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EMPLOYER'S SHOULD CONTRIBUTE TO PENSIONS
RETAIL union Usdaw has welcomed the recommendation in Lord
Turner's report into the future of pensions that every small or
large business should contribute to a decent pension for their
employees.
Usdaw believes that the proposed National Pensions Savings scheme
will benefit millions of low paid retail workers who currently have
no provision for their old age and are pleased that Lord Turner has
recommended there should be no exemption for small businesses.
Usdaw general secretary John Hannett said:- "The reality is that giving an exemption to small businesses
would jeopardise the whole national pensions savings scheme which
gives hope to our members of a decent retirement. No matter how big
they are all employers must have a commitment to making sure their
workers can enjoy a prosperous old age and giving small businesses
an exemption would mean many low paid workers would slip through the
pensions net. We fundamentally disagree with business leaders
who sound the usual siren calls that making pension contributions to
employees will cost jobs as we can see no compelling evidence that
small businesses go under because of pension costs. Lord
Turner has very wisely indicated that small business should get some
help if they face difficulties which is welcome, but overall the
general principle that all employers have a duty to make sure their
employees have decent pensions is very welcome."
But Usdaw remains opposed to raising the state pension age as high
as 68 by 2050 as it says while people do live longer there is still
wild variation in life expectancy across the UK which could leave
its members worse off.
"The harsh reality is life expectancy in Glasgow is 69 meaning
under these recommendations our members in that city might only get
1 or 2 years pension before they die. Compare that to life expectancy in the top 10 local authorities,
like Kensington and Chelsea, where life expectancy is nearly 80 and
we can see that these proposals will hit pensioners in some areas
much harder than others." says John Hannett.
The Turner Report will now be considered by Government ministers and
Usdaw members will be debating the issues raised by the Turner
Report at their annual conference this month as part of Usdaw's
innovative Pensions Awareness Campaign.
"Our members have made it very clear us to that pensions are
their biggest concern so we look forward to the Pensions White Paper
which we hope will incorporate much of Lord Turner's sensible
framework. Meanwhile, we're running a series of workshops and home
study courses designed to demystify the complexities of pensions. We
are absolutely determined to make sure every Usdaw member knows how
their pension works and what they should expect to receive when they
come to retire."
But what most unions
and movement ministers do not take into consideration is the costs
that the UK's red tape has inflicted on businesses, would mean that
if any more cash is required to be paid out by businesses that most
small shops and other small businesses will be forced to close! |
THE
BODY SHOP ETHICS HONOURED
PETA Europe awards personal-care product maker with 'PROGGY'
for proving there's beauty in compassion.
The Body Shop has been named the winner in the "Best Cruelty-Free
Cosmetics" category of the People for the Ethical Treatment of
Animals' (PETA) first annual European Proggy Awards. PETA's Proggy
Awards ("Proggy" is for "progress") recognise animal-friendly
achievements in commerce and culture.
According to PETA, The Body Shop was honoured with the award for
proving beauty isn't only skin-deep with its luxurious personal care
products and cosmetics, which are never tested on animals.
"The Body Shop is a long-time PETA favourite and is a driving
force in promoting a more humane lifestyle," says PETA's
Lauren Bowey. "By renouncing animal tests, The Body Shop has
shown beauty doesn't have to have an ugly side."
The Body Shop's cosmetics, soaps, lotions and shampoos are based on
combining traditional wisdom, ancient herbal remedies and modern
scientific research, and wherever possible natural ingredients,
plants, herbs, fruits, flowers, seeds and nuts come from sustainable
sources. The Body Shop prides itself on its commitment to
sustainability, including its use of recycled and recyclable
packaging, and over 15 years ago created its own fair trade
programme called Community Trade. By satisfying demand for
ingredients, gifts and accessories in a fair way The Body Shop helps
to create sustainable trading relationships with marginalised
communities around the world.
The Body Shop products are sold in 54 countries around the world,
meaning in PETA's words that "cruelty-free products are
available to more people".
Dame Anita Roddick, founder of The Body Shop, said:- "What an
amazing 30th birthday present for The Body Shop. Thank you, PETA.
I'm thrilled that we've won this award in recognition of our Against
Animal Testing policy. It was always my vision to offer customers
not just great products but an opportunity to demonstrate their
ethical purchasing power as well. A recent survey conducted with our
customers showed that 84% of them shopped with us because they
shared our values - a million thanks to them for their support. I'm
so proud of this recognition and our achievements."
The Body Shop will be presented with a plaque to display in its
offices and will be featured on PETA.org.uk. More than 20 companies
won Proggy Awards, including producers and marketers of vegan foods,
shoes and cruelty-free personal-care products; wildlife-friendly
innovators and authors and entertainers whose work promotes respect
and compassion for animals.
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