Teacher strikes could cause more havoc at Harrow schools

Teacher strikes could cause more havoc at Harrow schools

A TEACHING union rep has admitted that proposed strikes will cause further chaos at Harrow schools – but insists they are necessary.

The NUT (National Union of Teachers) and NASUWT (National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers) voted in favour of further industrial action earlier this month, in protest against governmental changes to pay and pension.

Unions believe the changes, which include the retirement age rising from 65 to 68, will lead to teachers working longer and for less, and pension contributions could rise by up to 50 per cent.

Strike action is expected to continue this term, with further action being planned for the autumn term.

More than 30 schools across the borough closed during public sector strikes at the end of November last year, while the most recent strike in March forced a fifth of London state schools to close, and affected a total of 60 per cent of the capital's state schools in total.

Greg Parker, NUT union rep at Park High School in Thistlecroft Gardens, was quick to condemn the impact the coalition government has made since coming to power in 2010: "I’ve been a teacher for 12 years and when Labour were in power, they invested a lot of money into building schools for the future. Nothing was under threat and as a result the culture around schools was positive. People felt good about being teachers – that’s not the same now.”

Indeed, a YouGov poll commissioned by the NUT showed that 42 per cent of teachers suffered from low morale, while 59 per cent claimed their morale had decreased in the last two years.

Mr Parker is also adamant that the government’s planned changes to education sector pensions and pay must be prevented, despite the mounting debt crisis the UK is currently facing.

"Cuts to teachers’ pay and pensions are short-sighted even given the financial crisis in the UK. Financial mismanagement by the government and banking sector is responsible and they should pay. The teaching profession is being damaged and this is damaging the whole country in the process. Happy teachers are essential when it comes to providing quality education," he said.

NUT calculations claim that by April 2014, some London-based teachers will see a reduction of up to £123 in their monthly pay.

Both Mr Parker and Labour MP for Harrow West, Gareth Thomas, expect the reduction in pay to have a knock-on effect with regard to potential teachers wanting to enter the profession.

"I worry that the changes could lead to people who have perhaps thought about being a teacher in the past being detracted from joining the profession," Mr Thomas said.

Meanwhile, Mr Parker claimed: "I know from the Institute of Education that they are having difficulty recruiting for teacher training courses. Some people are leaving the profession, and some people who were perhaps keen to become a teacher in the past no longer feel the same."

For some though, sympathy for the teaching profession can only stretch so far. Simon Murray, a parent of two children currently in full-time education at schools in Harrow, believes the teaching profession is no worse off than many others.

"Teachers aren't the only ones having problems with pensions at the moment. There are plenty of people in the private sector who are struggling too. I really think that teachers are asking for too much at a time where everyone needs to pull together."

Speaking after the last wave of strikes in March, Schools Minister Nick Gibb said: "Strikes benefit no one. This deal is as good as it gets and takes the right balance – guaranteeing teachers one of the best pensions available but keeping a lid on rising costs for the taxpayer. This strike, ordered by the NUT's leaders, will not get its members any further forward."

And Mr Murray seems to agree that with the government refusing to back down over the reforms, taking strike action will have little or no point at all.

"The government's mind on the issue seems to be made up to me, so I don't understand why teachers are considering further strikes. All it's going to do is cut down valuable learning time for children and inconvenience parents.

"Finances are tight for families everywhere at the moment. Parents can't simply afford to take more time off work or pay for a childminder," he added.

Mr Parker, however, claims that, while striking is a last resort, "all other measures have been exhausted", leaving teachers with no option but to stage further mass walkouts.

"I understand that strikes have a huge impact on children as well as parents.

"The NUT are taking a stand on this issue because there’s other issues looming on the horizon including changes to teachers’ paying conditions. It isn't the teaching unions that have got us into this situation - it's unreasonable changes from the government," he said.

With strikes scheduled for June, some parents have expressed their fear that the situation could escalate and unions could call on members to boycott exams.

Mr Murray commented: "What worries me the most is that exams will be affected. My daughter is sitting her GCSEs this summer, and my son is taking his A levels. My fear is that their future education could be jeopardised."

However, Ray Crocker, a recently retired Harrow headteacher, is confident that industrial action will stop short of exam boycotts.

"The last thing that teachers and unions want to do is harm children's education. The issue the unions have is with the government, and not the students. The unions have emphasised that any industrial action will not coincide with exams."

Though not prepared to condone further strike action as an appropriate measure to resolve the dispute, Mr Thomas made it clear that the pension reform issue posed a difficult problem: "There’s an increasing pensions time bomb which needs to be looked at and we need to think about how we can afford them. We need an honest and open conversation about the pension system."

Allianz Arena: UEFA Champions League Round of 16 – Bayern Munich 7-0 FC Basel

A master class in finishing from Mario Gomez proved crucial in Bayern Munich’s emphatic march to the quarter finals.

The striker, who became just the eighth man in the tournament’s history to score four times in one game, displayed just how he has scored 33 goals this season at an average of a goal a game.

Bayern, who thrashed Hoffenheim 7-1 at the weekend, came into this game with a 1-0 deficit from the first leg in Switzerland a fortnight ago.

The Swiss side’s advantage had been wiped out after just ten minutes, when ex-Chelsea winger Arjen Robben fired across visiting goalkeeper Yann Sommer after Thomas Mueller’s shot was deflected into his path.

Mueller was more fortunate after 42 minutes, volleying home from Robben’s cross.

The host’s first-half dominance was highlighted on the stroke of half-time, when Gomez tapped in Holger Badstuber’s pull-back.

Basle looked a shadow of the team that had knocked Manchester United out of this season’s tournament and the tie itself was killed off just after half time, when Franck Ribery crossed from the left for Gomez to acrobatically volley past Sommer, and the pair combined again in the 61st minute for Gomez to complete his 11th hat-trick in 18 months with a simple header.

Ribery completed his hat-trick of assists midway through the second half when he again ran riot down the left before pulling the ball back for Gomez to fire a left-footed shot into the top corner.

Robben completed the rout when he tapped in after sub Bastian Schweinsteiger’s fine through ball.

UEFA Champions League round of 16 – first leg

UEFA Champions League round of 16 – first leg

Bayer 04 Leverkusen 1-3 Barcelona

Barcelona were given a scare by brave Bayer Leverkusen, but World Player of the Year Lionel Messi proved to be too good as the holders took a two-goal advantage into next month’s return leg at the Nou Camp.

Leverkusen had defended stoutly throughout the first half, but fell behind to Barcelona’s first real chance.

Sanchez slotted the ball under Bernd Leno after Messi’s exquisite through-ball, delivered with the outside of his left foot, had put the Chilean through on goal after 41 minutes.

Leverkusen, ravaged by injuries, including one to ex-Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack, had defended well despite lacking a forward threat during the first half, but came out with a renewed vigour after the break. Their fresh, attacking outlook brought its reward in the 51st minute when Vedran Corluka’s back-post cross was headed in by left-back Michal Kadlec.

Leverkusen were not level for long though, as the holders retook the lead just four minutes later, when Sanchez added his second. Cesc Fabregas’ defence-splitting through-ball again put the ex-Udinese winger one-on-one with Leno, and again Sanchez converted, rounding the goalkeeper before squeezing the ball in from a tight angle.

Messi, despite being shackled by a swarm of Leverkusen defenders whenever he got near the ball, was starting to run the show, and after waltzing past two defenders, saw his superb chip rebound off the goalkeeper's near post.

The Argentine was not to be denied though, and added a third after a Daniel Alves cross found him arriving at the back post to register his 28th Champions League goal in his last 29 outings.

Anger over proposed health reforms

Anger over proposed health reforms

NHS REFORMS could have a detrimental effect on Harrow residents, local figures have warned.

The Health and Social Care Bill, drawn up primarily by Secretary of State for Health Andrew Lansley, aims to cut £20 billion from the NHS bill by 2015 in a bid to cut the national deficit.

The bill, which represents one of the coalition Government’s most contentious changes since they took power, was not discussed in the run up to the 2010 General Election. It was also not mentioned in the coalition agreement between the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats that followed.

Lansley, along with Prime Minister David Cameron, has been quick to state that the reforms will not affect frontline services such as primary care or patient services.

However, Labour MP for Harrow West, Gareth Thomas, believes local residents are not happy with the effect the reforms have had on the area so far.

"There’s a fair amount of scepticism. People have seen what’s happened to the polyclinic and the accident and emergency department. Both those measures only happened after the announcement of the NHS bill. There’s a considerable degree of worry about what’s happening", he said.

His comments come after Alexandra Avenue Polyclinic in Rayners Lane was made a weekend only service in September 2011, just two years after it was opened. It was also announced in November of last year that Central Middlesex hospital would close its accident and emergency department in the evenings.

Organisations including the Royal College of Nursing, the British Medical Association and the Royal College of General Practitioners have stated they oppose the Government's plans to reform the health service.

The reforms, which, if successful, are to be introduced in 2013, will see Primary Care Trusts abolished and replaced with clinical commissioning groups, responsible for the distribution of £60-80 billion of NHS budget. The commissioning groups will be run partly by GPs - with the Government claiming GPs will have more power over the dispensation of funds as a result.

The Prime Minister has claimed that some 140 GP groups have come forward and welcomed the establishment of the commissioning groups.

However, a local GP who asked to remain anonymous, is not convinced that local patients and doctors will benefit if the clinical commissioning groups are established. He cited risks in giving GPs more power over the supervision of how the health service is run, due to many "lacking the business acumen needed".

The GP went on to declare that patients could suffer from practitioners being part of the commissioning groups.

"Time that could be spent with patients will now be spent establishing shortfalls in treatments of disorders. GPs won't work longer hours so face-to-face contact with patients will shorten", he said.

Conservative Councillor and former nurse Lurline Champagnie believes change is crucial if the NHS is to develop.

Champagnie, also Chairman of the Harrow West Conservative Association said: "The health service really needs to make changes in order to become effective. Illnesses and technology develop, and we’re seeing more problems with the NHS as it hasn’t moved forward with time and can’t combat illnesses properly.”

While Prime Minister David Cameron has declared any reforms will not lead to privatisation of the health service, stating that it will remain free at the point of entry, Councillor Champagnie is of the opinion privatisation could be imminent.

"They say the NHS is still free at the point of delivery, but it cannot work like that anymore, because you will not have the money to keep up with the pace of change. You will have to pay for some things, and some things will have to be privatised", she said.

Councillor Champagnie is not alone in her belief the Health and Social Care Bill may lead to privatisation.

The GP, who asked not to be named, claimed the changes "could potentially lead to a high risk of privatisation", adding "if the health service becomes more business orientated, and that's what the reforms point to, more private businesses will be attracted. The private sector will always be able to undercut the NHS."

Gareth Thomas has also expressed worry a two-tier health service could be developed.

"My big fear is that those who can pay, will be more likely to get better healthcare than those who can't. I don’t understand their motivation, because I think what they are going to do will lead to a worse health service for the majority."

Not everybody though, seems to be worried by the threat of privatisation to the health service. Ray Crocker, a Harrow resident and retired teacher said: "They have to provide us with a good quality service, and sometimes changes have to be made. So I don't get too uptight about the changes or buy in to scare tactics - it doesn't bother me as long as I get what I need."

Mr Crocker went on to add: "This country has always prided itself on having a good National Health Service. I think having good healthcare is one of the most important things in society. When you see the progress that's been made in general public health since it's existed it's something to be proud of and people must realise that it is going to cost money."

Assistant manager: “Mackie will bounce back”

Assistant manager: “Mackie will bounce back”

MICK JONES is confident that Jamie Mackie will be able to fully recover from the double leg break he suffered at Blackburn Rovers on Saturday.

Mackie, whose fine form this season has led to his first Scotland caps, broke both his tibia and fibula in an accidental clash with Gael Givet in the 31st minute of Saturday’s FA Cup third round clash at Ewood Park.

“It’s an absolute disaster for the club, but more so for Mackie”, Rangers’ assistant manager said.

“We were talking about resting him but he insisted that a rest would do him more harm than good.”

Blackburn forward El Hadji Diouf caused controversy when he appeared to abuse Mackie as the R’s front-man lay on the turf following the clash with Givet. However, Jones was quick to praise Blackburn for the way Mackie was treated once he had been stretchered off the pitch.

“Blackburn Rovers were absolutely magnificent from start to finish. Their health and safety and medical teams were unbelievably good. They got him in an ambulance straight away and ensured tests were carried out on his leg as soon as he got to the hospital.”

Jones is remaining confident that the ex-Plymouth forward, who has scored nine league goals this season, will fully recover from his injury.

“Although both bones are broken, they’re not completely broken. They’re not compound breaks.

“There’ll be a lot of rehab for him, but rehab for Mackie is like water off a duck’s back. He’s so fit. And more than anything, his mental attitude is fantastic. In my 40 years involved in the game, I’ve never met a more driven footballer than Jamie.”

Mackie’s injury, coupled with Tottenham Hotspur recalling promising full-back Kyle Walker, has left an already small squad looking increasingly depleted. Jones, though, insists the club won’t panic in the current January transfer window.

“People start worrying when the window opens. They think you only have a month to get everyone in, but after the window shuts, the loan window opens a week later. I can’t see us spending a lot of money because I don’t believe we need to.

“We’re looking at bringing in three players, and it’s very possible that they will all be loans. It can be dangerous to bring too many players in during the January window because you risk destroying what you’ve currently got.”

QPR’s assistant is also confident that the club can keep hold of in-form Adel Taarabt in the transfer window.

The Moroccan international, with 12 goals and ten assists to his name this season, has been attracting interest from several Premier League clubs following a series of impressive performances.

“Adel is very happy here. He’s enjoying his football and is captain. He sulks now and then, but all it takes is Neil to say “I won’t tolerate behaviour like that. You’re my captain”, and he snaps out of it within seconds.

“He knows he’s got a manager who totally believes in him. He and Neil have a great relationship and I believe Adel really trusts Neil. During all my years in football, I’ve never seen a talent like him.”

Group Stage Review

After 48 games in the space of just two weeks, the group stages of the World Cup drew to a close on Friday night. In this piece, I take a look at the teams that have made it through to the knockout phase.

GROUP A

Uruguay have really impressed me so far and I believe they deserved to win the group. They look solid at the back and along with Portugal, are the only team yet to concede a goal during the tournament. Diego Forlan has been excellent up front and with a kind draw ahead of them, there’s no real reason why the two-time winners can’t reach the semi-finals this time round.

Mexico are the other side to have progressed from Group A. It is the fifth time in a row that Javier Aguirre’s side have reached the knockout stages of the World Cup and there can be no doubting that they do possess a very talented side, with new Manchester United signing Javier Hernandez looking bright at times. However, for all their pretty football and hard work, the Mexicans lack an out-and-out goal scorer. Maradona’s Argentina will be the opposition at Soccer City on Sunday Evening and I believe Mexico will come unstuck against the likes of Messi and Higuain.

GROUP B

Argentina have looked extremely dangerous so far, and it was no surprise to see them win Group B with ease. Up front they look simply unstoppable. It speaks volumes about the wealth of quality Maradona’s side have up top when you consider that the likes of Kun Aguero and Diego Milito have to be content with warming the bench. There are still question marks over the defence, but even with those, Argentina have a great chance of reclaiming the trophy they last won 24 years ago.

South Korea sealed qualification with a 2-2 draw against Nigeria and can now look forward to a last 16 clash with Uruguay. What Huh Jung Moo’s side lack in flair and guile, they more than make up for with hard graft, epitomized by the work-rate of the instrumental Park Ji Sung. I fancy Uruguay to beat the South Koreans, but have every chance of being proved wrong by Moo’s side.

GROUP C

In the 92nd minute of the USA’s last game, they weren’t even going through. Seconds later however and after Landon Donovan’s late, late winner, Bob Bradley’s side had booked their place in the last 16 as group winners. Donovan has, as expected, been the key player having netting twice in the group stage. A tough tie against Group D runners-up Ghana awaits.

In a group that they were expected to win at a canter, England have just about made it through to the last 16. After a 1-1 draw against the USA, the Three Lions produced a dire display to draw 0-0 with a very poor Algeria side. England’s last group match however, in which Slovenia were defeated thanks to Jermain Defoe’s goal, has provided some renewed optimism amongst the fans. Germany are the opponents on Sunday afternoon in a game that is almost impossible to call. Wayne Rooney has not been anywhere near his best so far, with all England fans hoping that he can start to produce what he is capable of against Joachim Löw’s outfit.
GROUP D

After thrashing Australia 4-0 in their first game, Germany’s campaign took a blow after being reduced to 10 men in a 1-0 defeat to Serbia that left them needing to win their last game to be sure of qualification. Mesut Özil’s cracking strike secured a 1-0 win against Ghana that confirmed the three-time champions as group winners. Joachim Löw’s side look excellent going forward, with young Werder Bremen star Özil excelling in his role behind the front man. Philipp Lahm has justified his reputation as one of the best full backs in world football, but his efforts aside, Germany’s defence does not convince me.

Ghana are the only African nation left in the tournament after beating Australia to 2nd place on goal difference, setting up a tie with the USA in the process. Kevin Prince-Boateng, who only made his international debut in the final weeks before the tournament kicked off has really caught the eye and has become a key man for the Black Stars. Full of heart and team spirit, there is no reason why the Ghanaians can’t reach the quarter finals.

GROUP E

Holland were my tip for the tournament before it started, and have eased themselves into the last 16, amassing 9 points whilst not having to get out of second gear. Young Ajax full back Gregory Van Der Wiel has shown why he is rated so highly in his homeland with a series of very good displays whilst the return of Arjen Robben will be massive for Bert van Marwijk’s side. Slovakia will be the opposition for the Dutch in the knockout stages as The Flying Dutchmen look to finally utilise their undoubted potential.

I really have to give credit to Takeshi Okada’s and his Japan team, who I didn’t believe would beat Denmark in Thursday’s final group game. After an efficient performance, however, in which they ran out deserved 3-1 winners, they have set up a date in the last 16 with Paraguay. Keisuke Honda was excellent in the beating of the Danes and will again be crucial if Japan are to beat a good Paraguay side.

GROUP F

Paraguay have been yet another South American team that have shone during the group stages and will enter their game against Japan in the first knockout stage on Tuesday as favourites. Gerardo Martino’s side possess an experienced backline with Justo Villar only conceding one goal so far. Enrique Vera netted against Slovakia and has enjoyed an encouraging tournament.

The fact that Slovakia find themselves in the last 16 has come as a surprise to many, including myself. However, it can’t be claimed that they don’t deserve their place in the knockout stages, after they triumphed over Italy in what was for me the best game of the tournament so far. Whilst highly-rated captain Marek Hamsik has flattered to deceive so far, veteran striker Robert Vittek has led the line well and is currently joint top scorer in the tournament, with 3 to his name. It’s extremely unlikely that the Slovaks will go any further in the tournament as they face a very difficult game against the Dutch on Monday but one thing that Vladimir Weiss’ side will not lack is belief after dumping out the current world champions already.

GROUP G

Whilst raising no eyebrows in topping the so called “group of death”, the way in which Brazil have gone about their business may well have surprised many around the world who expected to see the five-time champions play with the stereotypical flair that they are associated with. That’s not the case under manager Dunga, who has transformed the way in which the team play. Maicon has impressed at right-back whilst Robinho looks to be reinvigorated following his spell at Santos. Luis Fabiano has shown glimpses of why he is so highly coveted by clubs all around Europe. A tough tie against fellow South Americans Chile is next for the Brazilians who will have to do a professional job against a very dangerous side.

Carlos Queiroz’s Portugal have shown plenty of grit and determination in qualifying from Group G, with two hard fought 0-0 draws against Ivory Coast and Brazil sandwiching a 7-0 drubbing of North Korea. Goalkeeper Eduardo has performed well and has been a big reason in the side being one of only two sides not to concede so far. Young left-back Fabio Coentrao has been one of the finds of the tournament so far, whilst Cristiano Ronaldo will be hoping to up his level of performance. A mouth-watering derby against neighbours Spain is next for Queiroz and his team.

GROUP H

Whilst Spain did eventually win Group H, they were certainly given a scare along the way after suffering a shock defeat to Ottmar Hitzfeld’s Switzerland in their opening game. Favourites in the eyes of many before the tournament kicked off, the Euro 2008 champions have shown why in glimpses, scoring some excellent goals whilst not being anywhere near their majestic best. Fernando Torres’ lack of fitness has put an even greater responsibility on the shoulders of strike partner David Villa, who has three goals already and is showing why the bookies made him favourite to win the Golden Boot this summer. Like Holland, the Spanish have never really achieved what they are capable of at a World Cup but will be desperate to change that, starting with Tuesday’s game with Portugal.

Personally, I’m really happy to see that Chile have made it to the last 16. Marcelo Bielsa has got his team playing some really attractive football and will be quietly confident of beating a Brazil side who only finished one point ahead of his own in qualifying for the tournament. Right winger Alexis Sanchez is key to the Chilean’s chances, having looked very lively in the group stages.

Return of the Nik

I’m back!!

After a long break, I’ve decided to start putting fingers to keyboard again. There have been a few reasons why I haven’t published anything in a while, with losing all motivation to write and avoiding revision for A level exams being the main culprits! I’m back now though, and am really looking forward to publishing a lot of articles on various sporting events over the summer.