Gower Assembly Member, Rebecca Evans AM, has welcomed a new pay deal for doctors and dentists in Wales, which includes a higher salary increase than the deal agreed in England. The Welsh Government has agreed in full the recommendations of the Review Body on Doctors' and Dentists' Remuneration (DDRB):
Mrs Evans said: “This announcement recognises the value and dedication of hardworking doctors and dentists and their key contribution to the NHS in Wales. “By going beyond the pay offer in England the Welsh Government are making Wales an even more attractive place to train, work and live. “Together with our recent agreement on a pay rise for the rest of the NHS Wales workforce, this announcement shows the Welsh Labour Government is committed to investing in staff to ensure they can continue to deliver excellent health and social care.” Rebecca Evans AM, Assembly Member for Gower, has joined Macmillan Cancer Support to promote the charity’s flagship fundraising event, The World’s Biggest Coffee Morning. Rebecca Evans backed the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning at its awareness event in the Senedd in Cardiff Bay. This will be the 28th year of the annual event. The AM for Gower, said, “The World’s Biggest Coffee Morning is a fantastic fundraising event that takes place in homes, schools and workplaces throughout Wales. It’s a lovely social event and a fantastic way to get together, raise money, and discuss the issues facing people with cancer. I am pleased to support the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning again this year.” Richard Pugh, Head of Services for Macmillan Cancer Support in Wales, commented: “It’s great to see Assembly Members supporting Macmillan in Wales and we’d like to thank Rebecca Evans AM for her support. “With the number of people living with cancer in Wales expected to reach around 240,000 by 2030, demand for Macmillan’s services is constantly growing, but we rely on the generosity of the public to provide this support. “Last year in Wales, we raised just over £1.2 million pounds which just shows what a wonderful, generous nation we are in Wales. We’re hoping to equal if not beat that fabulous total this year.” Rebecca Evans AM, Assembly Member for Gower, has written to every school in her constituency encouraging them to engage with Unicef UK’s OutRight campaign. OutRight is an annual campaign run by Unicef UK to help teach children and young people about their rights here in the UK and around the world. Rebecca Evans AM said: “This year, OutRight will help children and young people learn about the effects of air pollution on their health with a view to empowering them to stand up for their right to good health and a clean environment to live, learn and play. “We are fortunate in Swansea, because the Council has embedded the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child into the way it sets its policies. This isn’t the same for all children across the globe, and the OutRight campaign gives children the chance to consider rights in a global context whilst exploring the matter of air pollution - one of the most serious public health issues facing children in the UK and across the world.” Gower Assembly Member, Rebecca Evans AM, is encouraging young people to apply to become a Welsh Youth Parliament Member. 60 young people aged between 11 and 18 years will be nominated to become Welsh Youth Parliament Members. This opportunity is open to any young person who lives or is being educated in Wales. Those who are successful in their application will identify, debate, and raise awareness of the issues that are important to young people in Wales. Rebecca Evans AM said: “This is an exciting opportunity for young people to engage in the political life of Wales. Politics and democracy are part of all our lives, and I encourage young people across Gower to apply. This new initiative will empower young people to identify those issues that are important to the young people of Wales in the 21st Century. It will also be another important way for elected politicians to hear what is really of importance to young people, and assist us in delivering what is appropriate for them.” Application to the Welsh Youth Parliament is open until 30th September 2018. Mrs Evans added: “Should you not wish to apply to be a member of the Welsh Youth Parliament yourself, you can still have you voice heard by voting for who should be the members. You have until 18th November to register to vote. I encourage all young people to engage in this exciting opportunity, and begin their involvement in the democratic process.” Notes to Editors: The application process is available online here www.youthparliament.wales/stand and candidate guidance can be found here www.youthparliament.wales/s/Welsh-Youth-Parliament-Candidate-Pack.pdf Rebecca Evans, AM for Gower, has welcomed moves by the Welsh Government to make guidance covering school uniforms statutory. The new updated and strengthened guidance, which will be issued for a 12 week consultation this autumn, will have a focus on affordability. Rebecca Evans AM said, “Affordability of school uniforms is crucial for families, especially those being hit hard austerity. “The need for the Welsh Government to step in has been reinforced by parents of pupils from Penyrheol Comprehensive school who contacted me expressing concern that the new uniform was much more expensive than they were used to, and only available from certain suppliers in a more limited range of fittings. “I remain of the view that cheaper alternatives can look just as smart, and can be replaced more easily when children grow or when there is wear and tear.” Rebecca Evans AM is urging parents to contribute to the consultation when it opens shortly. She is also encouraging parents to find out whether they are eligible for the Welsh Government’s new PDG Access fund which offers parents or carers £125 to buy school uniforms, equipment, sports kit and kit for activities outside of school for their child. She said, “All children deserve the best start in life, and this fund can be a helping hand in meeting some of the costs that families face this time of year.” Looked-after children and learners eligible for free school meals will be eligible for this grant if they are entering reception class in primary school, entering year 7 in secondary school or aged 4 or 11 in special schools, Special Educational Needs (SEN) Units or Pupil Referral Units. |
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