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Call for help from Stevenage recycling charity Stevenage Furniture Recycling Scheme is a local service supplying affordable good quality furniture and large electrical goods. Its free collection service gives you an opportunity to support others who could re-use your unwanted items. The scheme is unique in that its primary focus is on helping people in need or who find themselves in difficult circumstances. In the past year, it has supported 5,000 individuals in the community of Stevenage. The Scheme relies heavily on the commitment and energy of volunteers and staff but requires further support from the business community in the areas of skilled support, financial sponsorship and donated domestic furniture.
“In the past year, it has supported 5,000 individuals in the community of Stevenage.”
If you require any further information or can help in any way please contact us on 01438 362900 or email info@stevenagefrs.org.uk.
A day of sporting celebration 10th May – A Day To Celebrate is a day dedicated to sport and community in the Borough of Broxbourne. The day celebrates the Women’s Tour starting from Cheshunt and the launch of Grundy Park Leisure Centre after a multi-million pound refurbishment with a Community Sports Festival event.
two midfielders and two strikers) and games last 15 minutes.
As part of the Community Sports Festival the organisers will stage a ‘World Cup Themed Human Table Football’ competition for local businesses.
The day will be busy and fun with a range of fun activities for the whole family at the new centre, including performances from local bands, Dr Bike and bike-ability sessions, a climbing wall, a tightrope act on a bike, trampolines, fun fair, Punch and Judy, advice about healthy living and lots more activities and attractions!
Each business will compete as their favourite international team against other businesses. Teams are made up of five players (one goalie,
The Community Sports Festival is held at Grundy Park, Cheshunt on Saturday 10 May 2014 from 12noon until 5pm.
EU vetoes maternity leave in surrogate cases Two mothers who had children through surrogacy have failed in their attempt to win maternity benefits, but UK Law is changing. Both involved mothers whose cases related eligibility for benefits under the EU Pregnant Workers Directive. Unlike for pregnant women, there is no uniform set of rules on surrogacy across the EU, as it is prohibited in some member states. In the two cases, one involved a mother who took charge of the baby within an hour of birth and was able to breastfeed for several months. She had obtained a parental order under the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008, but this was not enough to convince the court to agree the same rights as a birth mother. The other was brought by a woman in Ireland, where surrogacy is not regulated. As the woman was medically unable to carry a pregnancy, she and her partner found a surrogate in California, USA to carry their fertilised egg. Despite the baby being their genetic child, and that under California law no other parental rights were recognised, the ECJ ruled against her claim under the Pregnant Workers Directive. But under the new Children and Families Act 2014, things will change in the UK from April 2015 as adoption leave and pay will reflect the entitlements available to birth parents. There will be no qualifying period for leave; enhanced pay to 90% of salary for the first six weeks; and time off to attend introductory appointments. Intended parents in surrogacy and ‘foster to adopt’ arrangements will also qualify for adoption leave and pay. The rulings are unlikely to influence employer attitudes for the time being, but there will be a very different position when the Children and Families Act becomes law and Employers would be well advised to seek advance guidance on the interim position. Breeze & Wyles Second Floor, Stag House, Old London Road SG13 7LA
Tel: 01992 558411 www.breezeandwyles.co.uk
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