Douglas Alexander MP

Labour MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire South

Paisley Daily Express Column - 9 June 2010

EVEN IN TOUGH TIMES WE SHOULD VALUE TEACHERS AND NURSES

This week has brought worrying evidence of wrong priorities being pursued locally and nationally. First we discovered that less than a third of new teachers across Scotland have been able to find a job, according to a new study. The survey shows the numbers gaining permanent employment fell to 30%.

The figures reveal only 900 or so of the 3013 teachers who qualified last year found a full time position, with 2110 unable to get a permanent job.

Here in Renfrewshire the local SNP/LibDem led Council have slashed teacher numbers.

Many bright young teachers are being forced to accept short term temporary contracts that deny stability to pupils in our schools.

And as if these figures weren’t alarming enough, we also discovered the Scottish Government’s plans to axe almost 4000 NHS jobs this year.

As Nicola Sturgeon revealed a total of 3790 jobs are expected to go including 1523 nursing and midwifery posts.

Here in the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde area, 730 jobs are now set to be axed.

All of us recognise that times are tough. But it’s in these difficult times that you need in government locally and nationally the right values and the right priorities. Even in tough times, I for one believe we should value our teachers and nurses.



PARK MAINS IN THE PICTURE

I’m proud of the education I received at Park Mains High in Erskine. But even its great teachers couldn’t make an artist of me.

So I was delighted to discover that a Park Mains pupil, Morven Donald, has had her stunning design chosen for this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe Poster.

It’s a great poster, for a great event, and a great achievement for Morven and Park Mains.



RENFREWSHIRE CARERS CENTRE AGM

Next Monday will mark the Annual General Meeting for the Renfrewshire Carers Centre.
 
The AGM will also mark the beginning of Carers Week; 5 days of activities and information sessions for local carers.

I know how much hard work that staff at the Centre put in to helping those people who are full or part-time carers to their family members and loved ones.
 
The Centre offers a whole range of services and support for local carers and the help that they provide is of an extremely high quality.
 
With services such as a weekly drop-in café and a befriending system for both carers and those they care for, Renfrewshire Carers Centre in Silk Street can offer effective and essential support for people who need it.
 
The Centre also provides respite care sessions free of charge to allow carers to have a break and some time to themselves.
 
I am a huge supporter of the Centre and the work that they do in providing these vital services.  If you think that you or someone you know could benefit from the support offered by Renfrewshire Carers Centre then go online to www.renfrewshirecarers.com or call 0141 887 3643.


LILLIAS DAY

It was great to be at Lillias Day on Saturday. As usual there was a huge turnout and a real sense of community spirit. I spent the afternoon on the baked goods stall with members of Kilbarchan Labour Party. So thank you to them, but I think if I see another cupcake I’ll scream!