Latest news with #GlasgowLabourGroup
Glasgow Times
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Glasgow Times
'Our teachers are working harder than ever'
I see this first hand through my own children's teachers, guiding and supporting them through exams and making sure they achieve their full potential in their exams. In the face of unprecedented challenges, our teachers have supported thousands of children across Glasgow, and we should be applauding their creativity, dedication, and commitment. Our teachers are working harder than ever to teach the increasing numbers of pupils needing extra support in the classroom. Audit Scotland found around 40% of Scottish pupils are now receiving additional support for learning (ASL), most of it delivered within mainstream schools. I believe that we need to rethink how we approach ASL and, rather than regarding the needs of pupils as "additional", see them for what they are - support needs that a significant proportion of the classroom population have. An approach that reflected this would involve ensuring every teacher is equipped to support kids with ASL - both in resourcing and training. Auditor General Stephen Boyle said: "The Scottish Government has failed to plan effectively for its inclusive approach to additional support for learning. "The report found only about 20% of schools have dedicated facilities for ASL pupils, and dealing with their needs was increasingly a core role for classroom teachers. "The inclusive approach had not been reflected in funding formulas, training, class sizes, or the design of school buildings," it added. Things are not getting easier for our children; the Glasgow Labour Group is deeply concerned and disappointed by the decision of the SNP-led City Administration to cut school librarian posts across the city as part of its wider budget reductions. This decision has seen 10 out of 14 librarian roles removed, leaving many of Glasgow's schools without the specialist literacy and learning support that pupils rely on. School librarians are essential educators who support young people in developing research skills, nurturing a love of reading, and helping close the attainment gap. Many of them also carry out roles which may not be captured in a job description or organogram. Pitching in on extracurricular activities, identifying children and young people who need support. They are a key part of the school community and cannot be removed without having a negative impact on that community. Removing these roles is a regressive step that may harm pupils' development, particularly those who already face disadvantage. Despite repeated warnings, the SNP administration pressed ahead with a so-called "service review" that was in effect a cover for cuts. The review dragged on for more than a year and was revealed only days before the summer holidays, avoiding meaningful scrutiny or engagement with schools, pupils, or parents. This decision further illustrates the SNP's disregard for Glasgow's education services and their ongoing failure to prioritise young people in this city. The SNP talk about equity and inclusion, but their actions undermine both. The Glasgow Labour Group will continue to stand up for our schools, our librarians, and the young people who deserve access to the opportunities that a properly supported education provides. These roles should have never been on the chopping block, and we will continue to fight for their restoration.
Glasgow Times
22-05-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Cllr Rashid Hussain: 'We need to get Glasgow working again'
It is the honour of my life to be elected as leader of the Glasgow Labour Group. As the leader, my focus is clear: making sure this council plays its part in bringing jobs, investment, and opportunity back to our city. As a proud councillor for Greater Pollok since 2012, I've seen first-hand what our communities can achieve when they're supported — and what happens when they're ignored. I've spent over a decade working with grassroots groups, local businesses, and trade unions, and now I'm determined to do that across every part of Glasgow. No community should be left behind. But let's be honest: Glasgow is being held back. Since 2012, relentless cuts from the Scottish Government have decimated our public services. Our infrastructure is crumbling, our transport network is failing, and the SNP administration has run out of ideas. They are more focused on defending incompetency and waste at Holyrood than on delivering a well-run, effective council. We see the consequences every day. Glasgow's unemployment rate is the highest in Scotland – over five per cent – and many ordinary Glaswegians cannot find good, affordable homes to meet their needs. That is unacceptable. We need a council that invests in people. That expands apprenticeships, delivers training, partners with business, and creates real, high-quality jobs. I've worked in IT, aerospace, and manufacturing for over 30 years. I know the value our industries bring, and I know the potential Glasgow has when we get this right. A modern, inclusive economy doesn't happen by accident. It takes leadership – and it takes ambition. We need to work hand-in-hand with business and trade unions to build the high-skill, high-wage jobs of the future that give people a reason to stay, work, and thrive in Glasgow, whilst also building the homes they need to do so. It must never be the case that Glaswegians feel that they need to leave Glasgow to get on in life, or leave their communities in order to get on in Glasgow. We need to build a city that works for everyone. We also need to fix what's broken – starting with transport. Too many areas are cut off from opportunity by poor public transport. Many workers and car owners now face additional taxes for parking outside of their homes, despite the lack of reliable public transport alternatives. Glasgow Labour will push for a bus service run by Glasgow, for Glaswegians – not for profit. The SNP have the power to do this, but they refuse to act. Their lack of ambition is punishing Glaswegians and holding this city back. And let's be clear – it's not just transport. The SNP are shutting down community assets across the city. Just this week they've proposed mothballing Ruchill Community Centre – a vital hub in the north of Glasgow. And how many of our prized community assets will be next? From Langside Halls to the Couper Institute to Whitehill Pool, the SNP sit on their hands whilst the physical pillars of our communities crumble. This isn't leadership. It's a managed decline. We need to invest in every corner of Glasgow – from the city centre to the heart of our neighbourhoods. That's how we build stronger communities, safer streets, and a more equal economy. The SNP have taken Glaswegians for granted. After eight long years, they've run out of energy, run out of ideas, and run out of excuses. Glasgow needs a new direction. And that's exactly what Glasgow Labour is here to deliver.
