,” said Andrea. “I recommended the union to Dawn after FirstCall Usdaw helped my son recover compensation after he was injured cycling home. The service he had was excellent. I always read Arena so I thought I’d have a go at the prize draw. I was absolutely amazed when I heard the news. It was Sitting pretty . . . Andrea Foster the first time I’d entered. (right) with Dawn Stevenson I was over the moon.” Enter the draw now The weekly rates are £2.14 for Scale A You can make Usdaw an even bigger union, make your voice£500 stronger prize andif (applicable to full-time and more influential at work, and have the chance of winning a part-time workers) and you recruit one of your work colleagues into the union. Simply sign up a £1.34 for Scale C workmate using the form opposite, include your details at the top of the prize draw, Usdaw, Freepost NAT19525, (applicable to part-time form and send it to: arena 15 October 2010, conditions apply. workers only) Manchester M14 7DJ. Closing date u could win £500 cash NO NO YES YES ts within the meaning of the Trade Union and Labour Relations ts within the meaning of Trade mber belongs. An exemption notice given within one month after be given AFTER one month from that date it will operate as from be given AFTER one month from to it. A form of exemption notice may be obtained by or on behalf enefits. It will be available to our employees, officers and enefits. It will be available to our employees, officers be obtained on request from the Certification Office for Trade Union’s for Trade the Certification Office from be obtained on request rite to the organisation in question direct. Please, however, in question direct. rite to the organisation ices and comply with certain statutory obligations. All personal of the union. If they wish to exercise their right to object stop of the union. If they wish to exercise SCALE A SCALE C ta processor and in a secure and confidential manner under our and in a secure ta processor propriate) will be kept throughout membership and, to the extent will be kept throughout propriate) personal information on such as the fact that you are a trade union personal information on such as the fact that you are tion held. This notice will be amended from time to and will be tion held. This notice will be amended from d to contact you with details of any that we feel may be particular e. Under the Data Protection Act 1998 you also have the right to ask e. Under the Data Protection purposes. In particular, this may benefit you as the union can use its purposes. In particular, nts, contractors and other service providers. Where, occasionally, the occasionally, Where, nts, contractors and other service providers. we may use the information about you which hold on our records e maintenance of records, monitoring for equal opportunity purposes, e maintenance of records, PART-TIME WORKERS ONLYPART-TIME PER WEEK FULL OR PART-TIME WORKERSFULL OR PART-TIME PER WEEK HAVE YOU BEEN A MEMBER OF ANY TRADE UNION BEFORE? HAVE IF SO PLEASE GIVE DETAILS UNION JOINEDDATE PER WEEK CONTRIBUTION RATE LEFT DATE HAVE YOU BEEN A MEMBER OF USDAW BEFORE? YOU BEEN A MEMBER OF USDAW HAVE PLEASE TICK THE APPROPRIATE BOX PLEASE TICK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF YOU DO NOT SELECT A SCALE OF CONTRIBUTIONS WILL AUTOMATICALLY BE EN- TERED AS SCALE A IN ORDER TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE FULL RANGE BENEFITS PLEASE TICK THE APPROPRIATE BOX Recruiter’s Recruiter’s Name Recruiter’s Membership No. Recruiter’s Postcode I apply to join Usdaw. As a member of Usdaw I undertake to abide by the rules and regula- I apply to join Usdaw. authorise my employers for the I hereby tions of the Union and to pay contributions regularly. my salary or wages the amount of con- to deduct from time being, or their representatives, time to time. I also au- Rules, as amended from tributions payable by me under the Union’s which may accrue during my employment and agree thorise the deduction of any arrears shall notify the Union of any that my employers, or their representatives, appropriate where of the names to enable the Union maintain a register changes in my home address future of data of its members. I give my explicit consent to the processing addresses and proper Act 1998 as specified below. under the Data Protection with the member. for keeping payments up to date rests The responsibility MALE DATE FEMALE I I MR information together with any other for analysis and/or marketing (INC. STD) MRS MS MISS (Consolidation) Act 1992, will contribute to that fund. Every member of the Union has the right to be exempt from contributing (Consolidation) Act 1992, will contribute to that fund. Every member of the Union has right be exempt from EVERY member of the Union who does not object to contribute separate fund for payments in furtherance political objec EVERY of any member either by application at, or by post from, the Central Office or any branch office of the Union. Copies may also or any branch office the Central Office of any member either by application at, or post from, of the branch to which me Associations. Such form, when filled in, should be handed or sent to the secretary and Employer’s the date on which it is given. Should a notice as from the date on which a new member is admitted to Union will take effect the following 1st January. PLEASE COMPLETE THIS FORM AS FULLY AS POSSIBLE PLEASE COMPLETE THIS FORM AS FULLY FULL POSTAL ADDRESS FULL POSTAL POSTCODEE-MAIL TEL. NO. SURNAME FORENAME MEMBER’S SIGNATURE AGE NAME COMPANY WORKPLACE ADDRESS NUMBERLOCATION OCCUPATION OF BIRTH DATE EMPLOYEE NO. FOR OFFICE USE ONLY Branch No.PLEASE TICK THE APPROPRIATE BOX Membership No. Data Protection Act Notice Data Protection Usdaw collects and maintains personal information in order to carry out its functions as a trade union, provide membership serv to carry out its functions as a trade union, provide Usdaw collects and maintains personal information in order that By joining Usdaw you agree levels of security. with the utmost confidentiality and appropriate information is treated and includes what is classed as sensitive for the purposes of union's business as set out below; this is called processing to the running of union, including th The personal data will be used for a range of union-based activities relating member. assisting with employment disputes, ballots, injury claims, etc and other services benefits. All information (updated as ap period after membership as may be necessary to enable the member access any post-membership b for such reasonable necessary, and other associations all associated with the union, including age offices both at Headquarters and branch regional officials, your data on behalf of the union as da contractually obliged to process they are union uses the services of such organisations, time to we may wish use the strict instructions. From collective bargaining strength to negotiate attractive terms and the provision of a wide range additional member benefits an to negotiate attractive terms and the provision strength collective bargaining contacting them on behalf marketing in any form by organisations Members have the right to object and stop direct interest. w that such mailings be stopped, or alternatively, requesting marketing then they should write to Central Treasurer such direct in the futur details of any these additional member benefits and offers receiving you from understand that this may preclude informa of any incorrect correction of £10) and to request for a copy of your information (for which small fee can be charged Network and the Usdaw website. published by the union in Arena, regularly Trade Union and Labour Trade Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 Please complete and return to FREEPOST NAT19525, Usdaw, Prize Draw, Arena Manchester M14 7DJ

BLOCK LETTERS NOTICE ¡ Received M&C

arena 45 PEOPLE LIKE YOU

Muriel’s lust for life Cancer survivor wants to help others

hen mother-of- live life to the full. I’ve taken shock. The main worry for me three Muriel part in Race For Life and Relay was my family. My children W Levett discovered For Life over the last ten years were 26, 25 and 16 at the time. she had breast to help raise vital funds for Their support was amazing and cancer 20 years ago she bravely cancer research and I’ve all the my husband Roger came with took on the challenge and set t-shirts to prove it. I’m me to all of my appointments. I out on her own race for life. co-ordinator for Gatwick Race had a series of chemotherapy The checkout operator now For Life and I rally my and radiotherapy sessions. devotes a lot of her spare time to colleagues to get their shoes on “After 16 weeks off work I raising money for cancer and join in – I tell them you was coping really well and research. She also wants to use don’t have to run you can walk! wanted to get back to work and her experience to encourage some normality. My work other women to self-examine colleagues were fantastic and and seek early medical I always point members “ my personnel manager was attention. “I always point very supportive allowing me to members towards the excellent towards the excellent change shifts to fit in with my leaflets produced by Usdaw on “women’s health leaflets treatment.” a range of Women’s health produced by Usdaw Remarkably following her issues. These are full of good treatment, coupled with her advice,” said Muriel now 64, courage and positive attitude, from Croydon in West Sussex. “I’ll never forget the Muriel beat the disease, first “I know how lucky I am to be moment I discovered a lump in diagnosed in 1990, and 12 years where I am today and try and my breast. It was an awful later was given the all clear. 46 arena Contacts COMMUNICATION Always speak to your rep first if you need advice or support. If you don’t have a rep at your workplace contact your local Usdaw office as CHANNELS shown on the map. To locate your nearest office online use our Local Office Finder at www.usdaw.org.uk/contacts Aberdeen 1 Queens Lane North, Alternatively, you can ring our national helpline From Aberdeen to Plymouth AB15 4DF 0845 6060640* to be connected to your local T: 01224 652820 office. *Calls charged at local rate. Usdaw has offices across the UK E: [email protected] The union’s head office is: 188 Wilmslow Road Manchester M14 6LJ Glasgow Tel: 0161 224 2804/249 2400 Muirfield, 342 Albert Drive, www.usdaw.org.uk G41 5PG e-mail: [email protected] T: 0141 427 6561 E: [email protected]

Edinburgh 39 York Place, EH1 3HP T: 0131 556 5242/557 9109 E: [email protected]

Newcastle Belfast 2 Hedley Court, Tyne & Wear NE29 7ST First Floor, Unit 2, 41 T: 0191 296 5333 Stockmans Way,BT9 7ET E: [email protected] T: 028 9066 3773 E: [email protected] Crewe 1 Chantry Court, Forge Street CW1 2DL T: 01270 588721 E: [email protected]

Leeds Unit 2 Temple Point Business Park, Bullerthorpe Lane LS15 9JL T: 0113 232 1320 E: [email protected]

Hull Suite M, Ground Floor, Anchor House, Preston Silvester Street HU1 3HA First Floor, Units 6 & 7, T: 01482 329031 Eastway Business E: [email protected] Village, Olivers Place, Fulwood, PR2 9WT Warrington Bury St Edmunds T: 01772 704003 5 Ibis Court, E: [email protected] The Anderson Centre, Centre Park, WA1 1RL 6 Olding Road, T: 01925 578050 Suffolk IP33 3TA E: [email protected] T: 01284 775700 E: [email protected] Liverpool First Floor, 2 Montrose Business Park, Binns Road, L7 9NE Waltham Cross T: 0151 252 6010 Unit 12/13 Regent Gate, E: [email protected] 83 High Street, Kegworth Hertfordshire EN8 7AF 3c Market Place, T: 01992 709280 Derby DE74 2EE E: [email protected] T: 01509 686900 E: [email protected] Faversham Redditch 34 Preston Street, 1 Oak Tree Park, Burnt Kent ME13 8PE Meadow Road, Moons T: 01795 532637 Moat North, E: [email protected] Worcestershire B98 9NW T: 01527 406290 London E: [email protected] Dilke House, 1 Malet Street WC1E 7JN T: 020 7323 5550 E: [email protected] Cardiff Morden Unit 10, Oak Tree Court, Meldrum House, 89-91 Mulberry Drive, Cardiff Bristol Middleton Road, Gate Business Park, 1 Bank Road, Surrey SM4 6RF Pontprennau CF23 8RS Kingswood, T: 020 8687 5950 T: 029 2073 1131 BS15 8LX E: [email protected] E: [email protected] Plymouth T: 0117 961 6061 First Floor, Belgrave House, E: [email protected] Andover 73 Mutley Plain, PL4 6JJ The Priory, 6a Newbury Street, T: 01752 665951 Hampshire SP10 1DN T: 01264 321460 E: [email protected] E: [email protected] arena 47 EXCLUSIVE ABTA & ATOL OFFERS protected Guaranteed 5% saving on some of best names in travel Plus take advantage of our latest selection of EXCLUSIVE holiday offers.

Summer HolidaHolidaysayys Red Sea RetreaRetreatstst CanaryCanary Islands

Save £50 per booking with Save £50 per booking on all holidays Save an extra £30 per person when The Co-operative Travel’s Summer with Red Sea Holidays booking your Summer 2011 holiday 2010 holiday collection A beach holiday, Nile Cruise or Round to the Canaries with Thomas Cook Choose from resorts in Spain, Turkey and Trip... Red Sea Holidays have a great These enchanting islands never fail to Greece as well as far away destinations choice of holidays to suit you, whether seduce, with volcanic landscapes and such as Mexico and Florida. Enjoy extra you choose to relax at your leisure or sandy beaches fringing deep blue waters, luggage allowance as well as a excellent delve into the rich culture of Egypt, you’re choose from a range of first class hotels day time flying programme. sure to find a holiday to remember! or enjoy a self catering break with great nightlife and choice of restaurants.

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Terms and conditions: Offers must be booked by 31/10/10 unless otherwise stated. All offers apply to new bookings only. Discounts may vary, certain offers and discounts are only applicable to specific brochures/products. USDAW members discounts are not available in retail branches of the Midlands Co-op or Mid-Counties Co-op. The Co-operative Travel reserves the right to withdraw/ amend any offer with out prior notice. Offers cannot be used in conjunction with any other The Co-operative Travel offer or loyalty scheme. Calls are charged at local rates and may be monitored for customer service/staff training purposes. Full payment of balance is due 12 weeks prior to departure date. The Co-operative Travel acts as an agent for other ATOL holders. Terms and conditions apply, please ask for details. The Co-operative Travel is a subsidiary of Co-operative Group Limited. Registered Office, New Century House, Manchester, M60 4ES. Registered in England 1980700, VAT NO. 403 316 04. Thomas Cook Terms and Conditions Discount is applicable to new bookings only and may change without further notice. Minimum spend of £649 per booking applies. Offer applies to departures from 01/05/11 – 31/10/11. Discount is available from all departure airports. All holidays must be booked by 30/10/10. Full terms and conditions apply. The Co-operative Travel Terms and Conditions Offer is subject to availability and may change without further notice. Offer is applicable to new bookings only from The Co-operative Travel’s second edition summer 2010 holiday brochure. Applies to departures from 11/08/10 – 31/10/10. All holidays must be booked by 30/10/10. Full terms and conditions apply. Red Sea Holidays Terms and Conditions £50 off per booking offer is subject to availability and may change without further notice. Offer is applicable to new bookings only. Offer applies for all departures from 01/11/10 – 31/10/11. All holidays must be booked by 30/10/10. Full terms and conditions apply.