Page 13 - link magazine

LETTER FROM WESTMINSTER 13

IT to open up Millennial life chances accommodation... beNefits...
Echoing the Prime Minister's pronouncement in mid-September that
Britain has to become a world leader in information technologies, e&lucatioN... family.., health...
Michael Wills, MP for North Swindon, and junior minister at the justice... money... sport...
Department of Trade, says we must not be left behind in a digital divide.
leisure... traiNiNg...
As we approach the end Skills will need con-
of the millennium, with stant renewal and these AND ALL THE BITS IN BETWEEN TQ ZED
all the accompanying technologies are the key
hype, thoughts turn to tool for lifelong learning.
what the next one will Those who fall behind
hold for us. In many will be unfulfilled poten- Computer database available to search for answers
ways we know what tial, too few skilled locally and nationally, plus internet access @
changes are immedi- workers, too much res- The Youth Unit, Link Centre
ately in store because we cue spending, too little
are already living opportunity for too Drop in or make an appointment or
through them. many. call Jo Marchment on 46546 6 for details sw1noon
The convergence of This is why the Gov-
information and com- ernmenthas been devot-
munication technolo- ing such effort to bridge
gies, epitomised by the growth of the digital divide in Britain. We THE RIDGEWAY SCHOOL
the Internet, is creating greater are spending £1.7 billion over the
changes faster than ever before. next three years to make sure that Inverary Road, Wroughton
Broadcast television in the US took everyone is able to take advantage Swindon SN4 9DJ
13 years to reach an audience of 50 of the opportunities offered by the
million. PCs took 16 years. The information revolution. A range of accommodation for
Internet did it in just 4 years. By 2002 every school in the coun- private hire at competitive prices
There are extraordinary oppor- try will be hooked up to the Inter-
tunities here. Information is power net, 95% of them by high-capacity Available for conferences, meetings,
and used to be the prerogative of links; all Swindon schools already
the few. Now, thanks to the Inter- are. Every teacher will receive wedding receptions, dances/discos, private
net, it is increasingly the opportu- training to ensure that their chil- parties, jumble sales, small clubs etc
nity for the many. The trouble is dren are able to take advantage of
that technological revolutions al- information and communication Whatever your needs and for details of prices and
ways trail causalities their wake. technologies. availability, please contact: The Lettings Manager
In the US, where 40% of house- A national network of 800 IT
holds are on-line, the gap between learning centres will be set up by Tel: 01793 812824 Fax: 01793 815065
the take-up of digital facilities in 2002 to improve access to for
high-income households and low- adults. And up to 100,000 recycled
income households widened by computers will be provided for low
25% between 1997 and 1998. income families in the inner cities.
In this country, 41% in a recent The challenge for the millen-
survey identified cost as the main nium is to equip all the people of
barrier to using these technologies. Britain with the tools they need to
If this digital divide is not tack- succeed. These new technologies
led, it will entrench existing social are the bridge to the future and we
and economic exclusion. By 2000, cannot afford to leave anyone
over 60% of new jobs in USA will stranded behind.
require advanced technological • Michael Wills can be contacted
skills. on 481016.
Business support for staff with problems
Home Office minister Paul Boateng attended a seminar at Relate on
7 September with representatives from some of Swindon's largest
companies to discover how they are making relationship counselling
available to their staff_
He commented, "employees
bring their relationships into the
workplace and Swindon business
is at the forefront in creating part-
nerships between the private and For your retirement living we currently have
public sectors by providing sup-
port through Relate. Supported vacancies at Brain Court, Stratton St. Margaret
staff contribute to the health of the and Windmill Court, Freshbrook, Swindon.
company."
Relate Manager Christine Gill Minister Paul Boateng with Christine Please contact our Regional Office:
said fifty four per cent of the 170 Gill, left, and Swindon South MP Western Region, 10 The Parade
million working days lost annu- Julia Drown Marlborough, Wiltshire SN8 INE
ally are caused by emotional prob- Motorola with 2,600 workers in
lems and stress. "It can be difficult Swindon has an employee assist- Tel: 01672 515622
for people in the work place to ance programme which advertises
admit that they need help with Relate's services.
relationships. Workers who can The charity receives little sup- James Butcher
gain support will feel valued and port from either the Government Housing Association
will take less time off." or local councils.