Library news

Pay proposal will worsen the NHS dispute

21-02-2023 20:00

Commenting on the Department of Health and Social Care’s submission today (Tuesday) to the NHS pay review body recommending a maximum pay rise of 3.5% in 2023/4 for health workers in England, UNISON head of health Sara Gorton said:
“If the government was actively trying to worsen the crisis in the NHS, it couldn’t have done better than this.
“Vacancies are at an all-time high and this pitiful pay suggestion does nothing to so

Read more
Ditch the pointless, spiteful strike laws and focus on helping patients by solving disputes

21-02-2023 18:00

Commenting on an official impact assessment published today (Tuesday) that suggests new anti-strike laws could lead to greater disruption, UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said:“Everyone could see through this pointless piece of legislation from the off. It’s spiteful, poorly thought-through and simply seeks to demonise dedicated public servants.
“It’s a pity ministers haven’t invested as much energy into solving the disputes. Instead they’ve opted fo

Read more
Women’s conference calls for stronger sexual harassment policies in the workplace

21-02-2023 15:45

Sexual harassment at work was a strong topic at this year’s women’s conference in Bournemouth, both in and outside the conference hall.
At a conference workshop on the subject, one delegate expressed how difficult it can be for individuals to call out sexual harassment at her male-dominated workplace. “When I do, my colleagues just say: ‘Oh there she goes again’. But this is not harmless banter. It’s insulting and it’s distressing.”
Another delegat

Read more
Blog: An electric atmosphere at Northern Ireland strikes

21-02-2023 14:44

I arrived in Belfast last night, ready to spend today with striking health and care workers. After radio interviews with BBC Radio Ulster and Foyle, I arrived to a packed picket line.
Together, we marched from the Royal Victoria Hospital, joining other marchers on the way to a rally at Belfast City Hall. The atmosphere was electric. An energy driven by their determination to put an end to poverty pay and the silence from politicians in power.
Northern Ireland’s healthcare workers have take

Read more
Advertisement
Third day of NHS strikes in Northern Ireland

21-02-2023 12:21

A third day of NHS strike action in Northern Ireland is taking place today (Tuesday), with thousands of UNISON members in the six arm’s length bodies of the health trust out on pickets, including staff at the Northern Ireland ambulance service.
Speaking of the dispute, Anne Speed, UNISON head of bargaining and representation in Northern Ireland, said: “While the political stalemate continues health staff and patients are paying a price.
“The inertia from the secretary of state

Read more