For this episode we’re out and about!

Why has Ian brought Joanna to the banks of the River Lune at Skerton to talk about the value of housing?

The search for a stable, secure home is one of the fastest growing issues dealt with by Citizens Advice North Lancashire.

Following benefits queries and issues linked to financial crisis, housing is third most common matter dealt with by volunteers who have to navigate a challenging - and changing - range of factors.

New legislation is being debated but locally the proposed Eden project in Morecambe is already influencing the housing market in the area.

In this edition we’ll hear from Gully Trevena, who leads the Citizens Advice service and specialises in housing matters. We’re also joined by Fiona Macleod, Housing Standards Manager at Lancaster City Council.

Show notes:

For details of housing advice from Citizens Advice: www.citizensadvice.org/housing

For information from Lancaster City Council: https://www.lancaster.gov.uk/housing/council-housing

Join Joanna and Rev Ian as they discuss the cost of living, budgeting, saving for the future and when life gives you lemons!

When 1 in 6 people in the UK don't have any savings, now is the time to talk finances. Lots of us bury our heads in the sand, and with an ever changing economic landscape, whilst it may not be the most fun conversation to have, it's time to face our financial demons!

We hear from expert financial adviser Annabel Lumsden from TPFinancialSolutions in Morecambe.

tpfinancialsolutions.co.uk

How could changes to employment laws affect you and do you know your rights as they stand now?

The world of work often results in queries for volunteers at North Lancashire Citizens Advice. Am I entitled to a break? Will I be paid during maternity leave? What if work is making me ill?

These - and many more - are our bread and butter and among the topics discussed by Joanna and Ian in this podcast. We also hear from Asli Atay a senior policy advisor with the Work Foundation who have a base at Lancaster University.

We’ll also learn how Joanna’s first job was well paid - but hard graft!

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-work-foundation/posts/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-harrison-4b31431a/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-fitzmaurice-a6111a43/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/asli-atay-75b4a2103/

https://www.linkedin.com/school/lancaster-university/

X:

https://x.com/WorkFoundation

https://x.com/asliatayy

https://x.com/LancasterUni

Bluesky:

@asliatay.bsky.social

Show notes:

2 min A picturesque sounding first job for Joanna

3 mins Ian reveals working for a firm where orders came in via telex.

6 mins Asli Atay joins Ian and Joanna and explains more about the work of the Work Foundation.

8 mins job security has been quite stable over the past two decades

8’30” Joanna reveals over 500 clients have approached Citizens Advice North Lancashire with over 700 issues relating to employment.

9 mins Joanna explains the kind of issues which are brought to volunteers by clients looking for guidance.

9’30” Why transport is a factor when it comes to looking for work

10 mins How research is looking into the health of the labour market

11 mins Ian considers how the Bay area is affected by transport, good and bad.

13 mins Why the kind of job is important in keeping fit and healthy

14 mins Zero hour contracts; how will changes affect those who currently rely on these for work?

17 mins Why maternity matters are very relevant for our guest!

18 mins Which European countries have better maternity rights than the UK

19 mins Inequality case studies and why not all employers recognise the rights of their employees.

21 mins Ian questions how employers will view stronger worker protection.

24 mins Will people be able to expect to work fewer hours?

26 mins Tough question alert! Can you plan your work life?

29 mins The link between sickness and the world of work

32 mins Population health and the need for employers to play their part.

33 Summarising the interview Joanna and Ian look at what their highlights are.

Bay Health Festivals Podcast referred to by Ian:

Can a four-day week really work when it comes to business? We hear how one firm around the Bay has adopted it and consider the impact of looking after employee health and wellbeing.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/70UCzbNWTXwlhj9Yy7cnVj?si=CNP1GQhMSI-HQ5PxqE5NhA

Useful links:

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/work/

https://www.tuc.org.uk/employment-status-and-rights

https://www.gov.uk/browse/working/rights-trade-unions