Keeping in touch - November 2016

Paul Blomfield, MP for Sheffield Central
Keeping in touch - November 2016

There’s been lots going on in Parliament and Sheffield throughout November. I’ve championed low paid workers, launched a new campaign to support homeless people, stood up for local NHS services, celebrated international students and much else besides. As always, please get in touch about these issues or anything else.

Fighting low pay

Last week The Guardian ran a devastating expose of exploitation in the care sector, featuring my work fighting the scandal of companies not paying the National Minimum Wage. I’ve been working with UNISON on the issue and recently challenged Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt to take action – as well as pressing for HMRC to fully investigate companies that have been caught not paying proper wages. If you’ve experience of these practices, get in touch.

The Big Conversation

My thanks to the 1,000 people who came to 40 Big Conversation events in September and October, and to the 900+ who completed my survey. It really helps me to understand people’s concerns - with the NHS, education and poverty/inequality among the biggest worries. I’ve already started raising the issues in Parliament (see here for example). Read the full report here.

Helping the homeless

I launched a new homelessness campaign bringing together charities, residents, businesses, police, and the Council. Help us Help aims to raise awareness about homelessness in Sheffield and how to help people off our streets and rebuild their lives.

Defending our NHS

I warned Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt about the threat to local health and social care services from a £571 million funding shortfall (Read more) and I’ve met with local mental health organisations about concerns over access to services.

Celebrating international students

I celebrated the contribution of international students to Sheffield in a speech to the World Week Parade, co-chaired an All Party Parliamentary Group on International Students meeting with Universities Minister Jo Johnson and challenged Government plans to restrict numbers in a debate in Parliament.

Women in Engineering

I hosted the launch of the University of Sheffield’s Women in Engineering campaign to get more women to go into engineering and wrote about the issue in the Yorkshire Post.

Sheffield Young Carers patron

I’m delighted to have been asked to become a patron for brilliant local charity Sheffield Young Carers. Read more.

Sexual Entertainment Venue Licences

Concerns over Sheffield’s Sexual Entertainment Venue Licence Policy was raised at my Big Conversation Women’s Event. As well as opposing the recent Villa Mercedes application, I wanted to see a review of the city’s policy and am pleased that the Council have launched one.

Government rail betrayal

I warned Ministers that further delays to the electrification of the Midland Mainline between London and Sheffield would be a “complete betrayal”. Read more.

Get in touch

Facebook
Twitter
Website

I’ve launched a Christmas Appeal for Sheffield Food Bank Network. I hope you'll join me in supporting their work this Winter.

Tackling harassment in universities

I hosted an APPG on Students event in Parliament about sexual harassment and assault in universities, which focused on the findings and recommendations of a new report.

Sugar tax cash should tackle obesity

I have pushed the Government to use money raised from the new ‘sugar tax’ to fund physical activity sessions during school holidays. Read more.

Young people's futures

I joined young people at Sheffield Future’s event to hear their views on overcoming barriers to work.

The "on demand" economy

I have challenged the Government about the job security and employment rights of on-demand workers. If you work multiple jobs or for a company like Deliveroo or Uber please get in touch.

Keep updated

In addition to my monthly newsletter, website, Facebook, Twitter, email updates, public meetings and other channels, you can also keep up to date with my work in Parliament by signing up to email alerts, which will let you know when I speak or ask a question in Parliament.

Community notices ...

Sheffield Needs a Pay Rise demo – A march and rally to campaign for better pay and a £10/hour minimum wage. 17^th December, 1pm at Devonshire Green. Read more.

Help buy a community pub – Popular Neepsend pub The Gardeners Rest is up for sale. Get involved in buying shares so the pub is community-owned. £160,000 has already been raised. Deadline is 28^th November. Read more.

Reclaim the Night– Sheffield Students’ Union annual ‘Reclaim the Night March’ opposing gendered violence and harassment is on 25^th November, starting at 6.30pm at the Cathedral. Read more.

Charity Commission workshop: Managing your faith charity lawfully and effectively - A workshop in partnership with FaithStar at 10am on 29^th November. Read more (select Sheffield on schedule).

Launch of Sheffield’s new Women & Girls Recovery & Empowerment Partnership – featuring The Free Radicals and others. 7.30pm, Saturday 26th November, Crookes Social Club, Mulehouse Rd.

Sheffield Harmony's Winter Songfest – A seasonal selection of a cappella and jazz. Saturday 3^rd December, 7.30pm at Kingfield Hall, 3 Brincliffe Crescent. Read more.

Vote for ‘Learn for Life’ to win £25k – Vote for this great local project to win £25k from One Family Foundation. Read more and vote here (click ‘Sign in to vote’ & then sign up to vote)

Sheffield Renewables Community Share Offer - Invest in and benefit from community owned renewable solar energy produced in Sheffield. Read more.

Keeping in touch

My office is open every weekday and if you have any questions or need any help please ring 0114 272 2882 or email me.

Best wishes,

Paul