Justin Tomlinson

Justin Tomlinson

North Swindon

Swindon Advertiser Column - Swindon Campaign Will Transform Future Opportunities For Disabled Children Across The UK

Swindon Advertiser Column - Swindon Campaign Will Transform Future Opportunities For Disabled Children Across The UK

As readers of my column may be aware, I have been supporting the fantastic campaign by Benjamin’s Smile and Activity Alliance to make sure new and refurbished play parks include accessible / inclusive equipment. The campaign has been led by local resident Becky Maddern, who was inspired by the lack of accessible equipment for disabled children – including her son Benjamin. Becky and I recently met with Luke Hall, Minister for Local Government, to discuss how we can encourage more local authorit...

Record Number Of Doctors And Nurses Working In The NHS In England

Record Number Of Doctors And Nurses Working In The NHS In England

For the third month running, there are record numbers of NHS doctors and nurses working in England according to the latest statistics published today. The provisional figures show that as of March 2021, there are a total of 124,078 doctors and 304,542 nurses working in the NHS. Compared to the same time last year, there are over 5,600 more doctors and over 10,800 more nurses working in the NHS. There are also record numbers of hospital and community health staff overall (1,197,747). Health and S...

Three Quarters Of UK Adults Vaccinated With First Dose

Three Quarters Of UK Adults Vaccinated With First Dose

More than three quarters of UK adults have received a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, the latest figures published today (2 June) show, as the vaccination programme continues at pace. Health services across the UK have now administered over 65.6 million vaccines between 8 December and 1 June, including over 39.5 million people with their first dose (75.2%) and over 26 million with both doses (49.5%), ensuring they have the strongest possible protection against COVID-19 from a second dose. This...

Huge Expansion Of Tutoring In Next Step of Education Recovery

Huge Expansion Of Tutoring In Next Step of Education Recovery

Children and young people across England will be offered up to 100 million hours of free tuition to help them catch up on learning lost during the pandemic. As part of the next step in the government’s plans to boost education recovery, a total of £1.4 billion is being invested, including £1 billion to support up to 6 million, 15-hour tutoring courses for disadvantaged school children, as well as an expansion of the 16-19 tuition fund, targeting key subjects such as maths and English. £400 milli...

Cash Boost For Apprenticeships Launched

Cash Boost For Apprenticeships Launched

From today employers of all sizes in England can now apply for extra funding to help them take on new apprentices, in the latest drive to revolutionise the skills and training offer across the country. The boost to the apprenticeship incentive scheme was confirmed by the Chancellor in the Budget in March, and will be available to claim from today (1 June). Businesses can apply to claim £3000 for each new apprentice hired as a new employee from 1 April until 30 September. The cash incentive is de...

Justin Tomlinson Praises DFN Transition To Work Program On Ministerial Visit

Justin Tomlinson Praises DFN Transition To Work Program On Ministerial Visit

North Swindon and Disabilities Minister Justin Tomlinson praised the excellent work of DFN Project Search on a Ministerial Visit to meet staff and interns of DFN in Bradford this week. The DFN Project SEARCH is a transition to work programme for students with learning disabilities and autism spectrum conditions, aimed at those motivated to achieve competitive employment. The latest local figures show that 55 young people have completed the Bradford programme since it started in 2013, with 71 pe...

Swindon Advertiser Column - Funding Boost For T-Levels Will Help Young Job Seekers Gain Important Experience

Swindon Advertiser Column - Funding Boost For T-Levels Will Help Young Job Seekers Gain Important Experience

This week saw the announcement of a significant cash boost for T Levels, which comes as part of the government’s significant programme to help young people recover from the pandemic. The Government will provide £1,000 for every T Level student hosted by employers. This incentive will encourage employers to offer placements to young people, thereby giving them invaluable first-hand experience in the workplace. As many young jobseekers will be aware, it is that initial workplace experience that is...

North Swindon MP Hails STEM Programme At Nova Hreod Academy

North Swindon MP Hails STEM Programme At Nova Hreod Academy

North Swindon MP, Justin Tomlinson recently praised Nova Hreod Academy in North Swindon during the launching of its Catalyst STEM programme, which is aimed at getting more students studying the subjects of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. The programme will involve a specially developed timetable to target subjects that will help students in pursuing careers in the sector. This will include additional modules on engineering and computer science. The school is working with organi...

Swindon Advertiser Column - 70% Of Adults Offered COVID Jab

Swindon Advertiser Column - 70% Of Adults Offered COVID Jab

It was announced yesterday that a staggering 70% of adults (57 million people) have received at least one dose of the COVID vaccinations, and an impressive 40% (20 million people) have received both doses. The vaccination programme continues its rapid progress, with people over 34 years old, or those who turn 34 before 1st July 2021, now being eligible for a jab. I know this has been said many times, but this really is a fantastic achievement, and I thank everyone who has been involved in the pr...