Civil servants vote for industrial action
Members of the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) have voted decisively in favour of industrial action in an ongoing dispute over pay, job security and civil service privatisation.
Objecting to the approach adopted by the government in its drive to improve efficiency and reduce costs by cutting 84,000 civil and public service jobs, 61.3 per cent of civil servants in the poll voted for a strike, while 77.9 per cent called for action of some form.
Plans unveiled for greater local government involvement
The government has outlined plans to involve local communities more intimately in decision-making processes.
Unveiling the latest Local Government White Paper, local government secretary Ruth Kelly explained that the proposals would help deliver improved public services in sustainable communities, with closer involvement with local authorities.
Reid plans “radical” Home Office reshuffle
Home secretary John Reid plans to split the Home Office into two distinct departments in a move that could be implemented within months.
One division would focus on national security, handling immigration and anti-terrorism, while the other would handle justice, overseeing the probation and prison systems and working to prevent criminals re-offending.
Professionalism boosts volunteering sector
Adopting a corporate management style helps instil a professional air that benefits the volunteering sector, according to new research.
National development agency Volunteering England surveyed visitors to its website and found that seven in ten supported the introduction of a more professional ethos at volunteer organisations.
Hastings proposes cost-savings cuts
Decision-makers at Hastings Borough Council have unveiled plans to cut the number of senior management positions, in a move that could save local taxpayers at least £250,000 each year.
Chief executive Roy Mawford and council leader Peter Pragnell have proposed to reduce the number of local directors from six to four, while removing 11 ‘third tier’ senior manager posts, lowering the figure from 31 to 20.
