Thread 9 Starmer : Return to Westminster

[DuncinToffee]

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https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/_chat/5169266-thread-8-starmer-cat-fur-on-new-clothes?page=40&reply=138729672

Taxes are voluntary

Regarding the Employment Rights Bill which is to be presented this week, I have read that the 'right to switch off' is not to be included. Even if only when you are on holiday, this I think should be included.

After all, the legal entitlement for a holiday has existing since the 1930s, and it's not difficult to find threads on MN about people being asked to do something at holiday time.

Best example was the person asked to 'just log on to check' early on Boxing Day, by her manager who did not even ask by a phone call or in person.

I have read that the 'right to switch off' is not to be included.

We have tonnes of rights already that can't be enforced. Why add more ?

If you face a disciplinary measure or dismissal for not doing something, not responding to contact be it phone or email etc when on holiday, it can be considered unfair dismissal.

A grey area say being contacted at 7pm in the evening when you finish work at 5pm, but holidays are not.

Well that was a contrived sob story and a half. Total own goal.

It is a mountain to climb from being wronged to getting restitution.

As I say, having rights is all very well. Now try and use them and enforce them in court. Unless you are very wealthy or can find a sponsor, that's you done.

I worked for a company where one of the first things that happened when people were employed was for them to be asked to sign to waive their rights to the Working Time Directive.

In the time I was there no one ever questioned it.

I do like the concept of "inalienable" rights. Ones that cannot be signed away or waived. Even (and especially) under duress.

Just putting an early marker down to expect an influx of "assisted dying" concerns. Twitter has a #midstarmermurders trying to get traction as this Sundays comms plan. #steamerwatch

Which is silly because it's a free vote anyway.

Never let a stupid thing like the truth get in the way of a good story

I had to do that when I worked in boarding. Largely because it wasn’t unusual to be in duty (including overnights) from 8pm Saturday to 5pm Monday…

You can add me to the list of those with concerns about assisted dying. My relative has downs syndrome, they are also autistic and have had times in hospital where we have been told they would not survive. Due to strong advocacy from us, they've then been transferred to a team who have done everything to keep them alive. They still have good and bad days, but overall have a wonderful quality of life.

Without this advocacy, and with assisted dying on the table, I believe that others in their position would not be here. The cheapest, and easiest option would have be to assist with dying in my d relatives case, and I don't have enough trust in people (human nature being what it is), for them to avoid the easy option of assisted dying for someone vulnerable with a serious, but temporary condition.

I agree @Llttledrummergirl . I have no objections whatsoever to someone deciding when they wish to end their pain and suffering but far, far too many grey areas, lack of respect for the lives of some sections of society and opportunities for coercion.

I feel like it isn’t the right time to have the discussion when the health and social care system has fallen apart. Feel like there’s a danger of decisions being made for the wrong reason e.g. poor quality palliative care.

I’m all for it. The thought of being kept alive against my will appals me.

Adding my disquiet regarding assisted dying for the same reasons outlined.

I agree.

Any legislation will require robust oversight and protections - but of course those maybe weakened by SI at a later date by any future government.

As a parent of a learning disabled child I am concerned that they may be vulnerable to pressure in the future.

Almost all the care homes shut down for endangering children or vulnerable adults were run to make a profit, according to a landmark study examining the long-term impact of outsourcing care to the private sector.
Research published last week by Oxford University reveals that 98% (804 out of 816) of the adult care homes closed by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in England to protect disabled, mentally ill and elderly people from harm between 2011 and 2023 were operated by private companies. Only 12 homes were run by either local authorities or charities.

www.theguardian.com/society/2024/oct/06/private-firms-ran-almost-all-care-homes-forced-to-shut-for-breaches-in-england

I don't know how Labour might find time to tackle this but it must be done. As has been said time and again how we treat the most vulnerable in society defines us.

I feel exactly the same. I want to be able to choose to die if I wish.

But I can also see the potential dangers for disabled people. I am on the fence.

Breaking news - Sue Gray has just resigned

From Sky news:

Sue Gray has resigned as Starmer's chief of staff
Sue Gray has resigned as Sir Keir Starmer's chief of staff, Number 10 has announced.
In a statement, the prime minister thanked Ms Gray for "all the support she has given me, both in opposition and government, and her work to prepare us for government and get us started on our programme of change".
She has been appointed as the prime minister's new envoy for regions and nations.
Sir Keir said: "Sue has played a vital role in strengthening our relations with the regions and nations.
"I am delighted that she will continue to support that work."

I see Ron de Santis has lent his support to Badenoch.
He's famous for amongst other things banning books.

"Among the books removed are Ernest Hemingway’s For Whom the Bell Tolls, Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye, and Leo Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina."

www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c93pe9p5479o.amp

He then signed legislation restricting who could complain about book bans! Absolute dangerous tool.

That'll send some Tory heads spinning! They hate Sue Gray, but her resigning gives them a chance to wibble on about a government in crisis.

I think it has to be done eventually. But it needs to be carefully done at the right time. And I don’t think any of the health and social care budget should be going towards it now. We have some more pressing spending priorities.