Credit unions are the blueprint for a responsible finance sector – and their actions during this crisis prove it Posted on 23rd April 2020 by Anna Birley Coronavirus has shone a spotlight on the difference a responsible finance sector can make. While the big banks are accused of profiteering from this crisis, credit unions have been stepping up across the country to support their communities.
Solidarity and reform are the only way that football will survive coronavirus Posted on 22nd April 2020 (22nd April 2020) by Anna Birley The Co-operative Party has long campaigned for better governance in sport, and that fans should have a greater role in owning and running their clubs. Covid-19 has been a shock for many clubs – especially those smaller and lower league clubs who play a vital community role. For the game to survive, fundamental reform will be needed.
The Government’s first modern slavery statement is a good first step – but there’s still a long way to go Posted on 1st April 2020 (1st April 2020) by Anna Birley Victims of modern slavery are more vulnerable during the Covid-19 lockdown, so last week’s publication of the Government’s first modern slavery statement is a welcome development. But it is clear that to eradicate the scourge of modern slavery for good, a lot more work is needed.
Community shops are a lifeline for customers in rural areas and they need our support Posted on 31st March 2020 by Anna Birley Community shops make sure those who can’t travel to supermarkets can still get the food they need – but they are concerned about their supplies during Covid-19. Find out how you can help your local community shop continue to support their vulnerable customers.
Nurseries need more support and guidance to continue playing their vital role during Covid-19 Posted on 30th March 2020 (30th March 2020) by Anna Birley Last week I wrote to the Government asking for better support and guidance for the childcare sector and nursery workers – they provide a crucial role through this crisis and will be vital to regrowing our economy when the COVID-19 lockdown finishes,
As Coronavirus hits our economy, the self employed are being left behind Posted on 24th March 2020 (24th March 2020) by Anna Birley The Government is yet to provide the support that the UK’s 5 million self-employed workers need during the Covid-19 outbreak – putting their health, livelihoods and homes at risk. We’re working with the trade union movement to call for urgent support and protection for those workers.
Coop’d up at home? 6 tips to be a better shopper during coronavirus Posted on 19th March 2020 (20th March 2020) by Anna Birley The outbreak of Covid-19 has shown the world what we in the co-operative sector already know – that our retail workers are heroes. Through thick and thin, they continue to go to work on tills, stocking shelves and making deliveries – ensuring we are clothed, fed and safe. it isn’t an easy job, especially in the current circumstances. In the spirit of co-operation, we can make sure we’re making small changes to our daily lives to make sure we don’t make their job harder.
Now more than ever we need an economy that shares its rewards more fairly – but this week’s budget doesn’t deliver Posted on 14th March 2020 by Anna Birley We enter this crisis with an economy ill prepared – not only did this week’s budget fail to repair a decade of austerity, it was a missed opportunity to reshape our economy for the better.
Coronavirus is giving us all a taste of food insecurity Posted on 13th March 2020 (13th March 2020) by Anna Birley For most of us in the UK, Coronavirus has elicited the first genuine concerns about our ability to feed ourselves and our families. But for many families, food insecurity is an every day experience.