Siôn Simon MP

Siôn Simon MP today gave support to the shop workers’ union Usdaw’s national spotlight day to highlight the benefits due to working parents and to give renewed support to the pledge to end child poverty by 2020.

He said: “Labour have put in place many measures to support working parents. I want to make sure that local families have all the information they need to claim what they’re entitled to, particularly in these tough economic times.

I am also pleased to give my personal commitment to the pledge to end child poverty by 2020. The Labour Government’s action in helping parents back into work and giving them practical and financial support will help to lift even more children out of poverty.”

John Hannett, Usdaw’s General Secretary, was delighted with Siôn Simon MP’s support.

“I know that because of the global recession many Usdaw members are worried about money, as are millions of low paid families. Working parents are particularly concerned about their ability to pay the bills, take their planned maternity or paternity leave, and the quality of their family life.

That is why we are holding are national spotlight day.”

Usdaw have produced several leaflets for working parents which can be downloaded from www.usdaw.org.uk.

Whilst attending the Unite March for Jobs event in the Birmingham at the weekend Siôn Simon MP commented: “It is really important that events like this take place, I am just pleased I could come along and offer my support. There are residents in Erdington who may be facing losing their jobs, and it is my job to support them however I can.”

Over 7,000 people attended the march along Broad Street to a rally in Centenary Square, all with the aim of highlighting the need for jobs to be safeguarded where possible.

Unite General Secretaries Tony Woodley and Derek Simpson attended along with Unison regional secretary Roger McKenzie and representatives of Vauxhall were also in attendance.

Siôn added:

“There is clearly a difficult message for the government here that whilst we have made considerable investment to protect jobs where possible, still more needs to be done. However the Trades Unions and their members that I have spoken to are clear that they have high expectations of the Labour Government, but a Labour Government is the only party interested in protecting jobs.”

Brookvale Junior and Infants School in Stockland Green hosted a school gate surgery with local MP Siôn Simon.

Parents were advised he would be there on Friday afternoon and available to deal with case work or problems they were experiencing.

Speaking after the surgery Siôn said: “I always enjoy visiting the local schools and this is an excellent way of extending my advice service to more people. Often parents are too busy to seek advice they may need on issues such as housing, family benefits, the local environment and many more issues.

It was great that Brookvale School and Mr Smart encouraged this event, and I look forward to many more similar events in schools across Erdington.”

Erdington MP Siôn Simon was delighted to open the latest Children Centre in Gunter Road, Pype Hayes, Erdington.

The centre financed by Sure Start, will be providing child care places as well as a wide range of child and family services, including: baby massage, baby singing and story telling, all designed to help new parents have fun with their children and support their development. Citizens Advice, College Courses, Self Esteem Workshops, Employment Advice for all the issues and choices new parents may be facing, as well as opportunities for parents to get together and talk about what is after all the hardest job of all; being a parent.

The Government has over the last ten years has been commited to every child and young person having the opportunity to fulfil their potential. Children’s Centres are just one of the ways this is being delivered.

Siôn Simon, MP for Erdington and Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Further Education, visited Matthew Boulton College in Birmingham City Centre as part of bicentenary commemorative celebrations of the death of Birmingham industrialist, Matthew Boulton (1728-1809). Mr Simon met staff and students during a guided tour from Principal and Chief Executive, Christine Braddock, which included the creative and performing arts studios, medical healthcare and vocational science laboratories, digital and environmental technology centre and the student’s learning suite.

The building on Jennens Road, Eastside celebrated the third anniversary of its opening in March. In 2008 Matthew Boulton College received the prestigious Further Education Design Excellence RIBA Award which recognises design excellence and innovation.

Mr Simon commented:

“I was greatly impressed by the manner in which the surroundings at Matthew Boulton College have proved to be both innovative and inspiring, enabling the local community to enjoy a high quality of learning.

The college greatly reflects Matthew Boulton’s entrepreneurial spirit, drive and ambition and I was delighted to join students and staff in recognising the illustrious career of this remarkable man.”

One of Birmingham’s greatest sons, Matthew Boulton built his reputation on producing jewellery, silverware and plated goods of the highest quality.  He opened his business in 1761 and it soon became the World’s largest and most famous manufacturing business.  He then worked with James Watt and the two of them formed a steam engine business – the world has not been the same since.

Principal and Chief Executive, Dr Christine Braddock CBE stated: “Matthew Boulton College is the oldest provider of further education in the city of Birmingham and we continue to strive towards providing teaching and learning facilities of the highest quality.

“We are proud to pay tribute to Matthew Boulton and will ensure his legacy and influence lives on through the college’s many inspirational activities and achievements.”

Art students at Matthew Boulton College are celebrating the life, work and legacy of Matthew Boulton through a commemorative display of 3-D designs and models currently on display at the Soho House Museum. Each piece draws on Boulton’s historic significance in terms of design and manufacture. The exhibition called 200 Years in the Making: Celebrating Boulton in Contemporary Style is free and will run until 1 November.  

Sutton Coldfield and Matthew Boulton Colleges who are working in strategic partnership are planning a £42m campus on the former Express Dairy on Aldridge Road, Perry Barr which will offer skills development and qualifications in a number of key vocational areas including engineering and technology, IT, digital communications and media as well as hair, beauty and holistic therapies and Skills for Life. Full planning consent has been obtained for the new 22,000 sq metre building which will be accessible to local residents.