The Discovery House is now open for anyone who is interested in learning about modern methods of construction or who might be looking to make their own home more sustainable. The house also displays quotes from Barratt Homes’ Rising Stars, which conveys their feelings about working in construction and aims to inspire those considering a career in the homebuilding industry. Simon Francis, Managing Director at Barratt Homes Northampton, “We are delighted to have welcomed St Neots Town Council and Wintringham Primary Academy to open our Discovery House. After many months in the making, this landmark property showcases everything we do to help make our homes greener and more environmentally friendly. “It also provides lots of interesting features that will hopefully inspire people to take green issues into their own hands and even think about how they can be a part of building the sustainable homes of the future.” For more information about developments in the area, visit the website at Barratt Homes in Cambridgeshire.

More Gatwick strikes suspended as DHL workers secure 15% rise

Menzies and ASC workers balloting on new offer and talks progressing at GGS

More Gatwick strikes have been suspended, Unite, the UK’s leading union, said today (Monday), with workers either having accepted or being balloted on new pay offers.

Strikes by DHL workers have been cancelled completely after they voted to accept a 15 per cent rise, as well as an uplift in skills pay, meaning workers will see their hourly rates increase by between 15 per cent and 31 per cent. A new shift premium of £1.25 per hour for between 0000 hrs and 0459 hrs has also been secured, increasing workers’ hourly rates by 23 per cent and 43 per cent during those hours.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This is an excellent result secured by the steadfast position of our DHL members. Once again, workers are gaining real material benefits from Unite’s absolute focus on improving jobs, pay and conditions.”

ASC and Menzies workers are currently balloting on improved offers. If the ASC workers reject the pay offer, they will go ahead with strike action scheduled between 28 July and 1 August as well as strikes between 4 August and 8 August. Strikes by Menzies workers between 28 July and 1 August have been suspended, however if the offer is rejected, strikes between 4 August and 8 August will go ahead.

Talks with GGS are progressing in a positive direction. Strike action by GGS workers scheduled between 28 July and 1 August has been suspended to allow negotiations to continue, with strike action between 4 August and 8 August still scheduled to go ahead if a satisfactory outcome is not reached in time.

Unite regional officer Dominic Rothwell said: “Strikes by DHL workers have now been cancelled. ASC and Menzies workers are being balloted on new offers and talks are progressing with GGS. Unite will be making no further comment until the outcome of the ballots and negotiations are known later this week.”