As strike action is set to impact the City, Cllr Stephen George, leader of Southend-on-Sea City Council, discusses the importance of being informed.
There has been a lot in the national and local media about strikes and the impact those strikes are having. The next one is the teacher’s strike planned for Wednesday 1 February and will no doubt affect some Southend schools.
The Department for Education has asked that all headteachers stay open for specific year groups, especially those at exam stage, vulnerable children and those of staff with blue light and care roles. But ultimately it is the headteacher’s decision to assess whether a reduction in the number of staff will require the school to close for the safety of the children. Please check the relevant school website for more information or if you have any childcare concerns.
Next week also sees the budget discussed at the council’s policy and resources scrutiny meeting as part of a week of scrutiny meetings. This process is particularly important for the budget setting as it is the opportunity for councillors to use their voices to express the views and needs of the residents in their ward.
Finally, as it is Holocaust Memorial Day, I just wanted to take a moment to remember those who have suffered as a result of genocide over the last century. Holocaust Memorial Day is the day for everyone to remember the millions of people murdered in the Holocaust, under Nazi Persecution, and in the genocides which followed in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.
It’s a sobering thought and a reminder to remain grateful for the freedoms we have every day and for the luxuries of our lives, even in this time of financial difficulty during the cost-of-living crisis.
In Southend-on-Sea we have three events that are marking this occasion with an exhibition on display at the Forum. “Shoah, how was it humanly possible” and “Mapping Memories, Jewish Refugees 1933 - 1945” are free to view during opening hours of The Forum. We have held a tree planting with the Mayor today at Westcliff Library and on Sunday at 3pm we have our annual event in the Civic Centre council chamber. This is a time for reflection and the commemoration includes music, reflections, poetry and an address by Holocaust Survivor Janine Webber BEM. Please do come along if you can.
Take care.