Minister Katrougkalos explores Eurofound data on trust and social tensions

Levels of trust and social tension in society, particularly between people of different socio-economic situations and backgrounds, were high on the agenda during the visit of George Katrougkalos, Greek Minister of State for European Affairs, to Eurofound in Dublin on Thursday 5 April. In recent years people in a number of European countries have reported declining levels of trust, both in relation to institutions and broader society. There has also been increases in perceived levels of inequality in a number of Member States.

Eurofound’s European Quality of Life Survey 2016 provided a good background for the discussions, allowing for comparisons between people in Greece and other Member States in the European Union. Convergence in the European Union was another issue which was emphasised during the visit. The European Union is committed to economic, social and territorial cohesion, balanced economic growth and upward economic convergence. Focusing on convergence of outcomes and performances of Member States and regions, Eurofound monitors convergence among Member States relating to socioeconomic factors, employment, working conditions and living conditions. 

Minister Katrougkalos met with Juan Menendez-Valdés, Director of Eurofound, Stavroula Demetriades, Senior Research Manager, and Mary McCaughey, Eurofound’s Head of Information and Communication. Minister Katrougkalos was accompanied by Ms Katia Georgiou, Greek Ambassador to Ireland, Ms Maria Lentoudi, Minister’s Adviser, and Avgi Katrougkalou.



Disruption on the horizon: Game changing technologies in manufacturing in Europe

Technological innovation is permanent and ongoing, but the rapid pace of technological change and advancement in the 21st Century has brought with it the increased potential for disruptive innovation,or ‘game changing technology’.

Disruption not only happens at a product level, but can also involve the entire process related to its production. This has direct consequences for the working conditions of individuals employed in that area, as well as the broader world of work and society in general.

The new report Game changing technologies: Exploring the impact on production processes and work summarises the findings of five case studies on the likely impact of game changing technologies on production and employment in the manufacturing sector in Europe up to 2025. These are advanced industrial robotics; industrial internet of things; additive manufacturing; electric vehicles; and industrial biotechnology.

The report shows that production processes will become increasingly digital and less mechanical between now and 2025. It also emphasises the importance of data flows and requirements for data manipulation and analysis. In terms of the labour market, employment demand in manufacturing will most likely further shift away from traditional production line work to increasingly higher skilled profiles. These changes create a number of challenges and possibilities for employers and workers alike.

This report was released under the Future of Manufacturing in Europe (FOME) project, which was proposed by the European Parliament and delegated to Eurofound by the European Commission (DG Grow). 

Report: Game changing technologies: Exploring the impact on production processes and work

Pilot project: Future of Manufacturing in Europe (FOME)



Councils should remove ‘No Ball Games’ signs and let children play

SNP MSP Ruth Maguire writes about the campaign to remove ‘No Ball Games’ signs and let children play.

 

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News story: New Royal Navy operations hub opens in Gulf

The Naval Support Facility will play a central role in the UK’s ability to operate in the region, and will be the hub of the Royal Navy’s operations in the Gulf, Red Sea and Indian Ocean.

Gavin Williamson Defence Secretary said:

Our Armed Forces are the face of Global Britain and our presence in Bahrain will play a vital role in keeping Britain safe as well as underpinning security in the Gulf.

Britain is a major player on the world stage and this new Naval Support Facility will help us tackle the growing threats to our nation wherever they are across the globe and protecting our way of life.

The facility will provide an enduring, self-sufficient operating base capable of meeting the needs of any British warship operating in the region including Britain’s new aircraft carriers future flagships HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales. It will be home to just over 300 British military personnel and supporting civilians, and accommodates up to nearly 550 for short periods. The facility will also provide a key strategic base east of Suez for Britain, its allies and coalition partners.

The ceremony was attended by General Sir Chris Deverell Commander of the UK’s Joint Forces Command, Commodore Steve Dainton United Kingdom Maritime Component Commander (UKMCC) and Prince Andrew Duke of York as well as HRH Crown Prince Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa and Field Marshal Khalifa Bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Commander in Chief of the Bahrain Defence Force.

Speaking at Mina Salman port, General Sir Chris Deverell Commander Joint Forces Command said:

With the opening of this base, the UK’s presence in Bahrain and the wider Gulf is guaranteed into the future, ensuring Britain’s sustained deployment east of Suez. In meeting HRH Crown Prince Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa today, I thanked him for the continued support from Bahrain which enables us to operate in the Gulf region.

Bahrain is longstanding British ally and both countries work closely across diplomatic, economic and security matters. What happens in the Gulf region has a direct impact on the national security of the United Kingdom, our prosperity and the safety of our citizens. It is vital that we work with close allies like Bahrain to tackle regional threats such as that posed by Daesh.



Greens promise to protect social housing at local election launch

5 April 2018

 

* Greens promise to repair social homes, give residents a say in their future and stand up against unwanted demolition of estates

* Jonathan Bartley, co-leader, calls on Government to “treat social housing with the value it deserves” and end Right to Buy

* Bartley: “Greens value social housing and will fight to protect it”

The Green Party will promise to protect social housing today at the launch of its local election campaign.

Jonathan Bartley, co-leader of the Green Party, will make the pledge at the launch in Central Hill housing estate in London [1], one of six facing demolition under regeneration plans by Lambeth Council [2].

Bartley will promise Green councillors elected on May 3 will always work to repair social homes instead of demolishing them in favour of developers building private housing. He will also pledge Green councillors will give people a say in their futures – with meaningful input into plans for their community and a ballot for residents on the demolition of their homes.

Greens are contesting more than 2200 seats on May 3 and hope to elect Greens on more local authorities than ever before as the party works towards having a Green on every council [3].

At the launch Bartley will also call on the Government to “treat social housing with the value it deserves” and end Right to Buy, which has seen the number of social homes sold increase by more than 400% since Conservative ministers revamped the rules in 2012 [4].

Jonathan Bartley, co-leader of the Green Party, is expected to say:

“Cosy, complacent councils like this one in Lambeth have forgotten the communities they are meant to serve. Greens know that houses and flats aren’t commodities, they are the homes where we build our lives, start families and make memories.

“Any community which puts a Green on their council chooses someone who values social housing and will fight to protect it. Greens will always work to give people a say in their futures – and stand with them to oppose the demolition of homes against their wishes

“With the political will, we could work to repair social homes rather than demolish them and scatter communities across the country. It’s time, too, the Government treated social housing with the value it deserves and ended the Right to Buy scheme which has pushed stock to crisis point.

“Greens will always be a bold, brave voice standing up for local communities and challenging the status quo. One Green has the power to transform a community.”

Notes:

  1.  

Green Party local election campaign launch

Thursday 5 April 2018

Speech from Jonathan Bartley, co-leader of the Green Party, with campaigners in Central Hill housing estate in London, which is facing demolition.

2.

In Lambeth Green councillor Scott Ainslie has stood with residents on six estates facing demolition by the Labour led council. The planned regeneration of Central Hill housing estate will destroy a community and leave the borough with fewer social homes as a result. The Green Party believes residents should always get a say over what happens to their homes and will never stand by while social homes are destroyed.

https://lambeth.greenparty.org.uk/news/2018/03/06/green-party-councillor-denied-call-in-of-central-hill-decision-by-lambeth-council/

3.

https://www.greenparty.org.uk/news/2018/04/05/green-party-launches-ambition-for-a-green-on-every-council/

4.

In April 2012 Conservative minister “revamped” RTB rules. Since then the number of homes sold off has increased by 409 per cent: from 2,638 in 2011-12 to 13,416 in 2016-17. They raised the maximum discount on a property to £75,000 – it has since increased further, to more than £100,000, in some parts of the country.
 

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