https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/en-ukCopyright (C) 2026 newslocker.comSun, 07 Sep 2025 12:58:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/after-15-years-its-time-to-do-something-else/Sun, 07 Sep 2025 12:58:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/after-15-years-its-time-to-do-something-else/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/the-end-of-august/Sun, 31 Aug 2025 15:32:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/the-end-of-august/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/lets-find-out/Thu, 28 Aug 2025 14:53:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/lets-find-out/ Changes by local authority
Barnsley – Penistone Library refurbished/co-locationBromley – Chislehurst Library refurbishedCoventry – Holbrooks Library closed, moved to Dementia Partn]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/the-most-busy-time/Sun, 17 Aug 2025 11:36:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/the-most-busy-time/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/richmond-foxes-while-suffolk-chickens-out-and-a-welsh-council-prefers-being-financially-caerphill-to-keeping-library-open/Sun, 20 Jul 2025 16:06:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/richmond-foxes-while-suffolk-chickens-out-and-a-welsh-council-prefers-being-financially-caerphill-to-keeping-library-open/ Elsewhere, we have lots of news about the Reading Agency’s Summer Reading Chall]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/as-in-georgia-so-in-kent/Sun, 13 Jul 2025 13:08:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/as-in-georgia-so-in-kent/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/its-started-kent-bans-book-from-being-easily-seen-by-children/Sun, 06 Jul 2025 19:39:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/its-started-kent-bans-book-from-being-easily-seen-by-children/ Liverpool – Breck Road and Dovecot libraries run by non-profit may closeNorth Northamptonshire – Raunds Library current non-profit arrangement ending, new non-profit soughtW]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/non-profit-libraries-in-trouble-but-more-are-coming-and-try-not-to-think-about-bradford/Sun, 29 Jun 2025 19:23:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/non-profit-libraries-in-trouble-but-more-are-coming-and-try-not-to-think-about-bradford/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/a-medal-for-reading-agency-fundraising/Sun, 22 Jun 2025 16:18:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/a-medal-for-reading-agency-fundraising/ Not much happening in libraries this week – just the normal council doublespeak, refurbishments and echoes from previous cuts. And my oldest daughter is home from Bangor, where she has just finished at university, so I’m not going to worry too much about writing too much and going to speak to her instead. Have a good week everyone.Changes by local authority
Surrey – Epsom Library refurbished.National news
CILIP responds to Spending Review 2025 – CILIP. “we]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/a-quiet-week/Sun, 15 Jun 2025 14:43:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/a-quiet-week/ Far right person calls the Librarian of Congress “woke” on social mediaTrump reads this while scanning his phone and immediately tells someone to sack Carla HaydenCarla is dismissed within an hour. She has no other communication or meeting apart from the two sentences in the sacking email.Defending the dism]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/dictator-scottish-cuts-and-libraries-change-lives/Sun, 08 Jun 2025 12:41:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/dictator-scottish-cuts-and-libraries-change-lives/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/singapore-libraries-focus/Sun, 01 Jun 2025 12:46:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/singapore-libraries-focus/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/enlightening-replies-please/Mon, 26 May 2025 10:48:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/enlightening-replies-please/ The Westminster Hall debate about public libraries this week showed how the sector is currently viewed by MPs. Basically, after one strips out the stuff about how great the libraries are in their own constituency or how the other political partiesare so rubbish, the key take away is that those interested enough to show up to this debate on public libraries, are in support of public libraries. There’s a revelation. Sarcasm aside, it is good to see that there is a push for a more n]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/the-future-of-public-libraries/Sun, 18 May 2025 10:40:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/the-future-of-public-libraries/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/the-right-kind-of-book-challenge-westminster-hall-debate-and-carla-hayden/Sun, 11 May 2025 10:49:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/the-right-kind-of-book-challenge-westminster-hall-debate-and-carla-hayden/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/ten-public-libraries-services-are-about-to-be-reformed/Mon, 05 May 2025 14:04:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/ten-public-libraries-services-are-about-to-be-reformed/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/the-baroness-twycross-to-do-list/Mon, 28 Apr 2025 19:45:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/the-baroness-twycross-to-do-list/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/meow/Mon, 21 Apr 2025 17:26:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/meow/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/more-than-books/Mon, 14 Apr 2025 09:41:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/more-than-books/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/theres-another-word-for-it/Sun, 06 Apr 2025 15:07:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/theres-another-word-for-it/ A Few Questions with Dr Anjna Chouhan, NPO Creative Producer (Area Librarian). Warwickshire County Council and new board member with the Arts Marketing AssociationHow did you get into working in libraries? I stepped into libraries after working as an academic in a muse]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/stay-alert-to-opportunities/Sun, 30 Mar 2025 16:27:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/stay-alert-to-opportunities/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/no-safe-place-for-trusts/Sun, 23 Mar 2025 12:55:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/no-safe-place-for-trusts/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/decision-day-for-suffolk-and-the-library-of-the-year/Sat, 15 Mar 2025 15:29:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/decision-day-for-suffolk-and-the-library-of-the-year/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/suffolk-lambeth-and-free-food/Sun, 09 Mar 2025 13:01:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/suffolk-lambeth-and-free-food/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/surprise-ending-of-suffolk-libraries-contract/Sun, 02 Mar 2025 15:54:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/surprise-ending-of-suffolk-libraries-contract/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/55m-grant-library-of-the-year-shortlist-phd-in-libraries-and-the-normal-mix-of-news/Sun, 23 Feb 2025 16:54:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/55m-grant-library-of-the-year-shortlist-phd-in-libraries-and-the-normal-mix-of-news/ Cuts are announced, normally involving lots of library closuresProtests against these cuts occurCouncil reduces cuts, often changing closures to being run by volunteers or reductions in hours.Cuts happen, with sometimes the protesters being co-opted as volunteers.And, sadly, if you have stuck around the library scene long enough, as I have, then you see the cycle repeating.So, this week, Aber]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/the-cuts-cycle-and-hurricane-trump/Sat, 15 Feb 2025 12:06:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/the-cuts-cycle-and-hurricane-trump/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/some-folk-cant-be-satisfied/Sun, 09 Feb 2025 11:13:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/some-folk-cant-be-satisfied/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/a-little-bit-optimistic/Sun, 02 Feb 2025 12:43:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/a-little-bit-optimistic/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/its-still-austerity-but-now-with-less-champagne/Sun, 26 Jan 2025 12:56:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/its-still-austerity-but-now-with-less-champagne/ Changes by local authority
Bristol –Up to £2.4m out of £4.7m budget to be cutDudley – School Libraries Service moves into Halesowen Library, replacing subscription service.Norfolk – Kings Lynn and Yarmouth libraries to reopen this year in colocationsNottingham –  Aspley, Basford, Bilborough li]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/bristol-libraries-faces-cut-off-up-to-half-of-its-budget/Sun, 19 Jan 2025 13:27:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/bristol-libraries-faces-cut-off-up-to-half-of-its-budget/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/childhood-memories/Sun, 12 Jan 2025 13:00:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/childhood-memories/ Changes by local authority
Buckinghamshire – Eight libraries to have 23% increase in hours via staffless technology.Cumberland – Carlisle to have £3m refurbishment
Essex – Clacton Library may include more co-located servicesGuernsey – Postal service takes over staffing ho]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/christmas-period-news-20245/Sun, 05 Jan 2025 16:12:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/christmas-period-news-20245/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/a-spellow-of-good-news/Sun, 15 Dec 2024 11:41:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/a-spellow-of-good-news/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/a-challenge-for-summer-reading/Sat, 07 Dec 2024 18:13:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/a-challenge-for-summer-reading/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/its-christmas-time/Sun, 01 Dec 2024 18:08:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/its-christmas-time/ Aberdeenshire announced library closures as a fait accompli with no apparent consultation with localpoliticians.Ealing have announced that “building on the success” of their previous volunteer libraries staying open, the best things is for six more to be volunteer-staffed.
East Lothian announce “temporary” opening hour cuts over the Winter.Nottinghamshire confused the public]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/success-celebrations-and-opportunities/Sun, 24 Nov 2024 11:29:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/success-celebrations-and-opportunities/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/31-libraries-1-mobile-and-others-under-threat-in-seven-services-announced-in-1-week/Sat, 16 Nov 2024 15:50:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/31-libraries-1-mobile-and-others-under-threat-in-seven-services-announced-in-1-week/ After the US election result, I tweeted “Well, it’s been pretty tough being a librarian in the UK this last decade or so but I think I’d still prefer it to working in a US library for the next four years”. There have been strong moves towards censorship in the USA and that is likely to greatly strengthen during Trump’s return. But this is not to say American libraries are not well-funded – see the report below on Austin’s lovely libraries to se]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/thought-for-the-next-four-five-years/Sun, 10 Nov 2024 18:20:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/thought-for-the-next-four-five-years/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/oh-great-its-austerity-again/Sun, 03 Nov 2024 10:15:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/oh-great-its-austerity-again/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/not-at-your-leisure/Sun, 27 Oct 2024 14:36:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/not-at-your-leisure/ Changes by local authority
Bradford – Eccleshill Library to be refurbished.
Ealin]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/18-reasons/Sun, 20 Oct 2024 20:22:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/18-reasons/ Changes by local authority
Bridgend – Betws Library being refurbished.
Caerphilly – 12 out of 16 libraries under threat (New Tredegar, Deri, Aberbargoed, Pengam, Oakdale, Newbridge, Nelson, Abercarn, Abertridwr, Be]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/caerphillys-has-the-ambitious-vision-of-closing-12-out-of-its-16-libraries/Sun, 13 Oct 2024 12:41:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/caerphillys-has-the-ambitious-vision-of-closing-12-out-of-its-16-libraries/ “At last the lives of millions of employees across the UK look set to change for the better. The bill lays the groundwork for a brighter future for everyone at work.
“There’ll be improved protection from the first day in a job and more family-friendly roles. Bad bosses won’t be able to exploit at whim using dodgy ‘fir]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/bill-will-make-game-changing-improvements-to-working-life-says-unison/Thu, 10 Oct 2024 14:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/bill-will-make-game-changing-improvements-to-working-life-says-unison/ “It’s no wonder vacancy rates remain high and staff are leaving for better-paid jobs elsewhere. For too long wages have failed to reflect that care staff are trained, skilled and dedicated. The care system has enabled unscrupulous employers to exploit workers.
“A fair pay agreement for social car]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/fair-pay-agreement-essential-to-boost-social-care-workforce-says-unison/Thu, 10 Oct 2024 11:22:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/fair-pay-agreement-essential-to-boost-social-care-workforce-says-unison/ “Shifting the balance to give workers greater rights is long overdue.
“Expectations are high for this bill, which should bring once-in-a-generation changes to the workplace.
“For too long employees have had to suffer poverty wages, intolerable working conditions and discrimination.
“Social care staff, school workers,]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/overhaul-of-working-lives-is-welcome-and-long-overdue/Thu, 10 Oct 2024 01:05:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/overhaul-of-working-lives-is-welcome-and-long-overdue/ A survey of more than 5,000 skilled police staff working alongside police officers reveals more than one in five (21%) are considering leaving their job within the next two years. Among those who took part were 999 call takers, scenes of crime officers, administration staff and police community sup]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/police-staff-at-breaking-pointoverlow-pay-soaring-workloads-and-highstress/Thu, 10 Oct 2024 01:01:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/police-staff-at-breaking-pointoverlow-pay-soaring-workloads-and-highstress/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/the-evolution-of-library-week/Sun, 06 Oct 2024 12:56:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/the-evolution-of-library-week/ 5% voted to reject the pay offerAs members of the other police staff trade unions also voted in favour, the trade unions informed the employers today that the offer was accepted.
The pay award will see all pay points increase by 4.75%, plus a 4.75% increase in standby]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/police-staff-members-vote-to-accept-2024-pay-offer/Fri, 04 Oct 2024 17:23:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/police-staff-members-vote-to-accept-2024-pay-offer/ A new employment rights bill is on the way and it can’t come soon enough. It will contain a raft of measures delivering improved rights for individual workers, establishing new collective approaches in long-ignored sectors, and stripping away a decade of hostile restrictions on trade union activity.Over the last decade, the balance of power at work has been tipped firmly away from workers. Change to laws, regulations and policies has allowed bad]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/opinion-the-employment-rights-bill-will-balance-the-scales/Thu, 03 Oct 2024 12:41:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/opinion-the-employment-rights-bill-will-balance-the-scales/ Lord Chancellor Shabana Mahmood’s recent announcement that the government will reduce the number of women in prison is a much welcomed and long awaited statement signalling the change in political direction that is needed to successfully deal with women going through the criminal justice system.
As a probation worker of 24 years – and as a lifelong feminist – I feel very strongly that prison is never the correct place for a woman to be.
Women en]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/opinion-why-we-need-to-stop-women-going-to-prison/Tue, 01 Oct 2024 13:37:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/opinion-why-we-need-to-stop-women-going-to-prison/ The national young members’ forum will decide the winner. She, he, or they will be presented with the award at the 2025 national delegate conference.
Branch secretaries and regional young members forums are able to make submissions – so don’t delay]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/calling-young-campaigners/Mon, 30 Sep 2024 18:04:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/calling-young-campaigners/ Caredigion – Aberaeron Library to move out of town.Cumberland – Cockermouth Library returning to council control from Cockermouth Town Council.International news
Australia – Libraries will only exist for as long as we borrow from them. Consider it your civic duty – Guardian. “if you’re a book borrower, don’t feel guilty. You’re tangibly supporting authors with every loan. And you’re supporting your community by usin]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/the-end-of-september-2024/Sun, 29 Sep 2024 11:07:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/the-end-of-september-2024/ “The UK now has a government with the commitment, vision and ability to repair and revitalise every part of society.
“Clearing up the Tories’ mess won’t happen overnight. Austerity’s damaged so much the country holds dear, but Labour’s promised there’ll be no return to that painful time.
“Keir wants to put]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/labours-promised-change-will-repair-uk-says-unison/Tue, 24 Sep 2024 17:33:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/labours-promised-change-will-repair-uk-says-unison/ “Ruling out a return to austerity was music to the ears of everyone who cares about their communities.
“It’s clear this is a government committed to investing in public services that have been ravaged for a decade and more.
“The chancellor understands that the way to reset the UK and grow its economy is to invest in peopl]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/chancellor-right-to-turn-the-page-on-austerity/Mon, 23 Sep 2024 18:39:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/chancellor-right-to-turn-the-page-on-austerity/ UNISON is asking its council and school members in England and Wales, and council members in Northern Ireland, to vote to go out on strike over the local government employers’ pay offer for 2024.
The industrial action ballot is open now. You should have already received your ballots in the post and it runs until Wednesday 16 October.
As UNISON’s head of local government, I wanted to take a moment to explain why your elected representativ]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/opinion-why-you-should-vote-yes-to-strike-in-councils-and-schools/Mon, 23 Sep 2024 14:29:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/opinion-why-you-should-vote-yes-to-strike-in-councils-and-schools/ “Angela Rayner showed why the UK was right to vote for a Labour government. Under the Tories, working people got a raw deal, both in their jobs and at home.
“But now genuine change has begun. The coming employment rights bill will transform the world of work, leaving shady bosses with nowhere to hide.
“As a former car]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/change-for-the-better-shows-why-it-was-smart-to-back-labour/Sun, 22 Sep 2024 14:02:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/change-for-the-better-shows-why-it-was-smart-to-back-labour/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/gritted-teeth-volunteers-and-party-protests/Sun, 22 Sep 2024 12:42:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/gritted-teeth-volunteers-and-party-protests/ Cleaners, porters and housekeepers at Colchester hospital and other community sites are walking out for a twelfth day today over the trust’s plan to move their jobs out of the NHS.
UNISON says the proposal is out of step with the government&rsqu]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/plans-by-essex-trust-for-mass-outsourcing-of-nhs-services-are-out-of-order/Wed, 18 Sep 2024 08:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/plans-by-essex-trust-for-mass-outsourcing-of-nhs-services-are-out-of-order/ “Thriving public services are essential for a healthy economy and a fit nation. But if essential services are starved of funding and staff vacancy rates kept high, the results are plain to see. That’s the true legacy of the Tory years.
“Years of punishing austerity]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/investment-in-public-services-is-key-to-improving-the-nations-health/Tue, 17 Sep 2024 01:17:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/investment-in-public-services-is-key-to-improving-the-nations-health/ At national delegate conference in June, the following rule was passed: “G5.3(6) The stewards shall complete the union’s mandatory data protection training within three months of being elected; and any subsequent annual refresher training”.
To date, only approximately 45% of UNISON activists have completed this training. If yo]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/make-sure-youve-had-your-data-protection-training/Mon, 16 Sep 2024 16:29:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/make-sure-youve-had-your-data-protection-training/ The module examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare systems in the four nations of the UK.
Speaking on behalf of the TUC, Ms Gorton gave evidence about both her UNISON role and her role as co-chair of the NHS staff council and the NHS social partnership forum through the pandemic.
Her evidence focussed on the relationship between the trade unions and the employe]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-gives-evidence-to-covid-inquiry/Mon, 16 Sep 2024 16:09:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-gives-evidence-to-covid-inquiry/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/no-easy-answers/Sun, 15 Sep 2024 13:46:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/no-easy-answers/ Today marks the beginning of Green UNISON Week, now an established part of the UNISON calendar and a mark of the importance we give this issue in UNISON.
And I applaud everyone taking part in the various green activities up and down the country, whether it’s becoming citizen scientists, putting on or attending a local green event, attending a national green workshop or considering taking on the new role of branch environmental officer this week.]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/opinion-why-climate-change-is-so-important-for-unison/Fri, 13 Sep 2024 08:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/opinion-why-climate-change-is-so-important-for-unison/ “The public rightly holds the NHS in high regard, but in many ways this great institution is now out of step with the modern world.
“The creation of the NHS 76 years ago under a Labour government transformed the health and life chances of ordinary working people.
“But many years of under]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/bringing-the-nhs-back-to-full-health-must-begin-with-a-focus-on-staff/Thu, 12 Sep 2024 16:15:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/bringing-the-nhs-back-to-full-health-must-begin-with-a-focus-on-staff/ It’s clear that the Labour government has inherited a mess from the Tories and that tough decisions must be taken to get the economy back on track.
However, the proposal to withdraw the winter fuel payment from all except those pensioners receiving pension credit is deeply concerning. Older people, who have budgeted for the allowance, have had the rug pulled from under them just as winter approaches.
UNISON knows that, while there are s]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/opinion-the-chancellor-must-think-again-on-winter-fuel-cut/Tue, 10 Sep 2024 17:18:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/opinion-the-chancellor-must-think-again-on-winter-fuel-cut/ “This was a serious speech from a serious Prime Minister. It’s reassuring to have grown-ups in charge of the country once again after years of Tory chaos.
“Unions look forward to partnering with ministers and employers to right the many wrongs inflicted by a succession of Conservative governments.
“It won’t all be plain sail]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/partnership-working-can-help-right-the-wrongs-inflicted-by-conservative-governments/Tue, 10 Sep 2024 13:39:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/partnership-working-can-help-right-the-wrongs-inflicted-by-conservative-governments/ The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty would also ensure no further expansion of oil and gas sites and guarantee the costs of the transition to renewable energy don’t fall on those least able to pay.
The campaign behind the treaty says that, to keep global warming be]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-joins-campaign-to-move-away-from-fossil-fuels/Tue, 10 Sep 2024 13:22:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-joins-campaign-to-move-away-from-fossil-fuels/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/how-long-will-libraries-labour-under-austerity/Mon, 09 Sep 2024 16:47:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/how-long-will-libraries-labour-under-austerity/ New figures, based on information from local authorities, show council funding is in a dire state with massive cuts likely to essential services and jobs, says the union.
The report, Councils on the Brink, warns that failure to rectify the growing problem soon risks &]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/funding-shortfall-of-4bn-leaves-councils-on-a-precipice/Mon, 09 Sep 2024 09:48:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/funding-shortfall-of-4bn-leaves-councils-on-a-precipice/ The union’s standing up for care workers motion is the first debate of the four-day Trades Union Congress (TUC), which opens in Brighton later this afternoon. UNISON’s proposal also calls for a credible]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/only-fairer-wages-and-a-national-care-service-can-solve-the-growing-crisis-in-social-care/Sun, 08 Sep 2024 17:01:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/only-fairer-wages-and-a-national-care-service-can-solve-the-growing-crisis-in-social-care/ Held at Doughty Street Chambers – a barristers’ chambers particularly known for its work on human rights and civil liberties – the aim of the event was to discuss the current UK-wide public inquiry into the pandemic and to ensure that the experience of Black workers in the healthcare sector is heard and acted upon.
Surveys and research hav]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/conference-highlights-impact-of-covid-on-black-health-workers/Wed, 04 Sep 2024 15:05:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/conference-highlights-impact-of-covid-on-black-health-workers/ “No words can ever fully capture the horror of that night and the years of pain for everyone touched by the tragedy.
“This report, and the harrowing testimony it contains, makes for excruciating reading. It shows the awful cost of slashing public services and cutting corners.
“Lessons need to be learned immediately and that means remo]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/action-on-grenfell-recommendations-needed-immediately/Wed, 04 Sep 2024 13:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/action-on-grenfell-recommendations-needed-immediately/ The 2024/25 flat rate pay offer of £1,290 from local government employers falls short of what council employees need and has also been superseded by the deals achieved by some other public sector workers, says the union.
This year’s pay deal was due from April, but the disappoint]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/local-government-employersmustimprove-pay-offer-to-avoid-strike-threat/Wed, 04 Sep 2024 01:27:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/local-government-employersmustimprove-pay-offer-to-avoid-strike-threat/ Hundreds of cleaners, porters, housekeepers and other Colchester Hospital support staff are to continue their strike action this month, in what has become a tense battle to keep their jobs within the NHS.
The UNISON members first staged a week-long strike between 19-23 August. The action also hit several community sites run by East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT), whose  senior managers are planning]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/colchester-hospital-support-staff-vow-to-keep-striking-against-outsourcing/Mon, 02 Sep 2024 13:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/colchester-hospital-support-staff-vow-to-keep-striking-against-outsourcing/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/overdue-presumed-lost-despite-reminders/Sun, 01 Sep 2024 13:27:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/overdue-presumed-lost-despite-reminders/ The union’s sector (NJC) committee is recommending that members vote ‘Yes’ for strike action and are urging them to return their ballots as soon as possible.
Members who are eligible to vote should receive a purple envelope (see below) in the post over the coming weeks. It will contain your ballot papers and a free-post envelope to return your vo]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/council-and-school-staff-industrial-action-ballot-opens/Fri, 30 Aug 2024 11:14:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/council-and-school-staff-industrial-action-ballot-opens/ The agreement will cover the company’s 633 staff, who work in five offices, eight service centres and 44 renewable energy sites across England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
The new agreement commits the trace unions and the company to work collaboratively to develop and grow the business and to provide high-quality jobs and a positive empl]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-enters-into-recognition-agreement-with-edf-renewables/Thu, 29 Aug 2024 14:04:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-enters-into-recognition-agreement-with-edf-renewables/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/public-libraries-in-the-public-eye/Sun, 25 Aug 2024 14:36:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/public-libraries-in-the-public-eye/ Of the 187,598 members who participated, 96.7% voted to keep the political fund.
UNISON’s political fund has two sections: Labour Link and the campaign fund.
Labour Link takes the union’s campaign objectives into the Labour party and supports members to become MPs and councillors.
The campaign fund provides a]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-votes-to-renew-political-fund/Tue, 20 Aug 2024 17:23:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-votes-to-renew-political-fund/ The charter promises to tackle racism in its workplace and promote a diverse workforce.
Ben Priestley, UNISON national officer for police, probation and Cafcass, said: “It’s great news that Sussex Police has signed up to UNISON’s Anti-Racism Charter. Congratulations to our Sussex Police branch and the force for achieving this.]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/sussex-police-signs-up-to-unisons-anti-racism-charter/Tue, 20 Aug 2024 12:53:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/sussex-police-signs-up-to-unisons-anti-racism-charter/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/labour-shortage-will-austerity-continue/Sun, 18 Aug 2024 10:27:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/labour-shortage-will-austerity-continue/ As Chair of UNISON’s National Social Work Forum, on behalf of the Forum, I am writing to offer you a strong message of solidarity for the action you are taking and to send you our best wishes.
No one wants to go on strike, but Lancashire County Council’s obstinate refusal to]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/lancashire-county-council-social-care-support-worker-strikes/Fri, 16 Aug 2024 15:52:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/lancashire-county-council-social-care-support-worker-strikes/ Mpox is caused by a virus in the same family of viruses as smallpox, although it is much less severe. It is a rare infection.
UNISON has produced a guide for branches so that they can discuss Mpox with employers to ensure that appropriate support in terms of guidance for staff, appropriate PPE pro]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-urges-branches-to-speak-to-employers-about-mpox/Fri, 16 Aug 2024 11:39:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-urges-branches-to-speak-to-employers-about-mpox/ “Britain’s problems are best solved when governments, unions and businesses work together. Lifting standards and making work pay will drive the economic growth to deliver proper investment in essential services.
 
“The fair pay agreement promised in care wi]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/working-together-will-be-a-change-for-the-better/Wed, 14 Aug 2024 15:49:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/working-together-will-be-a-change-for-the-better/ UNISON will be giving evidence on behalf of the TUC. Please feed in your experiences using the questionnaire link below.
This will help UNISON and the TUC to use real and lived experience when giving evidence. Information provided can all be treated confidentially. The survey only takes six minutes.
Thanks in advance for you]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/tuc-covid-19-survey-please-add-your-experiences/Tue, 13 Aug 2024 15:14:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/tuc-covid-19-survey-please-add-your-experiences/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/239000-reasons-to-hope/Sat, 10 Aug 2024 17:39:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/239000-reasons-to-hope/ Last night, UNISON members from across the UK took to the streets to counter the 100+ far-right rallies planned at immigration centres, lawyers’ offices and charities.
Most of the counter demonstrations were organised by Stand Up To Racism.
At every site across the UK, anti-racists outnumbered the far-right.
Belfast
Fantastic trade union support at the @irishcongress anti-racism rally outside the Parliament Buildings at Sto]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/in-pictures-unison-joins-the-anti-racist-counter-demonstrations/Thu, 08 Aug 2024 16:33:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/in-pictures-unison-joins-the-anti-racist-counter-demonstrations/ The Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act was passed in July 2023 by the former Conservative government. It gave employers in ambulance, fire and rescue and border services new powers to force people to work on strike days by issuing controversial ‘work notices’.
Since its introduction, UNISON has criticised the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act f]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/government-scraps-anti-strike-laws-on-minimum-service-levels/Wed, 07 Aug 2024 12:12:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/government-scraps-anti-strike-laws-on-minimum-service-levels/ Responding to the announcement that industry regulator Ofwat is proposing to punish three privatised water firms with a record combined fine of £168m for their failure to invest and for illegal pollution releases, UNISON head of environment Donna Rowe-Merriman said:
“Ofwat has finally woken up, but the]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/record-water-fines-expose-the-stench-of-scandalous-sewage-failures-says-unison/Tue, 06 Aug 2024 15:15:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/record-water-fines-expose-the-stench-of-scandalous-sewage-failures-says-unison/ “This was a terrible law. It’s great the government is ditching it so early on. Good riddance to a bad law.
“This legislation should have never reached the statute book. No one wanted minimum service levels, only a spitef]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/good-riddance-to-a-bad-law-says-unison/Tue, 06 Aug 2024 15:13:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/good-riddance-to-a-bad-law-says-unison/ For retired members who are concerned about the impact of this, UNISON has a calculator to check your benefits, which includes finding out if you are entitled to pension credits.
The National Pensioners Convention, to which UNISON is affiliated, has launched a campaign on the issue, as has Independent Age.
The article Check your benefits entitlement first]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/check-your-benefits-entitlement/Tue, 06 Aug 2024 10:35:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/check-your-benefits-entitlement/ The racist rioting and violence led and organised over social media by the far right last week and over the weekend has horrified many of us.
Sickening scenes of mobs laughing and cheering as buildings housing vulnerable asylum seekers were set on fire were both terrifying and shameful.
The homes of those judged to be immigrants were attacked street by street. People were targeted and beaten up solely because of the colour of their skin.
Mosques were attacked and besieged. Is]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/opinion-unison-will-stand-up-to-the-politics-of-hate/Mon, 05 Aug 2024 18:18:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/opinion-unison-will-stand-up-to-the-politics-of-hate/ “The overwhelming majority of people will be appalled by the scenes of violence, racism and looting inflicted by far right thugs in towns and cities across Britain.
“Those who co-ordinated these so-called protests have exploited the tragic events in Southport to incite misplaced fear, division and hatred – often at a distance through social media.
“The vile thug]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/communities-must-come-together-to-reject-extremism-and-hatred-says-unison/Mon, 05 Aug 2024 16:24:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/communities-must-come-together-to-reject-extremism-and-hatred-says-unison/ The unions submitted a claim to get more pay back in 2023, which His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) rejected in April this year.
However, after consultative ballots in UNISON and the National Association of Probation Officers (Napo) showed strong support for taking industrial action, combined with the change of]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/probation-pay-campaign-sees-award-re-opened/Mon, 05 Aug 2024 11:22:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/probation-pay-campaign-sees-award-re-opened/ The saddest thing about this, and ther]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/rioters-set-fire-to-spellow-lane-library/Sun, 04 Aug 2024 22:11:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/rioters-set-fire-to-spellow-lane-library/ Healthcare assistants (HCAs) at five hospitals across Leicester and Northamptonshire will be on strike throughout August, escalating a dispute over back pay that has already led to 19 days of strike action.
The employer refuses to negotiate, focusing instead on breaking the strike, including threatening leaders with disciplinary action.
Despite these tactics, UNISON members remain steadfast in their fight for fair back pay, seeking recognit]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/solidarity-appeal-for-healthcare-assistants-on-strike-this-summer/Tue, 30 Jul 2024 12:08:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/solidarity-appeal-for-healthcare-assistants-on-strike-this-summer/ “This is a government thankfully prepared to act quite differently from its predecessors. 
“The NHS cannot begin to turn around its fortunes and eliminate delays unless it keeps the staff it has, and]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/latest-pay-rise-must-just-be-the-start-of-turning-nhs-fortunes-around/Mon, 29 Jul 2024 19:10:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/latest-pay-rise-must-just-be-the-start-of-turning-nhs-fortunes-around/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/petitions-computer-problems-and-carnegies/Sun, 28 Jul 2024 10:54:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/petitions-computer-problems-and-carnegies/ Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s first Black president saw in democracy after decades of apartheid rule which for Black people meant living with years of racial segregation and systemic oppression. His vision was for a truly united South Africa, and he became a powerful global figure of resistance.
Our union is proud to have m]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-nelson-mandela-award-2025-open-to-all-black-people-in-conjunction-with-unisons-defining-black/Fri, 26 Jul 2024 10:12:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-nelson-mandela-award-2025-open-to-all-black-people-in-conjunction-with-unisons-defining-black/ “It’s high time for the energy sector to move to the next level. GB Energy’s promising goals will generate profits and support the transition to cleaner power.
“The move offers a unique opportunity for workers to devel]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/gb-energy-will-boost-the-economy-and-bring-bills-down/Thu, 25 Jul 2024 09:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/gb-energy-will-boost-the-economy-and-bring-bills-down/ After endless disappointments, cuts and chaos from a stream of Conservative prime ministers, there were, understandably high expectations around the first King’s Speech under a Labour government for 14 years.
Reassuringly the bills proposed last week showed a promising start to the long process of rebuilding the economy and revitalising essential public services.
In Keir Starmer, it feels like we finally have a PM who has a proper understanding of publ]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/opinion-taking-the-chance-to-fix-whats-been-broken-for-too-long/Tue, 23 Jul 2024 10:10:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/opinion-taking-the-chance-to-fix-whats-been-broken-for-too-long/ “The previous government did little to fill the skills gaps and workforce shortages in the UK economy.
“Improving the life chances of youngsters leaving school or college, as well as those of older workers who left education with no qualifications, with real opportunities could be a game chang]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/filling-the-skills-gap-is-vital-for-a-prosperous-uk-economy/Mon, 22 Jul 2024 18:09:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/filling-the-skills-gap-is-vital-for-a-prosperous-uk-economy/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/hello-ann-cleeves-a-favour-please/Sun, 21 Jul 2024 15:46:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/hello-ann-cleeves-a-favour-please/ The move follows a recent consultation concerning the 2024/25 wage rise for local authority and school workers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In this vote 81% of the workers who took part opted to reject what they’d been offered.
Th]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/council-and-school-workers-in-england-wales-and-northern-ireland-asked-to-vote-on-possible-strike-action-says-unison/Fri, 19 Jul 2024 18:16:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/council-and-school-workers-in-england-wales-and-northern-ireland-asked-to-vote-on-possible-strike-action-says-unison/ The move follows a recent consultation concerning the 2024/25 wage rise for local authority and school workers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In this vote 81% of the workers who took part opted to reject what they’d been offered.
Th]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/council-and-school-workers-in-england-wales-and-northern-ireland-asked-to-vote-on-possible-strike-action/Fri, 19 Jul 2024 18:16:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/council-and-school-workers-in-england-wales-and-northern-ireland-asked-to-vote-on-possible-strike-action/ “This first report shows how austerity was a reckless act of self-sabotage that fatally undermined the UK’s resilience and preparedness for a pandemic.
“Savage spending cuts left key workers and the public vulnerable]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/uk-covid-19-inquiry-shows-austerity-was-reckless-self-sabotage/Thu, 18 Jul 2024 14:56:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/uk-covid-19-inquiry-shows-austerity-was-reckless-self-sabotage/ “These bills are the start of the long process to mend much of what’s been broken by Conservative governments and generate the growth to get public services thriving once more.
“Labour’s workplace rights package promises to be a game changer. For too long, bad bosses have had it all their own]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/kings-speech-sets-out-plans-to-start-mending-broken-public-services/Wed, 17 Jul 2024 14:51:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/kings-speech-sets-out-plans-to-start-mending-broken-public-services/ It is a ballot we must win – by making the case once again to our members, showing them what the two distinct sections of UNISON’s fu]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/political-fund-ballot-saving-unisons-campaign-voice/Tue, 16 Jul 2024 17:14:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/political-fund-ballot-saving-unisons-campaign-voice/ “The previous government was guilty of neglecting care. That’s why the sector is close to being overwhelmed.
“A lack of capacity in care sees many elderly people admitted to hospital only because there’s nowhere else for them to go. Others are discharged too soon as their beds are neede]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/doom-loop-in-health-and-care-must-stop/Tue, 16 Jul 2024 01:01:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/doom-loop-in-health-and-care-must-stop/ The event saw a host of MPs attend, including eight recent UNISON staff and activists who had been newly elected as MPs, the newly appointed deputy prime minister Angela Rayner and the secretary of state for health and social care, Wes Streeting.
Liz Twist, chair of the UNISON group of MPs, welcomed attendees, saying she was “delighted to welcome everyone he]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unisons-voice-is-at-the-heart-of-government/Mon, 15 Jul 2024 14:10:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unisons-voice-is-at-the-heart-of-government/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/two-annual-events-in-danger-of-losing-their-shine/Sun, 14 Jul 2024 11:17:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/two-annual-events-in-danger-of-losing-their-shine/ Four key areas emerged from the discussions: affordability, standards, security, and the treatment of renters.
Members struggled greatly to find affordable homes to rent, with the rising cost of living making covering the rent and other costs increasingly difficult.
One member, Rebecca, said: “I’m currently in major debt]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-members-speak-out-about-the-renting-crisis/Thu, 11 Jul 2024 16:55:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-members-speak-out-about-the-renting-crisis/ “Ofwat has been asleep at the wheel. Its failure to manage has plunged the water industry into chaos. The latest recovery plan is way too late to have any impact.
“Consumers are once again facing rising bills while shareholders pocket hefty dividends. The infrastructure has been critically neglected, caus]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/ofwat-has-been-asleep-at-the-wheel/Thu, 11 Jul 2024 14:57:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/ofwat-has-been-asleep-at-the-wheel/ After 14 long years of Conservative rule that left our public services in a mess, the UK finally stands at the beginning of a new era.
The recent general election has put an end to a government marked by chaos, infighting, and cronyism. We can all breathe a sigh of relief as we say goodbye and good riddance to an era that has seen our essential public services so terribly mismanaged.
The Conservatives have left a legacy of underfunded and overstretche]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/opinion-a-new-dawn-for-public-services-a-hopeful-vision-under-labour/Tue, 09 Jul 2024 11:49:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/opinion-a-new-dawn-for-public-services-a-hopeful-vision-under-labour/ The recent general election has put an end to a government marked by chaos, infighting, and cronyism. We can all breathe a sigh of relief as we say goodbye and good riddance to an era that has seen our essential public services so terribly mismanaged.
The Conservatives have left a legacy of underfunded and overstretched services. Our NHS is in crisis, social care]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/a-new-dawn-for-public-services-a-hopeful-vision-under-labour/Tue, 09 Jul 2024 11:49:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/a-new-dawn-for-public-services-a-hopeful-vision-under-labour/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/labour-in-libraries/Sun, 07 Jul 2024 16:13:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/labour-in-libraries/ “Labour’s historic victory promises real change for public services. Unlike many previous prime ministers, Keir Starmer isn’t a career politician.
“He’s a true public servant and understands the value of high-quality services to local communities, and the importance of the workers who provide them.
“A new approach can’t come s]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/at-last-the-uk-has-a-prime-minister-who-understands-the-value-of-public-service/Fri, 05 Jul 2024 16:59:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/at-last-the-uk-has-a-prime-minister-who-understands-the-value-of-public-service/ “Goodbye and good riddance. The past 14 years of Conservative rule has been nothing short of a living nightmare.
“After an endless merry-go-round of chaos, infighting, untruths and cronyism in government, public services are in a sorry state. Fixing them and rebuilding trust in politics will be no easy task and will take time.
&ldqu]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/a-labour-government-can-now-press-the-reset-button-for-public-services-says-unison/Fri, 05 Jul 2024 08:15:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/a-labour-government-can-now-press-the-reset-button-for-public-services-says-unison/ All trade unions are required by law to hold a ballot every 10 years.
The political fund enables UNISON to campaign for better rights at work, for more support for public services and against discrimination.
A ‘yes’ vote is vital to the work that UNISON does to defend and promote o]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-to-hold-10-year-political-fund-ballot/Thu, 04 Jul 2024 11:33:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-to-hold-10-year-political-fund-ballot/ With the lowest hourly rate in the NHS now just a penny more than the national minimum wage*, the union says trust managers are having to curtail membership of so-called salary sacrifice schemes for many staff.
This is because many workers’ hourly rates fall below]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/low-income-nhs-staff-paying-the-price-for-wage-delays/Tue, 02 Jul 2024 01:01:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/low-income-nhs-staff-paying-the-price-for-wage-delays/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/vote-for-libraries/Sun, 30 Jun 2024 16:51:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/vote-for-libraries/ Wendy Nichols from Yorkshire and Humberside (pictured above during 2015-2016, when she was UNISON president) has been awarded an OBE for services to the trade union movement.
After leaving school, Wendy, who is from Selby, took hotel management and catering courses, following her mum’s footsteps into school meals. She then worked as a cook in a residential care home before b]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-members-recognised-in-honours-list/Wed, 26 Jun 2024 14:54:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-members-recognised-in-honours-list/ Schools have been grappling with insufficient funding ever since 2010. As school budgets reach breaking point, there are inevitable consequences for the quality of education being provided to young people, as well as the working conditions of school staff.
UNISON]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/14-years-of-the-tories-education-and-childrens-services/Tue, 25 Jun 2024 13:27:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/14-years-of-the-tories-education-and-childrens-services/ The coalition years, with the Liberal Democrats, kicked off in 2010 with spending increases for the NHS pegged back to 1%, when around 4% a year was needed just to keep up with demand.
At the 2012 London Olympics, the NH]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/14-years-of-the-tories-health/Tue, 25 Jun 2024 13:22:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/14-years-of-the-tories-health/ Local government has long struggled for proper recognition for the vital work that it does. Unless you need a social worker, library or a youth centre, you may not notice what’s happened to these services under the Tori]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/14-years-of-the-tories-local-government/Tue, 25 Jun 2024 13:16:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/14-years-of-the-tories-local-government/ The council elected Steve North of Salford Local Government Branch in the North West as president, with Julia Mwaluke, also from Salford City Local Government Branch as senior vice president, and Lyn Marie O’Hara of UNISON City of Glasgow branch as junior vice president.
The article New presidential team elected first a]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/new-presidential-team-elected/Mon, 24 Jun 2024 13:08:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/new-presidential-team-elected/ The final day of UNISON’s national delegate conference saw delegates rise to celebrate all those members who had been out on strike during the last year.
General secretary Christina McAnea called the strikers forward to rapturous applause from the floor, with representatives from each of UNISON’s 12 regions:Eastern: Bedfordshire Hospital and Colchester City Council
East Midlands: Ashfield Academy, University Hospitals of Leicester and Northampton General Hosp]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/conference-hails-striking-members/Mon, 24 Jun 2024 13:07:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/conference-hails-striking-members/ Labour’s election is full speed ahead, and the polls still predict a Labour majority. With that, comes delivering the New Deal for Working People.
I’m sure the party’s promise to make work pay is turning out to be a key part of their popularity throughout the campaign.
We worked closely with the Labour Party and other trade unions in turning this idea into a manifesto pledge and a deliverable plan. We put the need]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/opinion-the-new-deal-will-be-transformational/Mon, 24 Jun 2024 12:37:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/opinion-the-new-deal-will-be-transformational/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/too-little-trust/Sun, 23 Jun 2024 15:43:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/too-little-trust/ UNISON’s national delegate conference (NDC) enjoyed a spot of real star quality earlier this week, when a fringe meeting on the climate crisis saw a special guest in singer and clean water campaigner Feargal Sharkey.
“My father would be cock-a-hoop that I was standing on a union platform,” he told those attending.
His dad was a trade union official who took him to his first union meeting at age ei]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/feargal-sharkey-brings-star-quality-and-rage-to-conference/Fri, 21 Jun 2024 16:49:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/feargal-sharkey-brings-star-quality-and-rage-to-conference/ The debate came shortly after Palestinian ambassador to the UK Dr Hussam Zomlot’s speech to the union.
Introducing the motion on behalf of UNISON Scotland, Tony Slaven said: “After the deaths of nearly 40,000 people, a ceasefire is needed urgently.
&ldqu]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-passes-motion-to-recognise-palestine-as-a-state/Fri, 21 Jun 2024 16:22:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-passes-motion-to-recognise-palestine-as-a-state/ Thanking the union for its warmth, he began with an acknowledgement of UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea’s recent trip to the West Bank. “I know Christina got a taste of what it means to live under Israel’s military occupation.
“You may think it’s the deadly milita]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/justice-for-the-palestinian-people-is-justice-for-all/Fri, 21 Jun 2024 15:27:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/justice-for-the-palestinian-people-is-justice-for-all/ “Climate change is already affecting every aspect of what our members do. Public services are huge carbon emitters,” he continued.
“We use the full might of public funding to ensure that our public-sector contracts are used to commit to a]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/system-change-not-climate-change/Fri, 21 Jun 2024 12:51:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/system-change-not-climate-change/ Since 2021, the union has taken an employer-by-employer approach to help healthcare assistants across the UK win wage rises, including around £80m in back pay, to make up for years of being paid significantly less than they should have been.
UNISON’s Fair Pay for Patient Care campaign has prompted salary]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/nhs-employers-need-to-pay-staff-fairly-or-face-strike-action/Fri, 21 Jun 2024 07:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/nhs-employers-need-to-pay-staff-fairly-or-face-strike-action/ Seven in ten (70%) support staff said drug abuse among students is a problem in their college, a survey conducted by the union found.
And more than a third (34%) said crime involving weapons is a concern, while almost a fifth (19%) believed gang culture is a problem at their institution.
Thr]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/weapon-and-drug-use-widespread-among-students-on-college-premises/Thu, 20 Jun 2024 16:49:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/weapon-and-drug-use-widespread-among-students-on-college-premises/ Introducing the motion, Farida Gullam (pictured) from the national women’s committee said: “Every week, two women are killed by a partner or ex-partner and one]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-renews-its-support-for-domestic-abuse-refuges/Thu, 20 Jun 2024 10:54:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-renews-its-support-for-domestic-abuse-refuges/ Debate continued Wednesday morning at national delegate conference with a group of motions concerning Black members.
The motions came on the same morning as the High Court ruling that the government’s decision to scrap key recommendations from the independent review into the Windrush scandal was unlawful.
The first motion, supporting Black members experiencing racism, focused on training and education as an effective way to combat racism.
Moving the motion, Anette Heslo]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/cementing-the-legacy-of-the-year-of-black-workers/Wed, 19 Jun 2024 17:52:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/cementing-the-legacy-of-the-year-of-black-workers/ “It is the remembering and the learning from history.
“As far as we’ve come … we’re now facing a highly funded, concerted and sustained conservative [campaign] to force us back into shame.]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/celebrating-pride-rainbow-lanyards-and-pronouns/Wed, 19 Jun 2024 17:38:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/celebrating-pride-rainbow-lanyards-and-pronouns/ Just days after Labour included a pledge in its general election manifesto to build a national care service, UNISON conference debated a composite motion on the subject.
Moving the motion this morning, Jordan Rivera of the NEC (pictured below) said: “As an NHS occupational therapist working in an elderly care ward, I see patients staying in hospital on a daily basis, because they can’t get care,” adding that, every day longer they spend in hospital, they are]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/conference-hears-the-promise-of-a-national-care-service/Wed, 19 Jun 2024 15:36:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/conference-hears-the-promise-of-a-national-care-service/ Spirits were high at UNISON’s national delegate conference in Brighton this morning as general secretary Christina McAnea delivered an invigorating speech to delegates. It focussed on the union’s power to defeat the Tories in the upcoming general election on 4 July.
Ms McAnea praised the union’s tenacity in the face of successive Conservative governments, which she described as “hell-bent on curbing workers’ rights.
“Over the last 14 years]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/our-members-need-a-labour-government/Wed, 19 Jun 2024 14:57:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/our-members-need-a-labour-government/ “Everyone has suffered over the past 14 years of Tory chaos and cuts.
“The UK’s had a revolving door of clueless prime ministers and Cabinet members who’ve made political choices that exacerbated the cost-of-living crisis and allowed living standards to plummet.
“Social care is beyond broken. Its shortcomings are having an appalling]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/time-to-put-an-end-to-the-chaos-and-cuts/Wed, 19 Jun 2024 13:52:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/time-to-put-an-end-to-the-chaos-and-cuts/ The New Deal is a comprehensive plan to improve the lives of working people by strengthening individual and collective rights – benefitting public service workers across the UK.
It is the culmination of years of joint work between the party and its affiliated]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/campaign-this-weekend-for-the-new-deal-for-working-people/Wed, 19 Jun 2024 13:35:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/campaign-this-weekend-for-the-new-deal-for-working-people/ Paramedic Glen Carrington, from the NEC, said that, as an immigrant himself, being seen as ‘inferior’ was deeply unpleasant.
Mr Carrington described how, earlier this year, he was called to a care home a number of times and each time, saw a nurse, “dead on her feet”. The third time, he asked if she hadn&]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/delegates-pledge-to-challenge-exploitation-of-migrant-workers/Wed, 19 Jun 2024 11:46:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/delegates-pledge-to-challenge-exploitation-of-migrant-workers/ The court found Suella Braverman was “not justified” in breaking promises to create a migrants’ commissioner and boost the powers of the chief inspector for borders and immigration.
Both recommendations had come out of the Windrush Learned Lessons Review – overseen by Wendy Williams.&]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/high-courtrulesgovernments-windrush-failingsare-unlawful/Wed, 19 Jun 2024 11:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/high-courtrulesgovernments-windrush-failingsare-unlawful/ UNISON’s national delegate conference opened today in Brighton with a speech from UNISON president Libby Nolan.
After speaking of her personal experience over decades in the union movement she turned to contemporary issues: “We know that the problems in this country come from billionaires in yachts, not leaky dinghies.
“We say loud and clear, refugees and asylum seekers are always welcome here – solidarity to everyone in thi]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/president-opens-unions-national-conference-in-brighton/Tue, 18 Jun 2024 16:36:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/president-opens-unions-national-conference-in-brighton/ Focus turned to education on Monday afternoon at local government conference with a series of motions on further education, the crisis in schools, and the school support staff negotiating body (SSSNB).
Mike Short national secretary for local government and education opened the session with a speech outlining the achievements over the last year and the challenges they will face in the years to come.
Moving a motion on further education (FE) pay Carl Grea]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/local-government-education-wins-and-woes/Tue, 18 Jun 2024 16:24:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/local-government-education-wins-and-woes/ Delegates at UNISON’s energy conference met in Brighton on Monday to discuss the issues and challenges affecti]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/the-energy-sector-at-a-pivotal-moment/Tue, 18 Jun 2024 16:05:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/the-energy-sector-at-a-pivotal-moment/ On Monday morning, local government (LG) conference in Brighton turned its attention to the perilous state of council finances, funding and cuts.
The context for the debates which followed was set by Paul Bell, UNISON national officer, who moved sections of the LG annual report dealing with finance and service delivery.
“This past year has presented us with the toughest financial challenges local government has faced since austerity began in 2010,]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/lg-conference-finance-funding-and-cuts/Tue, 18 Jun 2024 10:09:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/lg-conference-finance-funding-and-cuts/ A survey conducted in collaboration with UK Feminista*, and published on the opening day of the union’s annual conference, shows one in ten (10%) female support staff in secondary schools say they’ve been sexually harassed, mainly by male pupils but also by their male colleagues.
Among staff in]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/sexual-harassment-and-sexism-rife-in-schools/Tue, 18 Jun 2024 07:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/sexual-harassment-and-sexism-rife-in-schools/ A composite motion noted that the year devoted to LGBT+ workers is providing an opportunity to promote UNISON as the union for LGBT+ workers in local government, raise awareness of LGBT+ rights, challenge discrimination, negotiate LGBT+ inclusive policies and recruit and activate LGBT+ memb]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/building-on-the-year-of-lgbt-workers/Mon, 17 Jun 2024 17:07:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/building-on-the-year-of-lgbt-workers/ A key theme at Sunday’s water, environment and transport (WET) conference in Brighton was a lack of investment in the country’s environment.
Opening business was a motion discussing the Canal and River Trust funding. It noted that, in July 2023, the government announced a reduced grant to the trust from 2027. This funding reduction is equivalent to £300 million in real terms and, in Canal and River Trust’s own words, “will]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/wet-conference-invest-to-protect-our-environment/Mon, 17 Jun 2024 12:43:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/wet-conference-invest-to-protect-our-environment/ UNISON’s water, environment and transport conference, held in Brighton on Sunday, was dominated by an examination of the failures of privatisation in the water industry.
The conference came during renewed media scrutiny of water companies after a new report came to light highlighting thousands of instances of sewage being discharged into waterways in dry weather in 2022, in “illegal spills”.
On this note, one motion took aim at the situation calling the cur]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/wet-conference-examines-failure-of-privatisation/Mon, 17 Jun 2024 10:55:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/wet-conference-examines-failure-of-privatisation/ UNISON local government delegates have affirmed their commitment to supporting and developing young members and activists within their service group.
Meeting on the first day of their conference in Brighton yesterday, they heard that young members are “the future of the union”.
But they also accepted that, while there have been recent strides in recruiting young workers, young members are still under-represented as activists.
Proposing the motion on the topic for]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/young-members-are-the-future-of-our-union/Mon, 17 Jun 2024 10:26:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/young-members-are-the-future-of-our-union/ Travelling from Amman in Jordan to Ramallah the administrative centre of the Palestinian West Bank, as I did recently, gave me a first-hand view of the grim reality of being in an occupied territory.
I was there in the last week in May as part of an international trade union delegation, at the request of the Palestinian General Federation of Trade Unions (PGFTU).
It was the first time all eight international union federations had come together, repres]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/opinion-seeing-the-reality-of-life-in-occupied-palestine/Mon, 17 Jun 2024 10:08:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/opinion-seeing-the-reality-of-life-in-occupied-palestine/ UNISON’s local government conference opened in Brighton yesterday with an urgent call to a likely Labour government to rescue services that are suffering from “a disastrous funding crisis.”
General secretary Christina McA]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/essential-services-are-crumbling-before-our-eyes/Mon, 17 Jun 2024 09:32:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/essential-services-are-crumbling-before-our-eyes/ Freedom of Information (FoI) requests by the union reveal that over a third (38%) of council-run children’s centres in England have closed since 2010 when the government implemented austerity measures and slashed councils’ financial support.
There were at least 3,106 council-run children&rsquo]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/cuts-to-childrens-centres-hitting-the-most-disadvantaged/Mon, 17 Jun 2024 01:01:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/cuts-to-childrens-centres-hitting-the-most-disadvantaged/ UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea was making the remarks earlier in a speech to open the union’s annual local government conference. The event takes place in Brighton today and tomorrow.
Christina McAnea told delegates: “Change can’t come soon enough. An increasing number o]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/change-for-local-government-cant-come-soon-enough/Sun, 16 Jun 2024 15:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/change-for-local-government-cant-come-soon-enough/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/dont-mention-it/Sun, 16 Jun 2024 10:15:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/dont-mention-it/ New research conducted by the union has found that funding cuts have led to the closure of more than two thirds of council-run youth centres in England and Wales since 2010.
The loss of so many facilities and the specialist workers who run them has put teenagers at risk of isolation, being swept into gang and knif]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/closure-of-more-than-a-thousand-youth-centres-could-have-lasting-impact-on-society/Sat, 15 Jun 2024 01:01:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/closure-of-more-than-a-thousand-youth-centres-could-have-lasting-impact-on-society/ UNISON’s partner JCWI can give more detailed information about migrants’ rights and the general election.
If you have the right to vote but have not registered yet, it takes just five minutes, and you can do so here. The deadline to register is 11:59pm on Tuesday 18 June 2024.
The article The deadline to register to vote in the]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/the-deadline-to-register-to-vote-in-the-general-election-is-18-june/Fri, 14 Jun 2024 13:46:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/the-deadline-to-register-to-vote-in-the-general-election-is-18-june/ “This manifesto sets out a clear plan for the future. It shows how a Labour government could rebuild a Britain broken after years of Tory austerity and chaos.
“Unlike the party that’s been in power for the past 14 years, a Labour government would be committed to public services.
“Essential services aren’t a drain on the public purse, ]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/labours-manifesto-offers-the-country-real-change/Thu, 13 Jun 2024 13:28:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/labours-manifesto-offers-the-country-real-change/ When it comes to working conditions, they predominantly want to see the government ensure that increases in the minimum wage take account of the cost of living, and that the gender pay gap is closed. Members also want to see zero-hours contracts and fire-and-rehire scrapped.
The results come from a survey of public service workers that UNISON commissioned Thinks Insight &a]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/what-public-service-workers-want-this-election/Wed, 12 Jun 2024 09:44:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/what-public-service-workers-want-this-election/ When it comes to working conditions, UNISON members predominantly want to see the government ensure that increases in the minimum wage take account of the cost of living and that the gender pay gap is closed.  
Members also want to see zero-hours contracts and fire-and-rehire]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/what-public-service-workers-want-from-this-election/Mon, 10 Jun 2024 12:35:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/what-public-service-workers-want-from-this-election/ “Childcare has become a nightmare for many parents, especially the less well-off.
“That’s because the larger private equity-backed nursery firms follow the money and pay staff low wages to get higher returns. That leaves less-affluent parts of the country poorly served.
“New nurseries attached to schools could make the world of di]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/labour-plans-to-boost-school-nurseries-make-a-lot-of-sense/Sun, 09 Jun 2024 21:55:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/labour-plans-to-boost-school-nurseries-make-a-lot-of-sense/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/more-than-one-kind-of-censorship/Sun, 09 Jun 2024 16:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/more-than-one-kind-of-censorship/ “Councils are facing an existential crisis because of years of severe government underfunding.
“Wave after wave of budget cuts to essential services has harmed communities immensely, with the worst off always the hardest hit.
“Authorities have&]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/councils-face-existential-crisiswithout-proper-investment-from-next-government/Fri, 07 Jun 2024 01:44:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/councils-face-existential-crisiswithout-proper-investment-from-next-government/ UNIS]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/opinion-10-reasons-why-the-civil-service-cant-do-probation/Wed, 05 Jun 2024 18:28:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/opinion-10-reasons-why-the-civil-service-cant-do-probation/ The solidarity mission marks the first time such a large and high-level group of union leaders have convened in Palestine. The visit comes amid mounting international condemnation over the ongoing killing of civilians in Gaza and in the West Bank.
The visit underlined the global labour movement’s support for an urgent ceasefire in Gaza]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/christina-mcanea-joins-solidarity-mission-to-palestine/Tue, 04 Jun 2024 16:12:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/christina-mcanea-joins-solidarity-mission-to-palestine/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/pre-election-period/Sun, 02 Jun 2024 10:17:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/pre-election-period/ “Tackling the mounting pressures on the NHS will be a major priority for whoever forms the next government.
“No part of the NHS should be cutting staff when what’s really needed is for many thousands of vacancies to be filled. False economies like these are foolhardy in the extreme.
&ld]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/cutting-staff-is-a-false-economy-and-wont-help-the-nhs-meet-its-targets/Fri, 31 May 2024 01:01:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/cutting-staff-is-a-false-economy-and-wont-help-the-nhs-meet-its-targets/ “As the first Black female MP, she proved barriers could be broken, showed that becoming a politician was for everyone and inspired many people to follow her into the House of Commons.
“That’s why her courage, determination and outstan]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/diane-abbott-is-an-inspiration-to-many-people/Thu, 30 May 2024 21:27:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/diane-abbott-is-an-inspiration-to-many-people/ It’s hard to believe that, less than a week ago, a rain-soaked prime minister rolled the dice in front of the nation. It’s been a hapless campaign start for Rishi Sunak, but at least he put us out of our misery and called the general election. In his own words, we can now decide between “the past and the future”.
Calling the election is just about all we can thank him for. He may try to distance himself from his party’s r]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/opinion-the-past-is-gloomy-but-the-future-doesnt-have-to-be/Tue, 28 May 2024 11:26:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/opinion-the-past-is-gloomy-but-the-future-doesnt-have-to-be/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/national-election-called-public-librarians-know-which-way-they-will-be-voting/Mon, 27 May 2024 15:33:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/national-election-called-public-librarians-know-which-way-they-will-be-voting/ “This is a desperate attempt to distract from the issues that matter to voters and suggests Rishi Sunak has completely lost the plot.
“It shows how quickly the government is prepared to abandon the communities it promised to ‘level up’.
“The cost of this hare-brain]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/beleaguered-public-services-need-investment-not-an-army-of-reluctant-teen-volunteers/Sun, 26 May 2024 14:38:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/beleaguered-public-services-need-investment-not-an-army-of-reluctant-teen-volunteers/ “There will be a clear choice in July. A vote for a party that understands the huge struggles employees and their families have been facing. Or one that’s persistently let working people down these past 14 years.
“Labour’s new deal best illustrates that choice. It will make work fairer and boost the economy too.
“That’s why its measure]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/fairer-work-will-be-good-news-for-millions-says-unison/Sat, 25 May 2024 15:43:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/fairer-work-will-be-good-news-for-millions-says-unison/ “These figures bear absolutely no relation to reality and are quite frankly bonkers. It’s no small wonder the economy’s in such a mess if similarly farcical figures are informing the government’s economic strategy.
“Yet again, the Tories are showing how little they understand the lives of ordinar]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/tory-attacks-on-employment-rights-show-how-little-they-understand-what-working-people-want/Fri, 24 May 2024 23:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/tory-attacks-on-employment-rights-show-how-little-they-understand-what-working-people-want/ And speaking less than 24 hours after Rishi Sunak called a general election she noted that, in England and Wales on 4 July, “if you don’t vote Labour, you’re giving a vote to the Tories. We want to see as many Labour MPs returned as possible”.
“We have seen, as trade unionists, the r]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/nec-told-if-you-dont-vote-labour-youre-giving-a-vote-to-the-tories/Fri, 24 May 2024 10:08:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/nec-told-if-you-dont-vote-labour-youre-giving-a-vote-to-the-tories/ The union is to consult hundreds of thousands of workers in local government over the £1,290 offer made last week, with a recommendation they vote to reject it.
UNISON is calling for an improvement to pay that fairly rewards council and school staff, many of whom are in low-wage roles, for]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/workers-in-councils-and-schools-should-rejectlow-pay-offer-says-unison/Thu, 23 May 2024 15:50:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/workers-in-councils-and-schools-should-rejectlow-pay-offer-says-unison/ UNISON supports these calls and has consistently campaigned for an end to the occupation and for a viable Palestinian state alongside Israel.
Peaceful protests, encampments and occupations on university campuses have played an important role in many struggles against injustices in th]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/statement-in-solidarity-with-student-protests-for-gaza/Thu, 23 May 2024 15:38:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/statement-in-solidarity-with-student-protests-for-gaza/ National Grid is a private energy company operating in the UK and US and the largest electricity transmission and distribution business in the UK. 
The Grain LNG terminal is the UK and Europe’s largest terminal importing LNG to the country. UNISON is concerned that the decision to sell it could have a negative impact on the UK&rsqu]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-raises-concerns-over-uk-energy-security/Thu, 23 May 2024 14:53:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-raises-concerns-over-uk-energy-security/ “Election day can’t come soon enough. Working people and their families are crying out for a new government in Westminster.
“One that values public services, can revitalise the economy and has a vision for the future.
“Anyone who has struggled to make ends meet, tried to get an NHS appointment, seen council services savaged or wrangled wi]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/election-cant-come-soon-enough-says-unison/Wed, 22 May 2024 18:29:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/election-cant-come-soon-enough-says-unison/ “There’s nothing wrong with promoting social care as a career and offering proper training to try to attract new recruits to the crisis-stricken sector.
“But forcing the unemployed off benefits and into caring roles,&n]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/skills-boot-camps-for-the-unemployed-a-desperate-attempt-to-distract-voters-from-government-care-failings/Tue, 21 May 2024 12:53:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/skills-boot-camps-for-the-unemployed-a-desperate-attempt-to-distract-voters-from-government-care-failings/ “There’s nothing wrong with promoting social care as a career and offering proper training to try to attract new recruits to the crisis-stricken sector.
“But forcing the unemployed off benefits and into caring roles,&n]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/skills-boot-camps-for-the-unemployed-a-desperate-attempt-to-distract-from-government-failings/Tue, 21 May 2024 12:53:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/skills-boot-camps-for-the-unemployed-a-desperate-attempt-to-distract-from-government-failings/ The current ownership and operating model for the water industry in England is in the news almost every day – and almost always for the wrong reasons.
Privatisation of the water industry has failed. Disastrously. It was a Tory government gamble that has not paid off – unless you are a water company chief executive or shareholder.
Consumers have not seen better outcomes. In fact, we are seeing profits being extracted for share]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/opinion-the-water-industry-is-a-national-scandal/Mon, 20 May 2024 16:21:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/opinion-the-water-industry-is-a-national-scandal/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/welsh-libraries-are-aiming-to-have-real-presence/Sun, 19 May 2024 17:09:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/welsh-libraries-are-aiming-to-have-real-presence/ Today is the international day against homophobia, bi+phobia (IDAHOBIT) and transphobia. It’s always been an important date for UNISON since its creation in 2004. Each year since then, we’ve reflected on how we can combat LGBT+-phobic discrimination and harassment.
Of course, some progress has been made over the last couple of decades, but I’m saddened to say that in some ways, LGBT+ equality is going backwards in the UK.
The 2024 I]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-opinion-supporting-our-lgbt-members-is-crucial/Fri, 17 May 2024 10:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-opinion-supporting-our-lgbt-members-is-crucial/ “The best way for councils to run efficient services is for them to be adequately resourced and staffed.
“Local authority budgets have been cut to the bone after 14 years of slashed budgets, and that’s had a serious impact on communities.
“With so many councils teetering on the brink, the gov]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/councils-need-proper-funding-not-further-efficiency-savings/Thu, 16 May 2024 19:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/councils-need-proper-funding-not-further-efficiency-savings/ “Council and school staff deserve a decent pay rise for the vital support they provide to communities. But this offer falls short of the union’s reasonable claim.
“Many workers will feel let down because their household bills continue to rise. UN]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/council-and-school-staff-pay-offer-falls-short/Thu, 16 May 2024 15:15:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/council-and-school-staff-pay-offer-falls-short/ “Small-scale pilot schemes and wishful thinking are no solution to the huge problems facing the NHS.
“It’s not possible to magic up the extra trained staff and equipment needed to plug the gaping holes in the healthcare system caused by more than a decade of under-investment.
“Giving the illusion of more choice is cold comfort to patients who’v]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/investment-not-wishful-thinking-is-key-to-fixing-the-nhs/Wed, 15 May 2024 01:28:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/investment-not-wishful-thinking-is-key-to-fixing-the-nhs/ “Government cuts have left NHS premises in a dire state, while badly ageing equipment can’t be replaced. The repair backlog keeps growing too.
“This sorry state of affairs has put patients and staff at risk, closed wards, delayed treatment, and worsened the crisis across the health se]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/government-failure-to-fix-nhs-buildings-puts-patients-and-staff-at-risk/Wed, 15 May 2024 01:01:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/government-failure-to-fix-nhs-buildings-puts-patients-and-staff-at-risk/ It’s the final countdown to the close of UNISON’s important service group executive elections.
It’s because UNISON members are at the heart of all our work, that we put power into members’ hands. That’s why your votes in these elections matter.
The ballot closes this Friday 17 May at 5pm, so if you’re planning to vote by post, don’t delay in returning your paper ballot. You can also vote using the link sent to]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-opinion-your-vote-matters/Tue, 14 May 2024 11:57:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-opinion-your-vote-matters/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/do-you-feel-more-irish-than-australian/Sun, 12 May 2024 19:43:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/do-you-feel-more-irish-than-australian/ “Social care is an essential public service. But the government has treated care as an optional extra, starved the sector of funding and done nothing to end poverty pay for care workers.
“That’s why care companies are really struggling to recruit and keep staff. Social care is in a desperate state and minis]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/raising-pay-is-crucial-step-in-ending-social-care-crisis/Sun, 12 May 2024 01:09:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/raising-pay-is-crucial-step-in-ending-social-care-crisis/ If you have not yet received a ballot pack, the latest that you can request one is by 12pm noon tomorrow, Friday 10 May. To do so, you need to call UNISONdirect on 0800 0 857 857.
UNISONdirect operational hours are Monday to Friday 6am to midnight and Saturday 9am to 4pm. Members with hearing difficulties can use textphone 0800 0]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/service-group-elections-dont-miss-the-chance-to-vote/Thu, 09 May 2024 12:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/service-group-elections-dont-miss-the-chance-to-vote/ The Westminster government’s plummeting popularity was made clear in almost every ballot box last Thursday.
Divisive politics were rejected in our cities and towns, and voters in council elections deserted the Conservatives over their party’s failure to properly fund local services.
Labour achieved some stunning victories, but has also acknowledged there’s plenty of work to do to ahead of the general election.The prime minister did g]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-opinion-pm-should-call-an-immediate-general-election/Tue, 07 May 2024 12:46:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-opinion-pm-should-call-an-immediate-general-election/ One of the strange things about covering public libraries since 2010 is seeing how things could have gone with more funding. The Library of Birmingham was one such. Opened in the years of coalition government but planned before, this was seen as a big shining symbol of the city and for the future of libraries generally. But the money ran out. Now it is open only 40 hours per week, areas of it hired out and many other libraries in the city under threat of closure. In an alternate world,]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/the-reason-for-it/Mon, 06 May 2024 16:28:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/the-reason-for-it/ General secretary Christina McAnea told those attending: “You are a really important group within our union. About one in five of our members are school support staff – that’s how big a group you are in our union.
“And that’s rea]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/christina-mcanea-stresses-how-vital-school-support-staff-are/Thu, 02 May 2024 17:08:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/christina-mcanea-stresses-how-vital-school-support-staff-are/ Learning at Work Week is an annual event that highlights the importance and benefits of learning and development – and this year’s programme is no exception.
It’s a great chance to try out short versions of some of UNISON College’s courses and workshops, and find out more information about where to go next with your learning journey.
All the sessions]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/take-the-chance-to-learn-at-work/Thu, 02 May 2024 16:17:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/take-the-chance-to-learn-at-work/ “The staffing crisis in care was already bad, but the government has just made things a whole lot worse.
“Ministers have made it clear migrant care workers aren’t welcome. This is the stark result. No one could blame overseas staff for taking their skills to countries where they’ll be more welcome.]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/governments-hostile-policies-are-worsening-already-dire-staffing-shortages-in-care-says-unison/Tue, 30 Apr 2024 15:03:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/governments-hostile-policies-are-worsening-already-dire-staffing-shortages-in-care-says-unison/ Up for election in England and Wales this Thursday are 41 police and crime commissioners, thousands of councillors, 10 metro mayors and all 25 London Assembly members.
This election is about putting your trust in the right people to deliver local services in your town or city, and about who you want to be responsible for your local police force. It’s also the last set of local results we will get before the general election.
The prime minister i]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-opinion-make-sure-that-you-use-your-vote-this-thursday/Mon, 29 Apr 2024 16:13:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-opinion-make-sure-that-you-use-your-vote-this-thursday/ Your input is invaluable in helping the union understand the prevalence and nature of workplace violence and harassment. By completing this survey, you contribute to shaping UNISON campaigns and initiatives that will support members working in public services.
By sharing your experiences, you will shed light on this serious issue. Your voice helps the union to understand the scope of the problem, which then helps gui]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/stop-violence-at-work-please-take-the-campaign-survey/Mon, 29 Apr 2024 11:49:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/stop-violence-at-work-please-take-the-campaign-survey/ A few news pieces catch my eye today. The first is an ex-magistrate sating in the Mail – where else – that libraries could be turned into court venues as they are under-used public buildings. Words fail me sometimes. Sadly, they don’t fail the Mail. Then we have the normal US madness of censorship, with 17 states now considering imprisoning librarians for their stock choices. There’s also a heart-rending story from that torn country about a child, are regular vi]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/irish-libraries-are-smiling/Sun, 28 Apr 2024 10:09:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/irish-libraries-are-smiling/ The report Teaching on the Cheap? is based on survey responses from almost 6,000 teaching assistants covering classes in England and Wales. It suggests ongoing teacher shortages mean support staff are increasingly having to lead lessons and manage whole classes by]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/struggling-schools-forced-to-rely-on-teaching-assistants-as-cheap-cover-for-teachers/Fri, 26 Apr 2024 21:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/struggling-schools-forced-to-rely-on-teaching-assistants-as-cheap-cover-for-teachers/ Over the next two days at the Royal Courts of Justice in the Strand, the union will be putting forward legal arguments to support the case brought by Windrush scandal victim Trevor Donald.
Mr Donald is challenging the decision taken in early 2023 by the then home secretary Suella Braverman to scrap three of the recommendations hailing from th]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/governments-failure-to-implement-windrush-decisions-is-unlawful/Tue, 23 Apr 2024 13:05:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/governments-failure-to-implement-windrush-decisions-is-unlawful/ “Nothing more clearly demonstrates the cruelty and moral bankruptcy of this government than the ghastly Rwanda law it has finally pushed through parliament.
“For ministers to be gleeful at the export of vulnerable people, including children and victims of modern slavery, is a disgrace.
“The UK is trading away its humanitarian duties and turning]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/government-should-be-ashamed-of-trading-lives-for-votes-over-rwanda/Tue, 23 Apr 2024 11:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/government-should-be-ashamed-of-trading-lives-for-votes-over-rwanda/ Now is the time to use your vote and choose who represents you on your service group executive committee.
The SGEs are made up of UNISON members who decide what campaigns to run on your pay, terms, conditions, and funding for public services. They can also take decisions on pay consultations, strike ballots, days]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-opinion-who-wins-you-decide/Tue, 23 Apr 2024 10:50:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-opinion-who-wins-you-decide/ Now is the time to use your vote and choose who represents you on your service group executive committee.
The SGEs are made up of UNISON members who decide what campaigns to run on your pay, terms, conditions, and funding for public services. They can also take decisions on pay consultations, strike ballots, days]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/opinion-who-wins-you-decide/Tue, 23 Apr 2024 10:50:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/opinion-who-wins-you-decide/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/not-a-ban/Sun, 21 Apr 2024 17:59:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/not-a-ban/ “The Prime Minister has promised and failed to cut NHS waiting lists.“Worse still, his government has damaged the public services people were once able to rely upon to get better and stay healthy.
“Lengthy waits for NHS operations and treatment have left people languishing at home, too sick or injured to work. That’s a personal tragedy for t]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/prime-minister-should-focus-on-the-nhs-not-demonise-those-too-sick-to-work/Fri, 19 Apr 2024 13:47:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/prime-minister-should-focus-on-the-nhs-not-demonise-those-too-sick-to-work/ The case had been won in the employment appeal tribunal, but the then busines]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/nec-hears-of-another-supreme-court-win-for-unison/Thu, 18 Apr 2024 12:13:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/nec-hears-of-another-supreme-court-win-for-unison/ The union, which took the case on behalf of care worker Fiona Mercer, says the government must now act quickly to change the law and ensure no other employees are treated unfairly.
Today’s judgment follows a two-day hearing in December. UNISON took the case to the Supreme Court to overturn an earlier Co]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/supreme-court-judgment-stops-bad-bosses-from-punishing-striking-workers/Wed, 17 Apr 2024 11:11:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/supreme-court-judgment-stops-bad-bosses-from-punishing-striking-workers/ wow is this true pic.twitter.com/vPA0sv5aZa— Andrew Lawrence (@ndrew_lawrence) April 11, 2024
In a shocking expose from the ever-balanced and fair Fox News, we discover that American public libraries are drug-infested sex dens. This must come as something of a surprise to their users. Also, to their library staff too, it seems, as many have taken to Twitter to ask where these libraries are (including, suspiciously, wanting their precise addresses, presumably for private research]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/libraries-turning-into-drug-infested-sex-dens/Sun, 14 Apr 2024 11:33:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/libraries-turning-into-drug-infested-sex-dens/ “When some NHS workers are earning just a penny more than the minimum wage, it’s little wonder many don’t feel like staying.
“Supermarkets are paying higher rates and can offer staff discounts and much less stressful jobs.
“But a p]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/pay-is-key-to-persuading-staff-to-stay-in-the-nhs/Thu, 11 Apr 2024 01:12:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/pay-is-key-to-persuading-staff-to-stay-in-the-nhs/ Tam Hiddleston for the service group executive warned that, while “we invariably think of insourcing as a positive,” some insourcing “is about private operators being brought into the NHS.”
UNISON needs to be very careful to monitor “any wider implications for Agenda for Change pay and conditions,” he continued.
Chris from Londo]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/why-insourcing-isnt-always-a-win/Wed, 10 Apr 2024 17:37:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/why-insourcing-isnt-always-a-win/ “Let’s commit to fostering a workplace where every woman feels valued,” said Susan Parkinson (pictured above).
Moving a motion on women’s mental health at work for the national women’s committee, she explained that women experience higher levels of mental health problems than men.
Karen Buckley from]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/delegates-support-calls-on-wellbeing-and-health-and-safety/Wed, 10 Apr 2024 11:31:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/delegates-support-calls-on-wellbeing-and-health-and-safety/ Data from a new UNISON survey** shows a significant proportion of healthcare workers are not being given the alternative work patterns they’ve asked for.
The survey found two-thirds (65%) of women employed in healthcare across the UK who’ve asked for different work arrangements had their requests&nb]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/let-more-nhs-staff-work-flexibly-to-help-solve-staffing-crisis/Wed, 10 Apr 2024 08:26:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/let-more-nhs-staff-work-flexibly-to-help-solve-staffing-crisis/ Paying to work
First up were a group of motions that explored the various ways in which health workers are losing out financially in the course of their work. This included paying for their own uniforms, DBS checks, paying for hospital parking – with one delegate even saying her employer asked for staff to pay for their key-fobs.
Elsewhere motions]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/health-conference-divided-we-fall/Tue, 09 Apr 2024 18:13:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/health-conference-divided-we-fall/ First, conference discussed an emergency motion on NHS pay 2024-25. The motion pointed out that once again, the government has failed to conduct annual pay reviews in a timely fashion.
Moving the motion, James Anthony of the SGE said: “Like clockwork, in April, everything goes up. Bills council tax, everything. Except, like clockwork, NHS pay.
“Once again the government treats us like April fools.”
He highlighted t]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/health-the-government-treats-us-like-april-fools-on-pay/Tue, 09 Apr 2024 17:02:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/health-the-government-treats-us-like-april-fools-on-pay/ “The government’s promised but not delivered on the NHS. Its legacy will be crumbling hospital estates, outdated equipment, appalling waiting lists and NHS staff at their wits’ ends.
“Investment’s been drained for 14 years, capacity’s tumbling and workforce stress is ratcheting up.
“It’s no]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/health-workers-deserve-better-than-this-government/Tue, 09 Apr 2024 12:33:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/health-workers-deserve-better-than-this-government/ It’s always important for me to remind our members that UNISON is standing by them, backing them up and fighting their corner. That&rsq]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/opinion-every-day-unison-is-fighting-for-our-nhs/Tue, 09 Apr 2024 12:28:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/opinion-every-day-unison-is-fighting-for-our-nhs/ It’s always important for me to remind our members that UNISON is standing by them, backing them up and fighting their corner. That&rsq]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-this-is-what-neglecting-our-nhs-looks-like/Tue, 09 Apr 2024 12:28:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-this-is-what-neglecting-our-nhs-looks-like/ “Look at all you’ve achieved in the past 12 months”, she told delegates.
“Forty-two re-banding deals done across England and Scotland in our Pay Fair for Patient Care campaign. £70 million in back pay – a]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/christina-mcanea-leads-applause-for-successful-unison-strikers/Tue, 09 Apr 2024 12:17:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/christina-mcanea-leads-applause-for-successful-unison-strikers/ Detailing the harrowing situation on the ground in Gaza, he opened saying: “2024 marks 40 years since the founding of MAP – we had hoped to celebrate the organisation’s achievements.”
Instead, the organisation is responding to one of the gravest situations Palestinians have ever faced.
He told]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/conference-stands-with-palestinian-health-workers/Tue, 09 Apr 2024 11:35:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/conference-stands-with-palestinian-health-workers/ Top on the agenda was a motion calling for ‘A new deal for healthcare assistants’. It called on the health SGE to continue to build on the work of the highly successful Pay Fair for Patient Care campaign.
The campaign focusses on winning significant sums of pack pay for members by fighting for rebanding for healthcare assistants (HCAs) at a local level.
The motion, moved by Annette]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/a-new-deal-for-health-staff/Mon, 08 Apr 2024 18:22:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/a-new-deal-for-health-staff/ The one-off payment, part of a deal agreed for all staff on NHS contracts and Agenda for Change, is worth at least £1,655 for full-time health workers.
Wiltshire
Staff at Wiltshire’s six community hospitals had taken two days of strike action (pictured above) over the company’s previous refusal to honour the payment,]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/health-workers-in-south-west-celebrate-double-lump-sum-victory/Mon, 08 Apr 2024 17:21:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/health-workers-in-south-west-celebrate-double-lump-sum-victory/ Equality law gives disabled workers the right to reasonable adjustments where they experience substantial disadvantage. However, as students are not classed as employees, some struggle on clinical placements to access reasonable adjustments.
Ms Heslop said that, in such a situation, it was no surprise that students drop]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/barriers-for-disabled-staff-in-the-health-service-need-to-be-lowered/Mon, 08 Apr 2024 17:01:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/barriers-for-disabled-staff-in-the-health-service-need-to-be-lowered/ Maria Alberts for the service group executive told delegates: “Racism does exist in the NHS”.
She cited Too Hot to Handle, a report that “shines a light” on the lack of safe and effective means to report and th]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-will-continue-to-strengthen-the-race-for-equality-campaign/Mon, 08 Apr 2024 16:40:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-will-continue-to-strengthen-the-race-for-equality-campaign/ In the conference’s opening motion, the national LGBT+ committee addressed the Year of LGBT+ Workers and its importance in embedding LGBT+ equality in health.
Moving the motion for the committee, Adam Williams (pictured above) took the opportunity to stress the great work that has been done by the union on LGBT+ equality, but pointing ou]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/lgbt-equality-is-top-priority-at-health-conference/Mon, 08 Apr 2024 13:11:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/lgbt-equality-is-top-priority-at-health-conference/ Sending “solidarity” to ambulance workers, she noted that, as ambulances queue outside A&E departments, unable to hand over patients to hospitals because of waiting times, they are bearing the brunt of the crisis in the NHS.
E]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-health-conference-opens-in-brighton/Mon, 08 Apr 2024 13:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-health-conference-opens-in-brighton/ In a survey released to coincide with the first day of UNISON’s annual health conference in Brighton, one in ten (10%) healthcare workers reported experiences of sexual harassment.
This included being touched or kissed, demands for sex in return for favours and d]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/nhs-staff-have-been-shown-porn-and-offered-money-for-sex-at-work/Mon, 08 Apr 2024 01:34:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/nhs-staff-have-been-shown-porn-and-offered-money-for-sex-at-work/ A quiet week this week, and all the better for it, really. Whether this is because things naturally go quiet over Easter or because I was internet-free for a week while on a cruise I can’t say. Probably a mixture of the two. So, let me know if I have missed anything via emailing me (ianlibrarian@live.co.uk) or getting me via Twitter @publiclibnews. I’ve also just relaunched the Public Libraries News Facebook page to cover the stranger and more humorous stories in the sector]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/thank-you-aunty-hilary/Sun, 07 Apr 2024 15:29:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/thank-you-aunty-hilary/ As the staffing crisis in the health service continues, the union says the findings – based on more than 12,000 health workers across the UK – show the effects of burnout among employees and mean many more could quit altogether.
Panic attacks, high blood pressure, chest pains and headaches are among physi]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/mental-health-absences-adding-to-nhs-staffing-crisis/Sun, 07 Apr 2024 09:07:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/mental-health-absences-adding-to-nhs-staffing-crisis/ The union has written to health secretary Victoria Atkins to say government delays are to blame for workers not receiving their 2024/25 wage rise, which was due on Easter Monday.
With the cost-of-living crisis far from over, the government’s silence on NHS pay means health staff remain in the dark]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/pay-rise-for-thousands-of-nhs-staff-already-overdue/Fri, 05 Apr 2024 01:11:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/pay-rise-for-thousands-of-nhs-staff-already-overdue/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/the-meaning-of-lif/Fri, 29 Mar 2024 15:02:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/the-meaning-of-lif/ Shadowy overseas private equity firms have sucked all the good out of Thames Water and saddled it with billions of pounds of debt. So reports that it is scrambling to find extra cash, after handing out millions of pounds to shareholders and bonuses to top bosses in recent years, are hardly surprising.
Even its shareholders won’t keep it afloat, having refused to pay £500m by the end of the month, saying regulatory requirement]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/opinion-thames-water-makes-case-for-renationalisation-now/Thu, 28 Mar 2024 18:09:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/opinion-thames-water-makes-case-for-renationalisation-now/ “Even Thames Water’s own shareholders refuse to keep it afloat.
“Yet again, staff are facing an uncertain future with jobs at risk and no hope of much-neede]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/the-business-model-for-thames-water-has-failed/Thu, 28 Mar 2024 14:21:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/the-business-model-for-thames-water-has-failed/ “This law change is a welcome move but doesn’t go far enough. Giving everyone the right to work flexibly from day one in a job would be beneficial for staff and employers alike. It would also help bring workplaces into the 21st century. Bosses have not]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/law-change-on-flexible-working-does-not-go-far-enough-says-unison/Thu, 28 Mar 2024 01:01:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/law-change-on-flexible-working-does-not-go-far-enough-says-unison/ “These sewage spillages are a major health risk and are causing untold damage to wildlife and the environment.
“Water companies are dumping waste at whim and sticking two fingers up to every public health law that’s ever existed. Their selfish actions risk turning the clock back to]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/water-companies-must-be-regulated-better-and-policed-to-improve-public-health/Wed, 27 Mar 2024 16:08:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/water-companies-must-be-regulated-better-and-policed-to-improve-public-health/ “The government doesn’t understand social care. If ministers had even a basic grasp of the sector, they would have reformed it long ago. But instead, the inept approach to the awarding of care visas has given dodgy employers total freedom to exploit overseas sta]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/governments-approach-to-care-visas-allows-dodgy-employers-to-exploit-migrant-staff/Wed, 27 Mar 2024 10:00:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/governments-approach-to-care-visas-allows-dodgy-employers-to-exploit-migrant-staff/ “The NHS cannot provide the quality care people need until the staffing crisis is addressed. Patients are suffering because of government inaction.
“Low pay and burnout are to blame for nurses, paramedics and other health workers quitting the service.
“When th]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/nhs-cant-provide-quality-care-until-staffing-crisis-resolved-says-unison/Wed, 27 Mar 2024 01:01:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/nhs-cant-provide-quality-care-until-staffing-crisis-resolved-says-unison/ “Low-paid health workers shouldn’t have had to go on strike and lose money to win the cash that’s rightfully theirs.
“Nor should they have had to wait many months for the one-off payments their directly employed NHS colleagues got months ago.
“Private firms, social ente]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/low-paid-health-workers-shouldnt-have-had-to-strike-for-one-off-payment-says-unison/Tue, 26 Mar 2024 10:34:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/low-paid-health-workers-shouldnt-have-had-to-strike-for-one-off-payment-says-unison/ “The government has stood back and watched as social care slides further into crisis. No wonder satisfaction levels are plummeting.
“Generally, staff aren’t treated well and with poverty pay rates all that’s usually on offer,]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/government-neglect-of-care-has-led-to-low-level-of-public-satisfaction-says-unison/Tue, 26 Mar 2024 10:32:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/government-neglect-of-care-has-led-to-low-level-of-public-satisfaction-says-unison/ A whole generation of women has been badly let down by politicians.
Changes to pension law in 1995 and 2011 delayed the state pension age for 1950s-born women by up to six years. Many received information about the change with just one year’s notice. Some received no notification. An estimated 3.8 million women waited up to six years longer to receive the state pension.
Last Thursday (23 March), the Parliamentary and Health Ser]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/opinion-why-the-fight-for-waspi-pension-justice-is-far-from-over/Mon, 25 Mar 2024 15:52:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/opinion-why-the-fight-for-waspi-pension-justice-is-far-from-over/ The one-off payment is worth at least £1,655 for full-time health workers, including porters, domestics, sterile services and catering staff working in the NHS.
Mitie applied for funding for the pay deal from the Department of Health and Social Care and has written to UNISON to say that its appl]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/dudley-nhs-staff-gain-mitie-victory/Mon, 25 Mar 2024 12:52:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/dudley-nhs-staff-gain-mitie-victory/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/better-on-balance/Sun, 24 Mar 2024 16:35:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/better-on-balance/ As the Renters (Reform) Bill moves through Parliament, UNISON wants to ensure this legislation provides a lasting solution to our broken private rented system.
UNISON assistant policy officer Sylvia Jones said: “UNISON and Generation Rent share a vision that private renters deserve the right to a decent, secure and affordable home.
“Currently, private renters are]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-hosts-housing-roundtables-with-generation-rent/Fri, 22 Mar 2024 14:07:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-hosts-housing-roundtables-with-generation-rent/ “Simply having a plan isn’t going to be enough on its own to turn the staffing crisis around. Wishful thinking won’t get the NHS very far either.
“The assumption that overseas staff will want to keep coming here to fill the gaps in the workforce is wildly optimistic. Especially given the increasingly h]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/getting-pay-right-is-key-to-turning-aroundnhs-fortunes-says-unison/Fri, 22 Mar 2024 01:01:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/getting-pay-right-is-key-to-turning-aroundnhs-fortunes-says-unison/ “Raising the state pension age, with barely any notice, was catastrophic for a whole generation of women. It left their retirement plans in tatters.
“It’s only right the thousands of women left in dire financial straits are given compensation now. This has all taken far too long.
&ldq]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/swift-compensation-needed-now-to-right-huge-pension-wrongs/Thu, 21 Mar 2024 12:00:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/swift-compensation-needed-now-to-right-huge-pension-wrongs/ “Discrimination is still rife within the NHS. Progress is welcome, but it’s far too slow, especially when the proportion of black health workers is rising.
“Initiatives across the NHS are needed to stop black staff being held back. They are much more likely to be disciplined and face harassment and bullying f]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/pace-of-change-must-increase-to-drive-out-nhs-discrimination/Tue, 19 Mar 2024 12:32:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/pace-of-change-must-increase-to-drive-out-nhs-discrimination/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/the-sharp-end-of-the-curve/Sun, 17 Mar 2024 16:35:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/the-sharp-end-of-the-curve/ Having already taken three days of strike action, they will be striking again on 25 and 27 March.
Conservative MP Mr Longhi asked the leader of the House of Commons, Penny Mordaunt, whe]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/dudley-mp-raises-mitie-strikers-struggle-in-the-commons/Fri, 15 Mar 2024 12:13:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/dudley-mp-raises-mitie-strikers-struggle-in-the-commons/ Diane Abbott MP has been a significant public figure since 1987, the first to open doors into political leadership for Black women. No woman in public life should have to accept this kind of abuse and intimidation. Black women all over]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-unequivocally-condemns-tory-donors-horrific-abuse/Wed, 13 Mar 2024 17:23:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-unequivocally-condemns-tory-donors-horrific-abuse/ “Care has gone into a tailspin on this government’s watch. A litany of broken promises and a complete absence of action best sums up ministers’ appalling neglect of the sector.
“Cash-strapped local authorities have been pushed ever closer to the edge by spiralling care costs.
“The blame for the crisis in care lies entirely wi]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/care-has-gone-into-a-tailspin-under-this-government/Wed, 13 Mar 2024 01:01:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/care-has-gone-into-a-tailspin-under-this-government/ UNISON completely opposes these proposals and limits on the right to peaceful protest, and urges the government and opposition parties to reject them.
The Palestine Solidarity Campaign does not support protests out]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/proposals-that-seek-to-limit-the-right-to-peaceful-protest-must-be-rejected-says-unison/Tue, 12 Mar 2024 20:10:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/proposals-that-seek-to-limit-the-right-to-peaceful-protest-must-be-rejected-says-unison/ Funding
On funding, activists at the seminar on Friday heard a detailed presentation from Rebecca Young, head of policy, research and campaigns at The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO).
Ms Young detailed the organisation’s recent research into the c]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/fragmented-and-under-funded/Tue, 12 Mar 2024 18:24:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/fragmented-and-under-funded/ Mr Richards took aim at the recent Conservative government budget calling it “fantasy policy making, and a low piece of political theatre”.
“What did it offer to support the work that you or our members do? What about housing – an]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/community-conference-told-you-are-the-stewards-of-the-new-deal/Tue, 12 Mar 2024 13:01:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/community-conference-told-you-are-the-stewards-of-the-new-deal/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/a-material-threat/Sun, 10 Mar 2024 10:27:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/a-material-threat/ During this important holy period for Muslims, UNISON reminds both workers and employers that it is within the Equality Act 2010 for all employers to ensure flexible working and provide reasonable adjustments for workers wishing to observe Ramadan,]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/ramadan-2024-your-rights-at-work/Fri, 08 Mar 2024 15:47:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/ramadan-2024-your-rights-at-work/ “Clearly there’s much that can and should be improved about the way Ofsted inspections are carried out. But to suggest punching people is an appropriate reaction is not becoming of a government minister.
“Making light of violence when staff in schools are increasingly likely to face assaults is in very poor tas]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/violence-in-schools-is-no-laughing-matter/Fri, 08 Mar 2024 14:00:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/violence-in-schools-is-no-laughing-matter/ A survey of more than 3,000 school and college technicians found the majority are over 50, earn below the national average wage and do not think the public or politicians understand what they do.
The survey by Preproom, which provides science resources for schools, found over half of technicians (51%) are 51]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/urgent-action-needed-to-avert-school-technician-recruitment-crisis/Fri, 08 Mar 2024 11:50:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/urgent-action-needed-to-avert-school-technician-recruitment-crisis/ I often get asked, what is the community service group? It seems a simple question, but even as an officer in the sector, it’s not simple to answer.
I can tell you who we represent. UNISON has 85,000 members in community, they are: housing officers, care workers, support workers, admin workers, project workers, children’s services workers and more.
I can tell you who those members work for. They work for ch]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-opinion-this-is-what-community-looks-like/Thu, 07 Mar 2024 18:44:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-opinion-this-is-what-community-looks-like/ “Harassment or ill-treatment of any kind is simply wrong. NHS staff must be able to get on with their jobs without the fear of abuse, assault, or ill-treatment from bigots, racists and sexual predators.
“The number of sexually motivated incidents is shocking. Health and emergency workers caring for people and saving lives shouldn’t ever have t]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/harassment-abuse-and-discrimination-have-no-place-in-a-21st-century-nhs/Thu, 07 Mar 2024 15:00:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/harassment-abuse-and-discrimination-have-no-place-in-a-21st-century-nhs/ While goings on in Westminster can feel a long way from normal day-to-day life, the decisions made at the budget by the chancellor have a huge impact on everybody’s work, household finances and the public services we all rely on.
This week’s budget was no different, so let’s break down what the budget means for you and the services you rely on, along with some helpful myth-busting on the way.
What’s happening with my taxes?
T]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/what-does-the-budget-really-mean-for-you/Thu, 07 Mar 2024 13:09:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/what-does-the-budget-really-mean-for-you/ The right to request flexible working from day one of employment.
Every request considered fairly – whatever the role, whatever the reason.
These were the rights secured by the NHS Staff Council back in 2021 for everyone employed by the NHS.
There was huge willingness around the table to get them in place, because unions, employers and members all know what a positive difference flexible working can make. F]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-opinion-lets-talk-about-flex/Wed, 06 Mar 2024 15:29:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-opinion-lets-talk-about-flex/ “This is the stuff of fantasy. The public won’t be fooled. Taxes overall remain at a record high and the promised growth is nowhere to be seen, despite what the chancellor would have everyone believe. 
“There’s no budget giveaway for the lowest paid. They’ll be substantially worse off. And persistently punching public services i]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/chancellor-is-living-in-a-fantasy-world/Wed, 06 Mar 2024 14:30:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/chancellor-is-living-in-a-fantasy-world/ “This is another cruel blow and staff are understandably worried about the future.
“OVO has completely failed to explain why more redundancies are even necessary. There may be many other ways to secure the future of the firm.
“Job cuts and restructuring have been coming thick and fast at the company,]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/energy-firm-ovo-release-must-halt-job-cut-plans-and-find-another-solution/Tue, 05 Mar 2024 16:00:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/energy-firm-ovo-release-must-halt-job-cut-plans-and-find-another-solution/ “This is another cruel blow and staff are understandably worried about the future.
“OVO has completely failed to explain why more redundancies are even necessary. There may be many other ways to secure the future of the firm.
“Job cuts and restructuring have been coming thick and fast at the company,]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/energy-firm-ovo-must-halt-job-cut-plans-and-find-another-solution/Tue, 05 Mar 2024 16:00:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/energy-firm-ovo-must-halt-job-cut-plans-and-find-another-solution/ Working people are bearing a triple burden. The cost of living crisis is still here, taxes are weighing heavy on workers, and in return, we’re getting broken public services that can’t guarantee support for everyone.
It’s even more galling for public service workers – they spend their working lives propping up essential services, only to be undermined at every turn by the Westminster government.
Underfunding services and underv]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-opinion-the-budget-will-deliver-more-cuts-and-more-pain/Tue, 05 Mar 2024 13:22:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-opinion-the-budget-will-deliver-more-cuts-and-more-pain/ Advertisement
One similar attempt]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/fire-sales-trusts-and-irony/Sun, 03 Mar 2024 15:39:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/fire-sales-trusts-and-irony/ Local government is in the news. But not for the right reasons.
The Daily Mail asks “Is your council about to go bust?”, the Mirror tells us that every single local authority, bar one, is experiencing cuts to funding and the Guardian reports that councils are resorting to crowdfunding to maintain their schools.
We hear about the youth clubs that have closed and the Christmas lights that won’t be switched on. Each day there&r]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-opinion-why-councils-are-on-the-brink-and-how-they-can-be-pulled-back/Fri, 01 Mar 2024 15:24:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-opinion-why-councils-are-on-the-brink-and-how-they-can-be-pulled-back/ “The government has let social care get into such a dire state that the sector can no longer function without overseas workers to fill the huge gaps in staffing.
“Instead of grappling with the real problems by funding social care properly and tackling the exploitation of migrant staff, ministers no]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/care-sector-couldnt-function-without-its-migrant-workforce-says-unison/Fri, 01 Mar 2024 09:52:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/care-sector-couldnt-function-without-its-migrant-workforce-says-unison/ “NHS workers should be getting this year’s wage rise in a matter of weeks. But because ministers were so late getting the pay review body process started and didn’t get their own evidence in on time, staff will now have to wait months. This simply isn’t good enough.
“Unless the government gets a handle on pay and gives]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/nhs-pay-key-to-cutting-waiting-lists-says-unison/Fri, 01 Mar 2024 09:47:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/nhs-pay-key-to-cutting-waiting-lists-says-unison/ UNISON, GMB and Unite say a decent pay award is essential as staff continue to struggle with the cost-of-living crisis, while the value of their wages has plummeted for more than a decade.
Unless councils and schools can pay competitive rates, employees will find better-paid, le]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/a-significant-pay-rise-is-essential-for-local-government-and-school-staff-say-unions/Thu, 29 Feb 2024 15:00:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/a-significant-pay-rise-is-essential-for-local-government-and-school-staff-say-unions/ Over 40 MPs and prospective parliamentary candidates signed pledges in support of a national care service at a UNISON Westminster event, last night (Wednesday).
Coming the day after UNISON hosted the Fabian Society’s National Care Service Summit, which brought together over 80 leading industry stakeholders to examine and debate the detail and practicalities of how to bring about a national care service, the parliamentary event sought to ignite the political will in West]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/mps-pledge-to-support-a-national-care-service/Thu, 29 Feb 2024 14:48:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/mps-pledge-to-support-a-national-care-service/ The general secretaries of the UK’s two largest unions have written to Mr Bentley to say strikes* planned for today (Thursday) from 5am and next Friday (8 March) will go ahead unless hospital staff get a one-off £1,655 payment** that other NHS staff have already received.
Cleaners, porters and catering employees are among around 370 wo]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/mitie-must-pay-healthcare-workers-what-they-are-owed-or-strikes-will-continue-say-unison-and-unite/Thu, 29 Feb 2024 09:30:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/mitie-must-pay-healthcare-workers-what-they-are-owed-or-strikes-will-continue-say-unison-and-unite/ The government is consulting on reintroducing fees in the employment tribunals (ETs). If this becomes law, employees and workers will have to pay a single fee of £55 – whether they are bringing the case by themselves or as part of a group – when seeking to enforce their employment rights against their employer.
An appeal to the employment appeal tribunal (EAT) by the party challenging an ET decision will also attract a fee]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-opinion-why-could-tribunal-fees-be-on-the-way-back/Wed, 28 Feb 2024 16:42:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-opinion-why-could-tribunal-fees-be-on-the-way-back/ Industry leaders, care workers, service users and politicians came together yesterday to examine what it will take to make a national care service a reality in England.
The Fabian Society’s National Care Service Summit, hosted at UNISON Centre, gave nearly 80 care sector stakeholders the opportunity to discuss and debate the questions of what a national care service should look like and how to get there?
The event took the Fabian’s report, Support Guaranteed: A Ro]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/making-a-national-care-service-from-roadmap-to-reality/Wed, 28 Feb 2024 15:06:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/making-a-national-care-service-from-roadmap-to-reality/ As both antisemitism and Islamophobia are on the rise and regularly discussed in the media, the briefing has been produced with Hope not hate to help activists better understand specifically how racism manifests itself in the context of the current conflict in Gaza.Understanding antisemitism and Islamophobia guideUNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said: “We all have a responsibili]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/understanding-antisemitism-and-islamophobia/Tue, 27 Feb 2024 10:24:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/understanding-antisemitism-and-islamophobia/ CILIP have produced a “Public Libraries At Risk” monitor due to the number of cuts happening, or likely to happen, to British libraries in the current local government funding crisis. I remember doing the same thing back more than a decade ago. Back then, CILIP were remarkably quiet over library cuts, due to a belief that it was more productive to work behind the scenes. Clearly, the time since 2010 has changed viewpoints. I wonder if 2024 will change governments.
There&rsq]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/different-stories-uk-ireland-and-the-usa/Sun, 25 Feb 2024 13:18:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/different-stories-uk-ireland-and-the-usa/ And when a group of them visited UNISON Centre on Wednesday, general secretary Christina McAnea (pictured above) made sure they knew the union is proud of them and that they’ll get all the support they need.
The members, who are employed by private contractor Mitie at Russ]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/the-nhs-workers-in-a-mitie-fight-for-fair-pay/Fri, 23 Feb 2024 07:00:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/the-nhs-workers-in-a-mitie-fight-for-fair-pay/ The health staff, who work at Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust (DGFT) but are employed by private contractor Mitie, began their 24-hour walkout at 5am. Another strike lasting 24 hours is lined up for next Thur]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/hundreds-of-mitie-staff-strikingtoday-at-dudley-group-hospitals/Fri, 23 Feb 2024 06:00:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/hundreds-of-mitie-staff-strikingtoday-at-dudley-group-hospitals/ “The emotional and physical changes of the menopause can be overwhelming. As can their effect on women’s ability to do their jobs.
“All good employers must ensure the best possible ​working environment for all their staff.​ Women ​should be able to]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/good-employers-must-do-the-right-thing-for-menopausal-women/Thu, 22 Feb 2024 13:19:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/good-employers-must-do-the-right-thing-for-menopausal-women/ Social care is broken. Despite it being an essential service that should be the cornerstone of a compassionate society, the Westminster government has washed its hands of it.
It has been allowed to deteriorate into a fragmented, underfunded and privatised system that’s unfit to meet the needs of social care users. The inadequate pay and conditions for the workers propping up the system, fail to recognise their value and contributions.
UNISON kno]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-opinion-a-better-way-is-possible-for-social-care/Thu, 22 Feb 2024 12:23:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-opinion-a-better-way-is-possible-for-social-care/ UNISON says too many people across the country cannot access the social care they desperately need because the current system is broken.
The union wants to see a new service based on high quality care and a fairly rewarded workforce. Although these changes wouldn’t happen overnight, the union believes the reforms would put an end to 15-minute home care visits, lon]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/prospective-mps-urged-to-back-new-national-care-service/Thu, 22 Feb 2024 01:02:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/prospective-mps-urged-to-back-new-national-care-service/ “It’s encouraging to see the government recognise the challenges Environment Agency staff face, but ministers’ plan is still well wide of the mark.
“Despite the best efforts of the workforce, spills have caused irreversible harm to coasts and rivers. Adding a handful of inspectors will make little difference.
“]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/the-governments-plan-to-tackle-polluting-water-companies-is-wide-ofthe-mark/Tue, 20 Feb 2024 18:46:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/the-governments-plan-to-tackle-polluting-water-companies-is-wide-ofthe-mark/ Delegates passed motions with a specific focus on reproductive health, including one that called on the union to investigate and report on the needs of women workers in relation to endometriosis, menopause and menstruation.
Another motion called on the union to campaign for paid leave for pregnancy loss. During the debate, several speakers shared their experiences at work]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/womens-health-at-work-is-a-unison-priority-says-conference/Tue, 20 Feb 2024 13:50:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/womens-health-at-work-is-a-unison-priority-says-conference/ UNISON has taken a look back at the positive contribution activists and members have made to the struggle for equality. Meanwhile, across the union, events continue to celebrate the union’s Year of LGBT+ Workers.
The theme for the 2024 LGBT+ History Month is medicine &n]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-celebrating-our-lgbt-members-and-history/Tue, 20 Feb 2024 12:35:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-celebrating-our-lgbt-members-and-history/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/a-promise-that-government-makes-to-its-citizens/Sun, 18 Feb 2024 10:03:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/a-promise-that-government-makes-to-its-citizens/ The motion calls on the union to condemn the recent statement made by Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir that the Israeli army must shoot anyone approaching the border, including women and children.
In a cabinet meeting earlier this week, he said: “We cannot have women and children getting close to the border … anyone who gets near must]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-women-pass-emergency-motion-on-gaza/Fri, 16 Feb 2024 17:05:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-women-pass-emergency-motion-on-gaza/ Smiling as she greeted the hall of delegates, Ms McAnea gave a tribute to the first female regional secretary of UNISON, Inez McCormack.
Ms McAnea described how she was in her early twenties when she first heard Ms McCormack speak at a trade union conference, saying that Ms McCormack – then Northern Ireland&]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/christina-mcanea-lauds-women-who-helped-win-ni-peace/Fri, 16 Feb 2024 16:34:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/christina-mcanea-lauds-women-who-helped-win-ni-peace/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/yoga-instructors-pose-a-strike-problem-for-unbending-council/Fri, 16 Feb 2024 15:27:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/yoga-instructors-pose-a-strike-problem-for-unbending-council/ The day began with an impassioned speech from the union’s president Libby Nolan, who paid particular reference to Labour’s new deal for workers and the ongoing crisis in Palestine, describing it as a ‘war on women’.
First, Ms Nolan said she was “determined that 2024, the year of]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/as-a-woman-my-rights-are-not-reduced-by-my-lgbt-comrades/Fri, 16 Feb 2024 13:25:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/as-a-woman-my-rights-are-not-reduced-by-my-lgbt-comrades/ The union is calling on the regulator to intervene and reduce high energy prices for consumers. It said that the scale of energy company profits is indicative of an imbalance in the market, and immediate action must be taken to rectify the situation.
UNISON national secretary for energy Donna Rowe-Merriman sa]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-urges-ofgem-to-act-on-customer-bills/Fri, 16 Feb 2024 13:01:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-urges-ofgem-to-act-on-customer-bills/ Both organisations are concerned some women are cutting short their maternity leave, skipping meals and making other drastic choices because they cannot afford to live on the current statutory weekly amount of £172.48*.
UNISON and Maternity Action are urg]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/government-must-doublematernitypay-so-mothers-can-afford-to-eat-and-heat-their-homes-say-unison-andmaternityaction/Fri, 16 Feb 2024 01:01:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/government-must-doublematernitypay-so-mothers-can-afford-to-eat-and-heat-their-homes-say-unison-andmaternityaction/ Both organisations are concerned some women are cutting short their maternity leave, skipping meals and making other drastic choices because they cannot afford to live on the current statutory weekly amount of £172.48*.
UNISON and Maternity Action are urg]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/government-must-doublematernitypay-so-mothers-can-afford-to-eat-and-heat-homes-says-unison/Fri, 16 Feb 2024 01:01:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/government-must-doublematernitypay-so-mothers-can-afford-to-eat-and-heat-homes-says-unison/ Both organisations are concerned some women are cutting short their maternity leave, skipping meals and making other drastic choices because they cannot afford to live on the current statutory weekly amount of £172.48*.
UNISON and Maternity Action are urg]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/government-must-doublematernitypay-so-mothers-can-afford-to-eat-and-heat-homes/Fri, 16 Feb 2024 01:01:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/government-must-doublematernitypay-so-mothers-can-afford-to-eat-and-heat-homes/ The findings – based on responses from just over 44,000 women working in the public sector – suggest employers are being ‘inconsistent, rigid and unimaginative’ by denying individuals the flexibility needed, says UNISON.
The survey is released]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/women-in-the-uks-public-services-repeatedly-denied-flexible-work-requests/Thu, 15 Feb 2024 18:45:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/women-in-the-uks-public-services-repeatedly-denied-flexible-work-requests/ “All too often ambulance workers are expected to be superhuman and put up with whatever is thrown at them.
“But the reality is that there’s a huge personal cost if employees are mistreated at work. Stress and burnout are rife, which prompts experienced staff to leave, worsening the situation for the co]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/ambulance-workplace-culture-needs-to-change/Thu, 15 Feb 2024 18:19:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/ambulance-workplace-culture-needs-to-change/ In her report opening the meeting, general secretary Christina McAnea applauded the achievements of 2023’s Year of Black Workers – not least in building a legacy for going forward.
She noted that this year is the union’s Year of LGBT+ Workers, adding that she would]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/nec-plans-for-the-coming-year/Thu, 15 Feb 2024 11:20:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/nec-plans-for-the-coming-year/ The union says that instead, there should be a focus on legislation to make companies – not the public – pay to restore the waterways to good health and protect jobs in the industry.
The water industry has hit the headlines again this week because of Ofwat’s plans to consult on banning bonuses for the bosses of water companies that have been found to have]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-calls-on-water-regulator-to-protect-customers-and-nature/Thu, 15 Feb 2024 09:39:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-calls-on-water-regulator-to-protect-customers-and-nature/ The findings – based on responses from just over 44,000 women working in the public sector – suggest employers are being ‘inconsistent, rigid and unimaginative’ by denying individuals the flexibility needed, says UNISON.
The survey is released]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/women-in-the-uks-public-services-repeatedly-denied-flexible-work-requests-says-unison/Thu, 15 Feb 2024 01:02:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/women-in-the-uks-public-services-repeatedly-denied-flexible-work-requests-says-unison/ Besides me shamelessly trying to fit a few love puns and song titles into this blog, you’ll find here my message about how important unions are to me, to everyone’s working lives and to the whole of society.
I’ve spent my whole working life in the trade union movement, because I know that trade unions m]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-give-your-to-our-unions/Tue, 13 Feb 2024 12:04:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-give-your-to-our-unions/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/affording-it/Sun, 11 Feb 2024 19:27:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/affording-it/ A new report, compiled on behalf of 14 unions representing more than a million health workers in England, makes clear rebuilding the NHS workforce will be impossible without the fair, sustained wage rises central to recruiting and hanging on to staff.
The unions also call for action from the governm]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/decent-nhs-pay-rise-is-crucial-if-both-the-workforce-and-the-economy-are-to-grow-say-health-unions/Fri, 09 Feb 2024 13:31:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/decent-nhs-pay-rise-is-crucial-if-both-the-workforce-and-the-economy-are-to-grow-say-health-unions/ The union – representing ambulance workers, nurses, cleaners, medical secretaries, occupational therapists, porters and a whole host of other NHS staff – has urged Victoria Atkins to convene pay talks.
UNISON says this would be the best way to agree the wage rise due in April, impro]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/putpay-right-and-start-to-solve-the-nhs-many-problems/Fri, 09 Feb 2024 01:01:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/putpay-right-and-start-to-solve-the-nhs-many-problems/ On Tuesday, the union held a drop-in event at Westminster, where MPs discussed their local colleges and the funding problems in the sector.
As well as listening to issues which affect the sector nationally, MPs were keen to talk about what they could do to support their local colleges.
Ther]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/mps-celebrate-college-support-staff/Thu, 08 Feb 2024 13:37:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/mps-celebrate-college-support-staff/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/232-million-329m-with-inflation-cut-to-uk-public-libraries-since-2010/Sun, 04 Feb 2024 18:33:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/232-million-329m-with-inflation-cut-to-uk-public-libraries-since-2010/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/at-least-let-libraries-keep-the-money-we-already-have/Sun, 28 Jan 2024 19:14:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/at-least-let-libraries-keep-the-money-we-already-have/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/libraries-get-a-good-review/Sun, 21 Jan 2024 18:28:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/libraries-get-a-good-review/ The call comes as thousands of health, care, school and other public sector workers, belonging to UNISON and 14 other unions, are to take strike action today, following the Westminster government’s ongoing failure to provide the funding needed to resolve pay disputes, says the union.
The action, which is]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/westminster-government-must-unlock-funding-for-northern-ireland-public-sector-pay-rise-now/Thu, 18 Jan 2024 01:01:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/westminster-government-must-unlock-funding-for-northern-ireland-public-sector-pay-rise-now/ A large proportion of the world’s trade passes through the Red Sea and the diversion o]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-statement-on-the-situation-in-the-red-sea/Wed, 17 Jan 2024 13:20:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-statement-on-the-situation-in-the-red-sea/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/we-may-have-had-enough/Sun, 14 Jan 2024 11:40:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/we-may-have-had-enough/ “The NHS needs greater funding to be able to offer decent pay for all staff. That’s the way to recruit and retain the workforce that’s needed.
“Pitting different groups of staff against each other for a larger slice of what’s available is the wrong approach. It would divert time and r]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/nhs-staff-need-better-pay-not-divisive-distractions-says-unison/Thu, 11 Jan 2024 16:56:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/nhs-staff-need-better-pay-not-divisive-distractions-says-unison/ “A national career structure for care workers and recognised qualifications are long overdue.
“But any attempt to fix the social care staffing crisis will be fatally undermined unless the government delivers the investment and reform that’s desperately needed. O]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/care-changes-are-a-start-but-wont-solve-staffing-crisis/Wed, 10 Jan 2024 08:00:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/care-changes-are-a-start-but-wont-solve-staffing-crisis/ Last year, it introduced the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act, which stipulates that when workers in certain sectors vote to take legal strike action, they could be forced back to work and sacked if they do not comply.
The TUC is organising a march and rally to cel]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/protect-the-right-to-strike-as-the-tories-act-to-axe-workers-rights/Mon, 08 Jan 2024 13:32:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/protect-the-right-to-strike-as-the-tories-act-to-axe-workers-rights/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/the-wrong-kind-of-hackathon/Sun, 07 Jan 2024 10:49:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/the-wrong-kind-of-hackathon/ I have high hopes for 2024 – 12 months of campaigning for UNISON’s Year of LGBT+ workers and for a national care service, securing pay deals across all public services and a general election that will push the chaotic Tories out of Westminster and bring in a new government.
A new government is a must for our members and for our public services. Our NHS, schools, local councils and em]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-lets-make-2024-a-success/Tue, 02 Jan 2024 11:30:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-lets-make-2024-a-success/ Dark times look to be here again with major cuts proposed or confirmed over the last fortnight in Denbighshire, Haringey, Nottingham and Swindon. In addition, there are dark rumblings in several other council services. This is starting to remind of the start of Public Libraries News back in 2010 when there was cut after cut announced. However, the big difference here is that the party in government turned out to have more than a decade to run at that point while now, the same party/gov]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/the-more-things-change-the-more-things-stay-the-same/Mon, 01 Jan 2024 19:56:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/the-more-things-change-the-more-things-stay-the-same/ “This partial climb down on visa rules will bring some relief to migrant care workers already here with families.
“But ministers should have been clear from the start. Overseas care staff could have been spared weeks]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/care-worker-climb-down-over-families-shows-government-in-chaos-says-unison/Fri, 22 Dec 2023 13:33:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/care-worker-climb-down-over-families-shows-government-in-chaos-says-unison/ In a letter to health and social care secretary Victoria Atkins, the two organisations warn of the ‘devastating impact’ of the ban on overseas care staff bringing dependents to the UK, as announced by the government earlier this month.
UNISON has written the letter jointly with the NCF – which represents thousands of not]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/government-must-ditch-catastrophic-plans-for-migrant-care-workers-/Fri, 22 Dec 2023 01:01:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/government-must-ditch-catastrophic-plans-for-migrant-care-workers-/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/government-must-hold-nhs-pay-talks-early-in-the-new-year-says-unison/Wed, 20 Dec 2023 18:42:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/government-must-hold-nhs-pay-talks-early-in-the-new-year-says-unison/ I hope you can spend precious time with family and friends this Christmas, but as our public services rely on your work every day, I know your jobs may be just as demanding as the rest of the year.  
Throughout the festive]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/merry-christmas-and-a-very-happy-new-year/Tue, 19 Dec 2023 10:43:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/merry-christmas-and-a-very-happy-new-year/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/storyteller-library-names-a-strike-and-a-book-thief/Mon, 18 Dec 2023 21:57:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/storyteller-library-names-a-strike-and-a-book-thief/ “The care sector is a lifeline for so many people. Yet there’s still no plan to fix social care, more than four years after a Conservative prime minister said he had one.
“The government seems intent on worsening the crisis by playing politics with migrant workers’ lives, rather th]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/government-should-focus-on-fixing-social-care-not-playing-politics-with-peoples-lives/Wed, 13 Dec 2023 16:57:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/government-should-focus-on-fixing-social-care-not-playing-politics-with-peoples-lives/ The Europe-wide mobilisation, On the Road for a Fair Deal for Workers, was organised by The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC). It took place during EU negotiations over the new Stability and Growth Pact, which aims to limit debt and deficits for member countries.
The ETUC, which represents 45]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-joins-thousands-in-brussels-to-protest-austerity/Wed, 13 Dec 2023 11:04:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-joins-thousands-in-brussels-to-protest-austerity/ The Europe-wide mobilisation, On the Road for a Fair Deal for Workers, was organised by The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC). It took place during EU negotiations over the new Stability and Growth Pact, which aims to limit debt and deficits for member countries.
The ETUC, which represents 45]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-joins-brussels-protest-against-austerity/Wed, 13 Dec 2023 11:04:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-joins-brussels-protest-against-austerity/ Just transition
One of the significant achievements during the first week of COP28 in Dubai, was the acknowledgment of the importance of a just transition to a low-carbon economy. Recognition of the rights and needs of w]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-reflecting-on-a-week-at-cop28-in-dubai/Tue, 12 Dec 2023 15:23:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-reflecting-on-a-week-at-cop28-in-dubai/ Titled Delivering greater security for the low paid: a collection of essays on the future of the minimum wage, the report features contributions from the Resolution Foundation, TUC, the Living Wage Foundation, Citizen’s Advice and Joseph Rowntree Foundation.
It also includes a piece from the unio]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-publishes-report-on-the-future-of-the-minimum-wage/Tue, 12 Dec 2023 15:20:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-publishes-report-on-the-future-of-the-minimum-wage/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/public-libraries-named-after-women-theres-not-many/Sun, 10 Dec 2023 18:51:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/public-libraries-named-after-women-theres-not-many/ “The government will tear families apart with this heartless policy. Overseas care workers in the UK have been left in limbo as Christmas approaches. Ministers haven’t said if their children and partners must leave.
“These rules are not only inhuma]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/government-tearing-families-and-social-care-apart-with-immigration-rules-says-unison/Fri, 08 Dec 2023 17:08:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/government-tearing-families-and-social-care-apart-with-immigration-rules-says-unison/ “Failing and polluting water companies are jeopardising water quality, killing wildlife and causing untold damage to the environment.
“It beggars belief these firms are prioritising shareholder payouts over investment in services to their customers.
“The regulator must step in to force them to focus on providing sa]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/water-firms-should-invest-in-services-rather-than-shareholder-payouts/Thu, 07 Dec 2023 18:54:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/water-firms-should-invest-in-services-rather-than-shareholder-payouts/ “These cruel plans spell total disaster for the NHS and social care. They benefit no one.
“Migrant workers were encouraged to come here because both sectors are critically short of staff. Hospitals and care homes simply couldn’t function without them.
“There’s also a global shortage]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/cruel-migration-plans-are-a-disaster-for-health-and-social-care/Tue, 05 Dec 2023 10:29:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/cruel-migration-plans-are-a-disaster-for-health-and-social-care/ In December 2020, in the midst of the second COVID-19 lockdown, school meals staff employed by Dolce were told that their hours would be reduced by an average of 20-25%, with some as much as 40%, and others were told they would be moved to zero-hours contracts.
Many were still expected to work the hours that they were originally contracted to do; UNISON national off]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-wins-huge-settlement-for-school-meals-workers/Mon, 04 Dec 2023 16:36:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-wins-huge-settlement-for-school-meals-workers/ The case was between police workers (officers and staff) and their employer: the Northern Ireland police force. Formally titled Chief Constable of Police Service of Northern Ireland v Agnew, the case was about underpayment of holiday pay over a period of 25 years.
UNISON intervened in the case and the workers won. Here, the]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/qampa-who-could-be-entitled-to-thousands-in-unpaid-wages/Mon, 04 Dec 2023 16:09:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/qampa-who-could-be-entitled-to-thousands-in-unpaid-wages/ “This is a drop in the ocean compared to the scale of the problem.
“It will do next to nothing to fix the deep-rooted problems in social care. Anyone trying to arrange a care package knows all too well that the system is broken.
“Instead of endless s]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/council-funding-boost-will-do-nothing-to-fix-deep-rooted-problems-in-social-care/Mon, 04 Dec 2023 13:41:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/council-funding-boost-will-do-nothing-to-fix-deep-rooted-problems-in-social-care/ The thesis would be that libraries are recovering well from spending cuts, with their building stock being renewed. Evidence just this week would be: Shipley Library having a new enterprise hub; Brierly Library opening in Dudley after a]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/a-stirling-effort-at-a-thesis-and-antithesis-nott/Sun, 03 Dec 2023 16:15:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/a-stirling-effort-at-a-thesis-and-antithesis-nott/ “It’s a shame Matt Hancock wasn’t as enthusiastic about boosting sick pay when he was in government. 
“Pitifully low rates meant care staff went into work when they had Covid, simply because they couldn’t afford to stop home and isolate. Increa]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/boosting-sick-pay-during-the-pandemic-would-have-helped-prevent-virus-spread/Fri, 01 Dec 2023 17:15:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/boosting-sick-pay-during-the-pandemic-would-have-helped-prevent-virus-spread/ Back home in the UK, we’re also preparing to take part in the International Trade Union Confederation’s (ITUC) Global Day of Action. Events are planned in Aberystwyth, Bournemouth, Brighton, Cardiff, Durham, Edinburgh, Leeds, London, Portsmouth and Sheffield.
We no longer have to look]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-taking-demands-to-world-leaders-at-cop28/Fri, 01 Dec 2023 12:33:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-taking-demands-to-world-leaders-at-cop28/ “Matt Hancock continues to shirk responsibility for the many lives lost on his pandemic watch.
“Saying sorry now rings hollow. Nothing can ease the pain for the families of care home residents and staff who died.
“They’re paying the price for his incompetence and will never forget Mr Hancock]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/matt-hancock-continues-to-shirk-responsibility-for-pandemic-lives-lost-says-unison-/Thu, 30 Nov 2023 18:38:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/matt-hancock-continues-to-shirk-responsibility-for-pandemic-lives-lost-says-unison-/ “But the NHS workforce crisis hasn’t gone away. The number of students starting nursing courses this year in England has plummeted by 12%.
“Much more must be done to recruit and keep hold of the health and care staff]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/rising-visa-fees-and-reduced-student-numbers-could-worsen-nhs-recruitment-crisis-says-unison/Thu, 30 Nov 2023 01:15:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/rising-visa-fees-and-reduced-student-numbers-could-worsen-nhs-recruitment-crisis-says-unison/ Tony Wright, NEC member and chair of the policy development and campaign committee, will be attending the first week of the conference. He will be acting as one of the two designated UK observers, as part of the International Trades Union Congress (ITUC) delegation.
As an official observer, his duties w]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-takes-the-call-for-a-just-transition-to-cop28/Tue, 28 Nov 2023 16:10:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-takes-the-call-for-a-just-transition-to-cop28/ “If school workers were paid properly, strikes would be rare.
“The government hasn’t invested in essential services or their workforces. Industrial action is often the only option if staff are to have any hope of keeping pay at decent levels, and sparing schools an endless recruitment nightmare.
&]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/government-should-be-investing-in-schoolsnotbanning-strikes-says-unison/Tue, 28 Nov 2023 14:22:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/government-should-be-investing-in-schoolsnotbanning-strikes-says-unison/ EditorialThe Autumn Statement may have had, on the face of it, very little to do with public libraries. But, faced with a windfall increase in tax due to inflation, the Government decided to spend it not on public services – which suffer proportionately from inflation – but on tax decreases. This course of action was always going to be very tempting for the Government even not so close to an election – party ideology is all about reducing the tax burden – b]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/icebergs-and-icebreakers/Sun, 26 Nov 2023 18:13:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/icebergs-and-icebreakers/  “For too long, the government has sat back and watched as the NHS and social care grapple with a monumental staffing crisis. Both sectors are many thousands of staff short, social care desperately so.
“Migrant worke]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/jenrick-plan-to-cap-migrant-workers-would-collapse-care-system-says-unison/Fri, 24 Nov 2023 18:00:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/jenrick-plan-to-cap-migrant-workers-would-collapse-care-system-says-unison/ School support staff are using their own money to help pay for pupils’ food and clothing, even though many are struggling to cope with the cost-of-living crisis themselves, says UNISON today (Friday).
A ​UK-wide survey of more than 13,000 school workers reveals that staff – including teaching assistants, caterers and cleaners – are buying food, clothes an]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/cash-strapped-school-support-staff-are-paying-for-pupils-essentials/Fri, 24 Nov 2023 09:21:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/cash-strapped-school-support-staff-are-paying-for-pupils-essentials/ UNISON takes pride in celebrating public service workers, and this Friday’s annual Stars In Our Schools celebration is very special to me. I spent many years working closely with schools support staff, negotiating for them, campaigning with them and demanding better recognition]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-get-ready-to-celebrate-all-the-stars-in-our-schools/Tue, 21 Nov 2023 10:50:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-get-ready-to-celebrate-all-the-stars-in-our-schools/ Congratulations to Nick Poole who has announced he will become the Chief Executive of the trade association for UK video games in April. Nick, if you don’t know what “games as a service”, “freemium”, “Pay to win” and, oh my goodness, “loot boxes” are, I pity you. But assuming you do know these things, well done that man. Nick, Chief Executive of CILIP, has done a tremendous amount for public libraries in campaigning for]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/a-poole-of-talent/Sun, 19 Nov 2023 12:53:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/a-poole-of-talent/ From Belfast to Omagh, Downpatrick to Ballycastle, members demanded long overdue reform to the education authority’s pay and grading structure.
UNISON believes this must be changed to recognise and properly value our members’ huge contribution to the education of chi]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/education-workers-across-northern-ireland-take-action-for-pay-justice/Fri, 17 Nov 2023 15:08:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/education-workers-across-northern-ireland-take-action-for-pay-justice/ Thames Water has announced that a further 126 jobs are at risk, less than a fortnight after the company announced plans to remove 300 roles.
UNISON deputy head of environment Gavin Edwards said: “Water industry staff provide an essential service. Any job cuts will put extra pressure on those who remain to maintain a vital resource.
“But the reality is that customers co]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/job-cuts-at-thames-water-will-worsen-services-says-unison/Wed, 15 Nov 2023 17:27:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/job-cuts-at-thames-water-will-worsen-services-says-unison/ “Waiting lists and delays to treatment show no signs of abating. Winter is just around the corner and that’s always a challenging time for an NHS that’s both under-funded and thousands of staff short.
“Steve Barclay couldn’t solve the many problems affecting services and patients. The new health secretary h]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/improving-wages-and-fixing-social-care-must-be-among-new-health-secretarys-priorities/Mon, 13 Nov 2023 17:23:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/improving-wages-and-fixing-social-care-must-be-among-new-health-secretarys-priorities/ Yeah, it’s been a while since my last post. Back in late April I was walking the dogs before going to work, rushed as always, when I had a heart attack. This greatly annoyed my dogs as it meant their walk was cut short. Thankfully, I got back to the house before my wife left for work, meaning she was able to call 999, an ambulance came immediately, I was operated on in an hour and walking again the next day. Thank heavens for the NHS.
Recovery took way longer than I]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/from-the-heart-public-libraries-news-restarts/Sun, 12 Nov 2023 18:05:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/from-the-heart-public-libraries-news-restarts/ Speaking at the union’s annual LGBT+ conference in Liverpool, UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea will say: “Watching Conservative politicians pick on marginalised communities and stir up hatred at their annual conference thi]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/ministers-picking-on-lgbt-community-does-not-deflect-from-governments-appalling-record-on-rights-says-unison/Sat, 11 Nov 2023 10:00:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/ministers-picking-on-lgbt-community-does-not-deflect-from-governments-appalling-record-on-rights-says-unison/ The week aims to help UNISON members to develop skills in financial planning, how to manage money and how to battle debt pressures.
There are still places at two events:‘Making the most of your membership’, for members and non-members. (Monday 27 November, 12-1pm)
‘Credit, borrowing and debt’, for UNISON members only (Wednesday 29 November, 12-1pm)See belo]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/financial-wellbeing-week-spaces-still-available/Wed, 08 Nov 2023 11:39:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/financial-wellbeing-week-spaces-still-available/ If the government is truly focused on “increasing economic growth and safeguarding the health and security of the British people for generations to come”, then a national care service would have been top of the list.
What better way to change this country for the better than by creating a service that will protect and look after those who need care, allow their relatives to stay in f]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-kings-speech-is-a-missed-opportunity/Tue, 07 Nov 2023 13:45:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-kings-speech-is-a-missed-opportunity/ “This is a government with nothing left to offer. There was little announced today that will make the slightest bit of difference to the many real and deep-seated problems the country faces.
“This is a legislative programme heavy on cheap political points, but light on policies to right the wrongs of years of foolhardy austerity.
“Conservative gov]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/kings-speech-shows-the-government-is-all-out-of-ideas/Tue, 07 Nov 2023 13:30:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/kings-speech-shows-the-government-is-all-out-of-ideas/ “This pointless move won’t solve a single problem in the NHS. But it will create many more difficulties for everyone.
“Measures are already in place to protect patients during action. Sacking ambulance workers on strike won’t get the millions awaiting hospital treatment any closer]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/governments-desperate-strike-move-wont-solve-any-nhs-problems/Mon, 06 Nov 2023 18:49:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/governments-desperate-strike-move-wont-solve-any-nhs-problems/ As the largest union in the employer, UNISON is raising serious concerns about the proposals – for example, whether sufficient analysis has been done on the impact of the job cuts on workloads and whether the]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/thames-water-announces-it-is-to-consult-on-axing-300-jobs/Mon, 06 Nov 2023 15:54:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/thames-water-announces-it-is-to-consult-on-axing-300-jobs/ General secretary Christina McAnea says: “I know that many UNISON activists are eager to respond to the crisis, so we are encouraging all our branches to support the critical work of Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) and the Red Cross.
“UNISON condemns the brutal and heinous attack by Hamas against innocent civilians in Israel, and the indiscriminate bombing and collective punishment of the]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/donate-to-aid-efforts-in-israel-and-gaza/Mon, 06 Nov 2023 10:00:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/donate-to-aid-efforts-in-israel-and-gaza/ General secretary Christina McAnea says: “I know that many UNISON activists are eager to respond to the crisis, so we are encouraging all our branches to support the critical work of Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) and the Red Cross.
“UNISON condemns the brutal and heinous attack by Hamas against innocent civilians in Israel, and the indiscriminate bombing and collective punishment of the]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/donate-to-aid-efforts-in-gaza-and-israel/Mon, 06 Nov 2023 10:00:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/donate-to-aid-efforts-in-gaza-and-israel/ UNISON condemns the brutal and heinous attack by Hamas against innocent civilians in Israel, and the indiscriminate bombing and collective punishment of the people of Gaza. We are calling for a ceasefire, th]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-donate-to-aid-efforts-in-israel-and-gaza/Mon, 06 Nov 2023 10:00:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-donate-to-aid-efforts-in-israel-and-gaza/ “Sadly this won’t stop thousands of contractors and ‘bank’ pr]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/all-employers-in-the-nhs-must-play-by-the-same-rules/Mon, 06 Nov 2023 01:01:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/all-employers-in-the-nhs-must-play-by-the-same-rules/ “This will ensure a small number of providers aren’t out of pocket for awarding staff what they’re legally owed, but this should have happened months ago.
“Sadly this won’t stop thousands of]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/all-employers-in-the-nhs-must-play-by-the-same-pay-rules/Mon, 06 Nov 2023 01:01:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/all-employers-in-the-nhs-must-play-by-the-same-pay-rules/ The development follows a UNISON campaign over several months, during which workers were on strike for 13 days ahead of the latest offer.
The staff are employed at Arrowe Park and Clatterbridge hospitals.
Clinical suppor]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/wirral-hospitals-strike-paused-as-workers-winback-payafter-lengthy-campaign/Fri, 03 Nov 2023 13:00:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/wirral-hospitals-strike-paused-as-workers-winback-payafter-lengthy-campaign/ Staff working to protect communities from the aftermath of Storm Babet and the onslaught of Storm Ciarán were reluctantly due to walk out from 7am on Friday until 7am on Monday as part of their long-standing dispute over pay, says UNISON.
The decision to cal]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/new-environment-agencyoffer-meansstrikesuspension-andpay-talks/Thu, 02 Nov 2023 18:23:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/new-environment-agencyoffer-meansstrikesuspension-andpay-talks/ The special education school is run by disability charity Livability, but it has not made a pay offer that addresses historic low wages by comparison to other school settings across Dorset and nationally.
A membership recruitment campaign began in 2021 and saw a recognition agreement signed with the employer in March 2022.
Regional organiser Mike C]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/poole-education-members-strike-over-low-pay/Thu, 02 Nov 2023 16:38:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/poole-education-members-strike-over-low-pay/ The union has made four new Standing up for Social Work films which can be found below or at the social work page.
Social workers play an important role in supporting the most vulnerable in society and make a real difference to individuals and families by helping them live their lives more successfully. This could be helping to protect vulnerable people from harm or supporting people to live independently.
But it&rsqu]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-is-standing-up-for-social-workers-and-their-profession/Thu, 02 Nov 2023 13:30:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-is-standing-up-for-social-workers-and-their-profession/ This means an increase of £1,925 on all NJC (National Joint Council) pay points, pro rata’d for part-time and term time only staff. This will be backdated to 1 April 2023.
Following the results of its ballots in the summer, UNISON’s NJC committee made the decision not to pursue industrial action.
In their joint stateme]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/local-government-unions-agree-to-accept-pay-offer-for-2023/Thu, 02 Nov 2023 12:15:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/local-government-unions-agree-to-accept-pay-offer-for-2023/ The definition of low-paid reflects the median gross weekly earnings for all jobs – full time or part time – and is revised each year.
The median gross weekly earnings figure for 2023 has been calculated in the Annual]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/reserved-low-pay-seat-threshold-for-2024/Thu, 02 Nov 2023 11:14:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/reserved-low-pay-seat-threshold-for-2024/ PSI is the global union federation for public services workers, UNISON’s international equivalent. It represents 30 million workers in 750 unions across 156 countries and hosts a global conference every five years. Around a thousand delegates attended this year’s conference.
UNISON’s delegation was led by the union’s president Libby Nolan. The un]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-attends-psi-conference-in-geneva/Tue, 31 Oct 2023 17:38:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-attends-psi-conference-in-geneva/ This year, the seminar allowed the nurses to engage with and question leaders in nursing organisations about their priorities for overseas nurses.
In other sessions, the event also gave attendees the opportunity to explore the]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/overseas-nurses-gather-for-empowering-day/Tue, 31 Oct 2023 15:59:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/overseas-nurses-gather-for-empowering-day/ The motion ‘mind the pay gap’ noted that, even for those disabled people in work, the disability pay gap is growing and now stands at a shocking 17.2% or £3,700 less a year than non-disabled workers.
Looking also at the pay gaps across other equality strands, the motion notes that since gender pay gap reporting has been required, for organisations with more]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/pay-gaps-exist-because-no-one-is-looking-disabled-members-hear/Tue, 31 Oct 2023 15:44:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/pay-gaps-exist-because-no-one-is-looking-disabled-members-hear/ The strikes come after UNISON members at Scottish Water voted overwhelmingly (78%) for action over a pay and grading dispute earlier this month.
The dispute comes after Scottish Water proposed changes to employment contracts without properly engaging with unions, causing anger amongst staff. The union says the proposals will cause years of wrangling]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/scottish-water-staff-to-strike-for-four-days-in-november/Tue, 31 Oct 2023 13:18:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/scottish-water-staff-to-strike-for-four-days-in-november/ We’re expecting more explosive talk, axe-grinding and score-settling. A lot of noise that risks drowning out the most important parts of the inquiry – the experiences of those who suffered.
In the UK, millions fell sick with COVID, and over 230,000 died with it, leaving millions more grieving relatives and friends. We all lost days without our loved ones be]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-your-experiences-are-vital-to-the-covid-inquiry/Tue, 31 Oct 2023 11:30:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-your-experiences-are-vital-to-the-covid-inquiry/ Referencing one important aspect of the union’s 2022 Year of Disabled Workers, she said: “Self-defining as disabled is how we elevate our rights in the workplace, boardroom and, yes, in parliament.
“That’s how we turn the whole thing on it&rs]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/disabled-people-should-be-asking-employers-if-they-are-fit-to-employ/Mon, 30 Oct 2023 16:14:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/disabled-people-should-be-asking-employers-if-they-are-fit-to-employ/ Amanda Sweetlove, deputy co-chair of the disabled members committee (pictured above), moved the annual report to delegates of what was their largest ever conference.
Ms Sweetlove reported that the committee had been “extremely bu]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/disabled-members-look-towards-the-general-election/Mon, 30 Oct 2023 13:10:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/disabled-members-look-towards-the-general-election/ We express our concern at the collapse of vital public services and especially healthcare and reiterate our call for the release of all the hostages being held by Hamas.
UNISON encourages our members and br]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-calls-for-immediate-ceasefire-in-gaza-and-israel/Thu, 26 Oct 2023 13:43:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-calls-for-immediate-ceasefire-in-gaza-and-israel/ The workers, who are employed by private contractor Glendale Grounds Maintenance, have been involved in a long-running dispute over pay, but the company has finally put forward an offer that the staff have accepted.
The accepted offer will be in place for two years and means staff will be paid what was the real living wage – £10.90 p]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/rotherham-cemetery-staff-secure-major-pay-victory/Thu, 26 Oct 2023 13:27:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/rotherham-cemetery-staff-secure-major-pay-victory/ General secretary Christina McAnea spoke of the “terrible things that are happening to innocent civilians,” noting that the union had put out two statements – the first in conjunction with the international trade union movement – condemning the attacks by Hamas, calling for the release of all hostages, stressing tha]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/nec-hears-of-terrible-things-happening-to-civilians/Thu, 26 Oct 2023 12:06:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/nec-hears-of-terrible-things-happening-to-civilians/ Staff working in schools, and early years establishments linked to schools, within those four local authorities will walk out on Wednesday 8 November.
This will be the second week of a rolling programme of action that will take place. UNISON has already notified Glasgow City, Renfrewshire, East Renfrewshire and Inverclyde]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/more-scottish-schools-to-close-as-unison-sets-further-strike-dates/Wed, 25 Oct 2023 16:49:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/more-scottish-schools-to-close-as-unison-sets-further-strike-dates/ “Anyone who thinks that making bankers even richer will achieve anything positive for the country is utterly deluded.
“It’s beyond belief that the disastrous policies of Liz Truss are being reheated. She trashed the economy and everyone else is still paying the price.
“This wo]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/swelling-bankers-pay-packets-wont-help-people-struggling-with-bills/Tue, 24 Oct 2023 15:35:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/swelling-bankers-pay-packets-wont-help-people-struggling-with-bills/ The list is published to coincide with Black History Month which this year is themed Saluting Our Sisters. This year, the HSJ has recognised two UNISON women in the top10 – Helga Pile, UNISON’s deputy head of health, and May Parsons, a prominent health activist in the union.
Helga PileHelga was recognised partly for her]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-officer-and-activist-recognised-by-health-journal/Tue, 24 Oct 2023 12:43:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-officer-and-activist-recognised-by-health-journal/ Key Black figures have been at the forefront of fighting for social justice and equal rights in the UK. They’ve been instrumental in developing Britain’s culture, art and society as we know it now.
During this year’s Black History]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-trade-unions-wouldnt-be-the-same-without-black-members/Tue, 24 Oct 2023 11:15:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-trade-unions-wouldnt-be-the-same-without-black-members/ Key Black figures have been at the forefront of fighting for social justice and equal rights in the UK. They’ve been instrumental in developing Britain’s culture, art and society as we know it now.
During this year’s Black History]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-trade-unions-wouldnt-be-the-same-without-black-britons/Tue, 24 Oct 2023 11:15:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-trade-unions-wouldnt-be-the-same-without-black-britons/ “This is good news for hundreds of thousands of low-paid workers whose employers do the right thing. That’s pay them a decent wage. But many more providing essential public services will miss out.
“These employees include care workers, who’]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/thousands-of-staff-will-be-left-behind-after-realliving-wage-rise-says-unison/Tue, 24 Oct 2023 10:06:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/thousands-of-staff-will-be-left-behind-after-realliving-wage-rise-says-unison/ She started in her new role this week and takes over from Joanne Kaye, who retired earlier this year.
Kerry joined UNISON in 2014, initially working with the union’s health, local government and university branches in the Plymouth and Exeter areas. For the last five years, she has been managing UNISON’s Dorset and Somerset teams.
Prior to]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-appoints-new-regional-secretary-in-the-south-west/Fri, 20 Oct 2023 14:24:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-appoints-new-regional-secretary-in-the-south-west/ “The cash crisis in local authorities is worsening by the day. That will mean even more cuts to services and further hardship for communities everywhere.
“Without significant extra funding from ministers for all councils urgently, many more will be on the]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/the-cash-crisis-in-councils-is-worsening-by-the-day/Fri, 20 Oct 2023 01:01:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/the-cash-crisis-in-councils-is-worsening-by-the-day/ “Despite promises to keep all those with an interest in the state of schools updated on the extent of the dangerous crumbly concrete, ministers seem intent on k]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/ministers-must-come-clean-on-the-full-scale-of-crumbly-concrete/Thu, 19 Oct 2023 16:04:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/ministers-must-come-clean-on-the-full-scale-of-crumbly-concrete/ Staff working in schools, and early years establishments linked to schools, within the four local authorities will walk out on Wednesday 1 November. This is the first part of a rolling programme of action that will take place over the forthcoming weeks, with further strike dates and other councils being announce]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/schools-set-to-close-again-in-scotland-as-unison-announces-further-strike-dates/Wed, 18 Oct 2023 16:37:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/schools-set-to-close-again-in-scotland-as-unison-announces-further-strike-dates/ We send our condolences to all those who mourn the loss of loved ones. 
UNISON reiterates its call for both Israel and Hamas to respect international law and for the international community to immediately put in place me]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-statement-on-gaza-hospital-bombing/Wed, 18 Oct 2023 12:52:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-statement-on-gaza-hospital-bombing/ The event was launched last year by Newham Healthcare branch committee and, after its overwhelming success, has been turned into an annual celebration. According to branch secretary Chris Akaluka (pictured above), the idea of the event was to combat a culture of ‘bandism’.
Explaining the term, he says: “Bandism is a term I coined to describe the]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/second-much-more-than-you-are-fights-bandism/Tue, 17 Oct 2023 16:32:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/second-much-more-than-you-are-fights-bandism/ The event was launched last year by Newham Healthcare branch committee and, after its overwhelming success, has been turned into an annual celebration. According to branch secretary Chris Akaluka (pictured above), the idea of the event was to combat a culture of ‘bandism’.
Explaining the term, he says: “Bandism is a term I coined to describe the]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/second-much-more-than-you-are-exhibition-fights-bandism/Tue, 17 Oct 2023 16:32:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/second-much-more-than-you-are-exhibition-fights-bandism/ Council funding – slashed every year for the past decade – is putting pressure on vital services. And an ever-decreasing number of staff means the ones left are worn out.
Yet council and school workers continue with their hard work to keep our communities together – supporting our]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-celebrating-our-local-government-champions/Tue, 17 Oct 2023 11:27:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-celebrating-our-local-government-champions/ It comes after UNISON members voted overwhelmingly to reject Cosla’s pay offer, with  nine in ten workers (89.92 %) voting against the offer in a consultative ballot.
UNISON will now move to a rolling programme of action in schools, and early years establishments linked to schools, from Shetlan]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-votes-for-further-school-strikes-in-scotland/Mon, 16 Oct 2023 16:01:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-votes-for-further-school-strikes-in-scotland/ “The data paints a grim picture of what lies ahead.
“Staff have been working in exceptionally challenging circumstances, with many suffering burnout. And all this is happening well ahead of winter and its extra pressures.
“Delivering patient services through another record-breakingly bad winter cannot]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/surge-plans-needed-to-spare-nhs-staff-and-patients-this-winter/Thu, 12 Oct 2023 13:55:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/surge-plans-needed-to-spare-nhs-staff-and-patients-this-winter/ Unlike last year, these vaccinations are voluntary. UNISON supports vaccination in health and social care. The vaccines are safe, and we encourage all members who do not have a medical exemption to get their jab because, for some, flu and COVID-19 are unpleasant illnesses. However, for many, they can be very dangerous and even life-threatening.
Frontline healthcare]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/winter-flu-and-covid-19-vaccine-programme-202324-tell-us-whats-happening/Thu, 12 Oct 2023 10:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/winter-flu-and-covid-19-vaccine-programme-202324-tell-us-whats-happening/ Israel has been devastated by a brutal and heinous attack that has claimed the lives of many hundreds of innocent civilians. Gaza is being subjected to an intensificati]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-condemns-violence-in-israel-and-gaza-and-calls-for-international-law-to-be-upheld/Wed, 11 Oct 2023 17:06:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-condemns-violence-in-israel-and-gaza-and-calls-for-international-law-to-be-upheld/ “Patients have suffered from Conservative mismanagement of the NHS for 13 long years. Services are in a perilous state and health workers are exhausted.
“Record staff shortages are fuelling ever-growing waiting lists. Labour plans to boost the workforce and]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/patient-confidence-in-the-nhs-must-be-rebuilt/Wed, 11 Oct 2023 13:34:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/patient-confidence-in-the-nhs-must-be-rebuilt/ “Numeracy is a skill for life. Ensuring children feel comfortable with numbers from an early age will reap dividends throughout their education and beyond.
“Delivering these practical plans will mean much-needed investment in a well-trained early-years workforce, which deserves both decent pay and care]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/numeracy-commitment-will-mean-investment-in-staff/Wed, 11 Oct 2023 08:28:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/numeracy-commitment-will-mean-investment-in-staff/ “Numeracy is a skill for life. Ensuring children feel comfortable with numbers from an early age will reap dividends throughout their education and beyond.
“Delivering these practical plans will mean much-needed investment in a well-trained early-years workforce, which deserves both decent pay and care]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/numeracy-commitment-will-mean-investment-in-children-and-staff/Wed, 11 Oct 2023 08:28:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/numeracy-commitment-will-mean-investment-in-children-and-staff/ “This was an inspiring speech from a leader who understands the chronic challenges facing the UK.
“After 13 years of dreadful government decision-making, Keir outlined a costed, rigorous and serious plan to get the country back on its feet.
“This offered hope for a future where the government will serve in the interests of w]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/labours-serious-plan-will-get-the-uk-back-on-its-feet/Tue, 10 Oct 2023 16:42:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/labours-serious-plan-will-get-the-uk-back-on-its-feet/ “Rachel Reeves set out a compelling vision. Under Labour the UK’s finances would be run responsibly and fairly, mending a Britain broken by 13 years of disastrous Conservative rule.
“Growth would be created and investment attracted. That would rebuild crumbling public services, restore people’s c]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/recovering-lost-covid-cash-would-mean-billions-for-struggling-public-services/Mon, 09 Oct 2023 14:29:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/recovering-lost-covid-cash-would-mean-billions-for-struggling-public-services/ Labour’s proposed overhaul of the sector would herald fairer pay and reverse the growing job vacancy trend that means thousands of people are currently unable to get the social care packages they desperately need, the union says.
Speaking at the Labour Party conference in Liverpool]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/social-care-would-be-transformed-under-alabour-government/Mon, 09 Oct 2023 12:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/social-care-would-be-transformed-under-alabour-government/ “Angela Rayner made the clear case for why working people and their families will fare better under a Labour government.
“Her speech shows Labour truly understands the need to make work more secure, in a way no Conservative government ever will.
“Labour in power will also deliver peace of mind to the UK’s employees i]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/an-election-cant-come-soon-enough-to-bring-the-change-the-uk-needs/Sun, 08 Oct 2023 13:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/an-election-cant-come-soon-enough-to-bring-the-change-the-uk-needs/ “The NHS needs all the help it can get. This is fine as a stop-gap measure, but this is all it must be.
“Health workers are already up against it and there are only so many hours in a day. But a voluntary scheme, where staff are paid fairly, that avoids the use of expensive agencies, makes sense in the sho]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/short-term-help-is-welcome-but-nhs-needs-permanent-workforce-fix/Sun, 08 Oct 2023 12:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/short-term-help-is-welcome-but-nhs-needs-permanent-workforce-fix/ UNISON hosted an event in solidarity with Hong Kong’s independent trade union movement earlier this week to mark the second anniversary of the disbandment of the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions (HKCTU) after extreme pressure from the Chinese government.
The union continues to]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/showing-solidarity-with-hong-kongs-independent-trade-unions/Fri, 06 Oct 2023 09:15:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/showing-solidarity-with-hong-kongs-independent-trade-unions/ Speaking at the union’s annual police and justice conference in Edinburgh as the We Are Police Staff campaign was launched, UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said:
“Politicians know they can’t win an election unless they’re trusted on law and order. But ministers have&nbs]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/campaign-launched-to-highlight-role-police-staff-play-in-keeping-communities-safe/Thu, 05 Oct 2023 16:17:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/campaign-launched-to-highlight-role-police-staff-play-in-keeping-communities-safe/ The week will consist of a series of free webinars and podcasts designed to give renters an opportunity to learn about their rights with the aim of improving their experience in the private rented sector. 
It will explore a variety of topics, including how to respond to the threat of an illegal eviction, how to afford your rent and what to do if a landlord won’t]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/free-events-will-help-renters-know-their-rights/Thu, 05 Oct 2023 12:43:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/free-events-will-help-renters-know-their-rights/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/christina-mcanea-urges-retired-members-to-help-campaign-for-care/Thu, 05 Oct 2023 12:36:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/christina-mcanea-urges-retired-members-to-help-campaign-for-care/ UNISON national officer Ben Priestly said: “Our police staff members do a vital job to keep communities safe by solving crime and bringing offenders to justice. The first voice you hear when you call the police in an emergency will be a police staff 999 call taker. Another member of police staff – a dispatcher – wi]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/we-are-police-staff-new-film-launches/Thu, 05 Oct 2023 12:10:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/we-are-police-staff-new-film-launches/ “The country is broken after 13 years of poor government. The prime minister’s focus should be on fixing the mess created by his ministers and those of the four earlier woeful Conservative administrations.
“Under his party the UK has become an international embarrassment. People have been pummelled by a cost of living crisis no one in governm]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/pms-policy-wheezes-are-last-desperate-roll-of-the-dice-from-a-government-on-borrowed-time/Wed, 04 Oct 2023 15:11:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/pms-policy-wheezes-are-last-desperate-roll-of-the-dice-from-a-government-on-borrowed-time/ The water industry has faced widespread criticism in recent years over the high volume of raw sewage discharges and the environmental impact on the rivers and seas – after paying huge dividends to shareholders instead of investing.
Despite funding of £56bn announced last year]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-condemns-water-firms-attempt-to-increase-household-bills/Wed, 04 Oct 2023 13:55:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-condemns-water-firms-attempt-to-increase-household-bills/ Prior to this, workers who consistently received incorrect pay could only make a claim at an employment tribunal for  the most recent underpayment. They could also include similar underpayments on previous occasions, but not if there was a gap of three or more months between them.
Today’s ru]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/supreme-court-ruling-is-a-victory-for-underpaid-workers/Wed, 04 Oct 2023 11:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/supreme-court-ruling-is-a-victory-for-underpaid-workers/ “This is deflection politics at its very worst.
“The NHS is having to deal with countless challenges, all of which are of great public concern.
“Endlessly-growing waiting lists, lengthening ambulance delays, worsening industrial relati]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/steve-barclays-conference-speech-is-deflection-politics-at-its-very-worst/Tue, 03 Oct 2023 14:54:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/steve-barclays-conference-speech-is-deflection-politics-at-its-very-worst/ The campaign will demonstrate our unwavering commitment to promote and defend the rights of police staff, who are tirelessly working in police forces across England, Scotland and Wales.
This will be no fleeting effort, but a long-term initiative that aims to make a profound impact over time.
We’re launching it officially this week, at the police and justice service gro]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-to-preserve-our-safety-we-must-protect-police-staff/Tue, 03 Oct 2023 10:40:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-to-preserve-our-safety-we-must-protect-police-staff/ Cleaners, IT technicians, administrators and library staff will be among those walking out in coordinated action aimed at disrupting the start of the new academic year, says the union.
Staff rejected a below-inflation pay deal in February and voted to strike. They are yet to receive a better offer and say they have little alternative but to take industrial act]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/support-staff-to-strike-at-17-universities-this-week-over-pay/Mon, 02 Oct 2023 01:04:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/support-staff-to-strike-at-17-universities-this-week-over-pay/ The figures, based on information gathered from local authorities in England, Scotland and Wales, show the true scale of the dire state of local government funding, says the union.
Many authorities will be forced to consider selling lan]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/councils-facedire-cash-crisis-totalling-more-than-35bn/Fri, 29 Sep 2023 08:01:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/councils-facedire-cash-crisis-totalling-more-than-35bn/ UNISON today joined environmental campaigners and others in co]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-condemns-disgraceful-approval-for-north-sea-oil-field/Wed, 27 Sep 2023 17:37:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-condemns-disgraceful-approval-for-north-sea-oil-field/ “This is yet another setback in the battle against climate change. It confirms the government‘s total lack of commitment to achieving net-zero.
“There is no guarantee the new oil will benefit the country. It’ll still need to be sold on the international market, not only to UK cons]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/rosebank-decision-makes-achieving-net-zero-much-harder-warns-unison/Wed, 27 Sep 2023 16:58:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/rosebank-decision-makes-achieving-net-zero-much-harder-warns-unison/ Tony had been a stalwart of the editorial team and the wider communications department since he joined UNISON from the Morning Star in 1996.
A plain-speaking, proud Yorkshireman and legendary Castleford Tigers fan, Tony was dedicated to the union and the wider trade union movement and worked on everything from Activist (previously]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/tony-braisby/Tue, 26 Sep 2023 15:35:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/tony-braisby/ The key messages and target for UNISON campaigns to build on our strong links with community groups.
While the huge numbers of pe]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-at-notting-hill-carnival/Tue, 26 Sep 2023 10:48:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-at-notting-hill-carnival/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/twinkle-twinkle-stars-in-our-schools-is-back/Mon, 25 Sep 2023 17:18:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/twinkle-twinkle-stars-in-our-schools-is-back/ The national young members’ forum will decide the winner,  who will be presented with the award at NDC 2024.
Branch secretaries and regional young members contacts can make submissions – so don’t delay and nominate your brilliant young activist]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/young-campaigners-eric-roberts-awards-2023/Mon, 25 Sep 2023 16:22:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/young-campaigners-eric-roberts-awards-2023/ Yet they’re finding their work is being undermined as budgets are slashed to the bone – and after 13 years of cuts, there’s not much left.
A staggering funding chasm of £3.5 billion by the financial year 2024/25 looms over our councils. The impact is not ab]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-how-much-trouble-is-your-local-council-in/Mon, 25 Sep 2023 16:21:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-how-much-trouble-is-your-local-council-in/ From April 2024 traffic wardens will receive £15.90 an hour. In April 2025 there will be a further increase of either 60p an hour or the RPI rate of inflation. As a consequence, by 2025 staff will be on a minimum hourly rate of £16.50.
More than 100 workers took par]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/camden-traffic-wardens-celebrate-pay-deal-after-59-days-of-strike-action/Fri, 22 Sep 2023 13:57:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/camden-traffic-wardens-celebrate-pay-deal-after-59-days-of-strike-action/ The NHS Business Services Authority (NHS BSA) and NHS Employers have plenty more information to share with members (links for further reading are below).
This article explores the options available to NHS Pension Scheme members.
UNISON branches should ask their employer/s to discuss flexible working policies and seek to negotiate fair and equit]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/flexible-retirement-options-for-nhs-staff-information-for-branches/Thu, 21 Sep 2023 10:43:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/flexible-retirement-options-for-nhs-staff-information-for-branches/ “There’ll be no winners from this. Rowing back on net-zero goals could cost jobs, put up energy bills and damage the UK’s international reputation.
“The government should be helping everyone to meet existing climate targets and secure the country’s long-term future. Not abandoning them for sh]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/no-winners-from-government-rowing-back-on-net-zero-policies/Wed, 20 Sep 2023 18:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/no-winners-from-government-rowing-back-on-net-zero-policies/ “Many involved in education suspect ministers still aren’t revealing the true scale of this growing problem.
“At-risk schools remain in the dark as they wait for inspections. This is simply not good enough.
“Ministers must come clean, be honest with]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/government-must-come-clean-over-scale-of-crumbly-concrete-in-schools/Tue, 19 Sep 2023 16:14:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/government-must-come-clean-over-scale-of-crumbly-concrete-in-schools/ As a result of having too few employees, many NHS trusts are unable to provide safe staffing levels, says UNISON.
The union’s campaign aims to highlight hospitals that are failing to provide sufficient numbers of staff with the time they need to deliver quality patient care. The union]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/only-enough-is-enough-campaign-launched-to-expose-hospital-understaffing/Tue, 19 Sep 2023 16:06:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/only-enough-is-enough-campaign-launched-to-expose-hospital-understaffing/ You only have to look at the Glasgow equal pay victory to understand our strength.
We’ve won the most equal pay cases, we’ve won the most money for members, and we don’t take a cut from the payouts.
It’s a fundamenta]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-in-the-campaign-for-equal-pay-unison-stands-firmly-on-the-frontline/Tue, 19 Sep 2023 13:42:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-in-the-campaign-for-equal-pay-unison-stands-firmly-on-the-frontline/ The walk out, over the 48-hour period of Thursday 21 and Friday 22 September, will involve ambulance crews, nurses, health care assistants, pharmacists, radiographers, porters, admin and technical staff, and domestic assistants.
Payroll staff will strike for a shorter period, to ensure their co-workers receive their pay on time – a dec]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/health-members-in-northern-ireland-to-strike-this-week-over-lack-of-pay-parity/Tue, 19 Sep 2023 13:15:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/health-members-in-northern-ireland-to-strike-this-week-over-lack-of-pay-parity/ The walk out, over the 48-hour period of Thursday 21 and Friday 22 September, will involve ambulance crews, nurses, health care assistants, pharmacists, radiographers, porters, admin and technical staff, and domestic assistants.
Payroll staff will strike for a shorter period, to ensure their co-workers receive their pay on time – a dec]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/health-members-in-northern-ireland-to-strike-over-lack-of-pay-parity/Tue, 19 Sep 2023 13:15:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/health-members-in-northern-ireland-to-strike-over-lack-of-pay-parity/ The walk out, over the 48-hour period of Thursday 21 and Friday 22 September, will involve ambulance crews, nurses, health care assistants, pharmacists, radiographers, porters, admin and technical staff, cleaners and catering staff.
Payroll staff will strike for a shorter period, to ensure their co-workers receive their pay on time – a]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/health-members-in-northern-ireland-to-strike-for-pay-parity/Tue, 19 Sep 2023 13:15:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/health-members-in-northern-ireland-to-strike-for-pay-parity/ The unions’ fully-evidenced claim reflects how union members who remain in dispute over the 2022/23 pay award of 2% plus £345 have made it clear that the previous year’s uplift was not acceptable during the height of the cost of living crisis, with inflation running in double digits and with the wages of the lowest paid falling below]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/pay-claim-submitted-on-behalf-of-environment-agency-staff/Mon, 18 Sep 2023 10:48:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/pay-claim-submitted-on-behalf-of-environment-agency-staff/ The report, entitled Carenomics, lays bare how the fragmented and underfunded care sector, which currently has 152,000 job vacancies, is ‘stifling’ the economy and having a negative effect on the labour market.
The analysis warns that the government’s levelling up agenda and other]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/government-must-invest-in-social-care-to-drive-the-economy-says-report/Mon, 18 Sep 2023 01:01:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/government-must-invest-in-social-care-to-drive-the-economy-says-report/ General secretary Christina McAnea moved the composite motion on public services, attacking the Tories for years of austerity that have left public services reeling.
UNISON President Libby Nolan (pictured above) kicked off the debate on the COVID-19 inquiry, highlighting the importance of the inquiry for holding politicians to account.
And, ahead of]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-leads-the-debate-at-tuc-gathering/Fri, 15 Sep 2023 11:14:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-leads-the-debate-at-tuc-gathering/ We must pull together and champion the urgent action needed to meet this challenge head on.
The overwhelming scale of climate-related disasters surrounds us every week, and UNISON is not shying away from facing this existential threat.
For those unfamiliar with it, Green UNISON Week means seven days to champion and promote the engagement and act]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-climate-change-is-real-destructive-and-is-an-absolute-emergency/Fri, 15 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-climate-change-is-real-destructive-and-is-an-absolute-emergency/ So said UNISON president Libby Nolan as she moved the union’s motion on the COVID-19 public inquiry at the TUC Congress in Liverpool yesterday, saying that the most fitting memorial to all the working people who died during the pandemic would be for lessons to be learned and acted upon.
She pointed out that the hearings in the inquiry, which only started in June, had revealed that the “governm]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-takes-covid-19-inquiry-call-to-tuc-congress/Wed, 13 Sep 2023 12:08:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-takes-covid-19-inquiry-call-to-tuc-congress/ Dedicated staff have been regularly performing important duties above the level of responsibility their employers pay them for.
This expectation has been put on them for years, but the salary they should be earning has been held back for years too.
Today in Liverpool, clinical support workers went on strike at Arrowe Park Hospital.
Their lively and packed picket line attracted constant bee]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-lets-stick-together-to-win-the-proper-pay-for-the-job/Tue, 12 Sep 2023 13:21:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-lets-stick-together-to-win-the-proper-pay-for-the-job/ “Labour in government would dramatically improve the lives of working people and their families.
“It’s much needed after 13 years of the Conservatives trashing the economy, harming public services and letting living standards slide.
“Creating fairer workplaces wi]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/a-labour-government-is-what-working-people-need-says-unison/Tue, 12 Sep 2023 13:17:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/a-labour-government-is-what-working-people-need-says-unison/ Here are five ways you can still get involved…1. Read thisIf you don’t know where to start with Green Week, read this feature where two U]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/top-5-ways-to-help-planet-earth-this-week/Mon, 11 Sep 2023 14:24:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/top-5-ways-to-help-planet-earth-this-week/ “After 13 years, not a single part of our public services have been immune from Conservative cuts. Years of austerity have left services reeling. 
“The longest NHS waiting lists in history, huge cuts to police forces and council]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/thirteen-years-of-conservative-austerity-have-left-public-services-reeling/Sun, 10 Sep 2023 18:11:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/thirteen-years-of-conservative-austerity-have-left-public-services-reeling/ Under a Labour government, the reconstituted SSSNB would become the negotiating body covering terms and conditions for teaching assistants, caretakers, office staff, technicians, catering staff, cleaners and all other support staff working in schools.
As the three recognised support staff trade unions UNISON, GMB and Unite would be responsible]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/labour-commit-to-restore-school-support-staff-negotiating-body-in-england/Thu, 07 Sep 2023 17:49:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/labour-commit-to-restore-school-support-staff-negotiating-body-in-england/ Under a Labour government, the reconstituted SSSNB would become the negotiating body covering terms and conditions for teaching assistants, caretakers, office staff, technicians, catering staff, cleaners and all other support staff working in schools.
As the three recognised support staff trade unions UNISON, GMB and Unite would be responsible for negoti]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/labour-commit-to-restore-school-support-staff-negotiating-body/Thu, 07 Sep 2023 17:49:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/labour-commit-to-restore-school-support-staff-negotiating-body/ That saw her and the Salford City UNISON care worker organising committee recognised by the foundation in its annual awards last year, picking up a prize for campaign of the year (pictured above).
And earlier this year, she and the team won a massive victory]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-vice-president-leads-organising-team-in-care-pay-wins/Thu, 07 Sep 2023 16:54:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-vice-president-leads-organising-team-in-care-pay-wins/ More than 5,000 staff belonging to the union could take part as they escalate their demands for a fair wage rise after many years of below-inflation increases.
In England, 16 universities will walk out on Monday 2 and Tuesday 3 October. A series of strikes will take place in Scotland later this]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/university-staff-to-hold-coordinated-strikes-over-pay/Thu, 07 Sep 2023 12:28:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/university-staff-to-hold-coordinated-strikes-over-pay/ The coalition is an independent group that unites parents, children, providers, those working in the sector and the wider business community to use their collective voice and expertise to build public and political support for early education and childcare.
As the UK’s larg]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-helps-found-new-coalition-for-childcare-and-early-education/Thu, 07 Sep 2023 06:57:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-helps-found-new-coalition-for-childcare-and-early-education/ Due to finite funds, only 2,000 applications can be accepted. Of these, 1,000 will be released at 8.30am and 1,000 at 5pm.
In previous rounds of this fund, demand has been so high that applications opened and closed within hours – so if you plan to apply, it might be helpful to s]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/get-support-with-your-energy-bills/Wed, 06 Sep 2023 12:50:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/get-support-with-your-energy-bills/ “The DfE and government have squandered valuable months hiding this crisis when they should have been fixing dangerous school buildings.
“The schools minister even broke his own promise to publish information about at-risk properties before parl]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/pupils-face-schools-turmoil-over-governments-inaction-on-building-safety-says-unison/Thu, 31 Aug 2023 16:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/pupils-face-schools-turmoil-over-governments-inaction-on-building-safety-says-unison/ The affected schools were built with “crumbly” reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) from the 1960s to 1990s, with a life expectancy of around 30 years.
According to an internal government document seen by the media, the Department for Education have been hastily]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-urges-government-to-make-schools-safe-now/Wed, 30 Aug 2023 16:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-urges-government-to-make-schools-safe-now/ The strike will take place from 7am on Thursday 31 August through to 6:59am on Saturday 2 September after an overwhelming majority (99%) of clinical support workers voted to strike in a recent UNISON ballot.
Clinical support workers (CSW) are some of the lowest paid workers in the NHS. As roles have evolved and hospitals have struggled with staffing, they have taken on more]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/clinical-support-workers-set-to-strike-for-the-first-time-in-nhs-history/Wed, 30 Aug 2023 16:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/clinical-support-workers-set-to-strike-for-the-first-time-in-nhs-history/ “This legislation has always been pointless and totally unnecessary.
“It’s a desperate attempt to prop up a failing government by demonising unions, rather than a serious effort to improve industrial relations and protect the public.
“UNISON said]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/anti-strike-law-will-cause-headaches-for-employers-and-unions-says-unison/Fri, 25 Aug 2023 17:57:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/anti-strike-law-will-cause-headaches-for-employers-and-unions-says-unison/ Over 400 clinical support workers at Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (WUTH) will take 48 hours of strike action from 7am on Thursday 31 August.
They’re joining together to get their employer to pay them appropriately for the Band 3 clinical work they routinely do, a]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/share-your-solidarity-with-wirral-clinical-support-workers-on-strike/Thu, 24 Aug 2023 18:48:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/share-your-solidarity-with-wirral-clinical-support-workers-on-strike/ With our unwavering commitment to social justice and equality, UNISON recognises the importance of this day for our members and staff.
We honour the memory of those who]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-commemorating-the-abolition-of-the-slave-trade/Wed, 23 Aug 2023 10:14:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-commemorating-the-abolition-of-the-slave-trade/ The wardens, who are mainly low-paid Black staff, work outdoors for 42.5 hours a week, in all weather, and were classified as key workers during the pandemic. They regularly receive racist abuse for carrying out their work.]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/over-100-camden-traffic-wardens-take-indefinite-strike-action/Tue, 22 Aug 2023 16:14:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/over-100-camden-traffic-wardens-take-indefinite-strike-action/ The wardens, who are mainly low-paid Black staff, work outdoors for 42.5 hours a week, in all weather, and were classified as key workers during the pandemic. They regularly receive racist abuse for carrying out their work.]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/over-100-camden-traffic-wardens-on-indefinite-strike/Tue, 22 Aug 2023 16:14:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/over-100-camden-traffic-wardens-on-indefinite-strike/ The industrial action, which starts at 9am tomorrow (Saturday), is set to continue for a month, with workers refusing to volunteer for on-call cover outside of contracted hours until 19 September.
Officers will step in where there is a threat to life, from incidents such as a major f]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/environment-agency-staff-set-for-out-of-hours-ban/Fri, 18 Aug 2023 13:50:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/environment-agency-staff-set-for-out-of-hours-ban/ The strike will take place at 7am on Thursday 31 August through to 6:59am on Saturday 2 September after an overwhelming majority (99%) of clinical support workers voted to strike in a recent UNISON ballot.
Clinical support workers (CSWs) assist nursing staff in delivering care]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/nhs-staff-at-merseyside-hospitals-announce-48-hour-strike-after-years-of-being-underpaid-says-unison/Thu, 17 Aug 2023 13:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/nhs-staff-at-merseyside-hospitals-announce-48-hour-strike-after-years-of-being-underpaid-says-unison/ The strike will take place at 7am on Thursday 31 August through to 6:59am on Saturday 2 September after an overwhelming majority (99%) of clinical support workers voted to strike in a recent UNISON ballot.
Clinical support workers (CSWs) assist nursing staff in delivering care]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/nhs-staff-at-merseyside-hospitals-announce-48-hour-strike-after-years-of-being-underpaid/Thu, 17 Aug 2023 13:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/nhs-staff-at-merseyside-hospitals-announce-48-hour-strike-after-years-of-being-underpaid/ And every day, UNISON campaigns to improve their pay and recognition for their essential work.
From maintaining roads to ensuring public safety, their roles are indispensable. But workers find themselves grappling with inadequate pay and shrinking budgets in their workplaces. Pay fails t]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-investing-in-you-is-investing-in-our-schools-and-in-our-pupils/Thu, 17 Aug 2023 10:51:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-investing-in-you-is-investing-in-our-schools-and-in-our-pupils/ The results help us understand more clearly what our members are experiencing and to shape our work in campaigning for fairer, safer workplaces and better working lives.
This year, we want to find out more about how the cost of living scandal is affecting you. Specific topics include flexible working, c]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/take-the-unison-equalities-survey/Tue, 15 Aug 2023 09:20:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/take-the-unison-equalities-survey/ An overwhelming majority (99%) of clinical support workers voted to strike in a recent UNISON ballot. Industrial action is now imminent unless the trust makes an improved offer to staff, says the union.
Clinical support workers (CSWs) deliver essential care alongside nursing staff on the wards.&nbs]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/nhs-staff-atmerseysidehospitals-vote-to-strike-after-years-of-being-underpaid/Fri, 11 Aug 2023 10:28:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/nhs-staff-atmerseysidehospitals-vote-to-strike-after-years-of-being-underpaid/ If accepted, the increase proposed by the police staff employers* would take effect from 1 September 2023. 
It means the hourly rate for the lowest paid police staff would rise from £10.62 to £11.46 an hour. That&rsquo]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/police-staff-in-england-and-walesoffered-7-pay-increase-says-unison-/Thu, 10 Aug 2023 15:21:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/police-staff-in-england-and-walesoffered-7-pay-increase-says-unison-/ Since then, the union has heard from numerous members about their experiences.
Roger Lewis said: “It’s an outrageous scandal that the higher the mileage workers have to travel in their cars, the more out of pocket we are. It’s a financial disincentive or]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/workers-speak-out-about-mileage-rates/Tue, 08 Aug 2023 12:47:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/workers-speak-out-about-mileage-rates/ The current offer from the University and Colleges Employers’ Association (UCEA), a 5-8% pay rise depending on salary spinal point, equates to a real-terms pay cut given inflation was over 10% this year.
Although some money was backdated to earlier this year, it’s still not enough for staff to live on with the ongoin]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/autumn-term-strikes-set-to-go-ahead-at-13-universities/Fri, 04 Aug 2023 16:34:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/autumn-term-strikes-set-to-go-ahead-at-13-universities/ “Without a long-term plan to solve care’s staffing crisis, the sector will remain many thousands of employees short. 
“The government]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/new-funding-brings-temporary-relief-to-care-but-much-more-is-needed-says-unison/Fri, 28 Jul 2023 14:33:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/new-funding-brings-temporary-relief-to-care-but-much-more-is-needed-says-unison/ Over the weekend, our UNISON delegation spent long hours in intense negotiations with the Labour party at the National Policy Forum.
Our mission was to get UNISON’s priorities on pay, public services, social care, workers’ and trade union rights, and equalities into Labour’s policy platform for their next manifesto.
That ma]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-influencing-the-next-labour-government/Wed, 26 Jul 2023 12:13:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-influencing-the-next-labour-government/ The recommendations are based on a two-year study identifying the impact on NHS staff who have been in this distressing situation, and the support they may need.
The guidance has been developed specifically for the NHS and for health service staff who are affected by a colleague’s suicide, and for t]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/first-guidance-published-to-support-nhs-workers-after-a-colleague-suicide/Tue, 25 Jul 2023 13:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/first-guidance-published-to-support-nhs-workers-after-a-colleague-suicide/ The union has 46 members at the charity, mainly office and home-based staff across the UK.
Throughout the cost of living scandal, the UK’s use of food banks has escalated dramatically. The trust handed out almost three million emergency food parcels in the year between April 2022 and March 2023, more than ever before. Almost one million of those went to children.
It also estimates that one in fi]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-signs-recognition-agreement-with-the-trussell-trust/Tue, 25 Jul 2023 11:16:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-signs-recognition-agreement-with-the-trussell-trust/  
The union says this is essentially a wage cut that falls well short of inflation and that employees deserve more.
 
Clarion also plans to cut the pensions of nearly 300 staff. The housin]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/clarion-housing-groupmustraise-pay-and-stop-pension-cuts-to-avoid-strike-actionsays-unison/Thu, 20 Jul 2023 14:28:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/clarion-housing-groupmustraise-pay-and-stop-pension-cuts-to-avoid-strike-actionsays-unison/ Among the data that has been compromised is information entrusted to Capita by some 450 pension schemes.
UNISON members are in some of the schemes and funds affected, including the Environment Agency Pension Fund (EAPF), Natural Resources Wales, the Universities Superannuation Scheme (]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-urges-pensions-regulator-to-press-for-stronger-data-safety/Wed, 19 Jul 2023 10:29:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-urges-pensions-regulator-to-press-for-stronger-data-safety/ A strong society relies on strong public services and a government that believes in building a supportive state. That state needs to give services the funds they need, pay the wo]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-the-two-child-limit-is-still-cruel-now-and-should-be-abolished/Mon, 17 Jul 2023 15:52:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-the-two-child-limit-is-still-cruel-now-and-should-be-abolished/ The cost of the Immigration Health Surcharge – a double tax migrant workers have to pay to access healthcare – is set to increase from £624 to £1,035 a year for each person.
This is a 417% increase over the past five years. Work visas are set to increase by 15% and the cost of other visas could rise by 20%.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak claims that this will fu]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-condemns-government-plans-to-hike-visa-fees-for-migrants/Mon, 17 Jul 2023 15:29:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-condemns-government-plans-to-hike-visa-fees-for-migrants/ The High Court has ruled that the legislation, which allows employers to use agency workers to replace those on strike, was unlawful, unfair and irrational.
The case marks another success for UNISON and its members in challenging laws restricting workers’ rights.
The judgment follows successful judicial review proceedings lodged by UNISON alongside the NASUWT and TUC, whos]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/high-court-rules-strike-breaking-agency-worker-regulations-unlawful/Thu, 13 Jul 2023 11:54:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/high-court-rules-strike-breaking-agency-worker-regulations-unlawful/ The important judgment handed down this morning follows successful judicial review proceedings lodged by UNISON and other TUC unions last autumn.
For more than 40 years, it was illegal in the UK to supply agency workers for employers to use to cover the jobs of staff on st]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/high-court-finds-strike-breaking-legislation-unlawful-following-unison-case/Thu, 13 Jul 2023 11:51:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/high-court-finds-strike-breaking-legislation-unlawful-following-unison-case/ NHS, social care, police and local government employees who need to drive for work are up to £6,000 a year worse off because the current&n]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/government-must-raise-out-of-date-mileage-rates-for-struggling-public-service-staff-says-unison/Thu, 13 Jul 2023 10:48:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/government-must-raise-out-of-date-mileage-rates-for-struggling-public-service-staff-says-unison/ “The need for a new national care service grows more pressing with each passing day.
“Until care jobs pay decent wages and offer worthwhile careers, the sector is always going to struggle to attract and keep enough staff to meet growing demand and take the pressure off the NHS.
“Vacancy rates a]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/better-pay-is-the-solution-to-englands-care-recruitment-crisis-says-unison/Wed, 12 Jul 2023 01:01:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/better-pay-is-the-solution-to-englands-care-recruitment-crisis-says-unison/ The union’s health team and private contractors unit have identified key employers across England and have written to them, seeking full implementation of the NHS pay award and the unconsolidated one-off payment.
UNISON has asked for meetings with the “appropriate senior managers” at 18 emp]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-launches-next-stage-of-one-team-us2-pay-campaign/Tue, 11 Jul 2023 15:19:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-launches-next-stage-of-one-team-us2-pay-campaign/ To highlight this appalling treatment, the union has written to care minister Helen Whately warning of a ‘significant rise’ in reports of unacceptable treatment by unscrupulous employers towards&n]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/migrant-care-staff-in-uk-exploited-andharassed-by-employers-saysunison/Mon, 10 Jul 2023 09:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/migrant-care-staff-in-uk-exploited-andharassed-by-employers-saysunison/ The company, which supplies water to a quarter of the country’s population, has been making headlines over recent weeks after coming under intense scrutiny over its performance and about its financial performance, including reports that it is currently £14bn in debt and on the verge of financial col]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-demands-thames-water-answers/Fri, 07 Jul 2023 09:37:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-demands-thames-water-answers/ UNISON says the best 75th birthday present the health secretary could give the NHS would be to agree to start pay negotiations in the autumn, well in advance of next April’s wage boost for NHS staff. 
That would be the most sensi]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/government-should-commit-to-nhs-pay-talks-now-to-avoid-possible-strikes-next-year/Wed, 05 Jul 2023 12:46:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/government-should-commit-to-nhs-pay-talks-now-to-avoid-possible-strikes-next-year/ This new standard draws on UNISON’s guidance on menopause, designed to assist branches in ensuring that workplaces consider how menopausal symptoms can impact on women, trans and non-binary people.
UNISON national women’s officer Bukky Akinwale said: “The majority of our members are women who will experience the menopause. For many, it]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-welcomes-british-standard-on-menopause-support-at-work/Wed, 05 Jul 2023 12:12:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-welcomes-british-standard-on-menopause-support-at-work/ I’ve always said: ‘If it takes a village to raise a child, then it takes a whole team to care for a patient’.
NHS staff work as one team, every day, to provide the best care they can for everyone who needs it.
People from all around the world help to make up that team. And that started when RMS Windrush docked in Tilbury, E]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-from-birth-until-death-the-nhs-is-there-for-us-all/Wed, 05 Jul 2023 12:04:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-from-birth-until-death-the-nhs-is-there-for-us-all/ This year UNISON has been using a new system, Movement, to increase engagement and turnout in ballots. It allows regions, branches and activists to use phone banking, peer to peer texting and to log feedback from members by email and from in-person conversations.
From these interactions, Movement records whether a member h]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/movement-keeping-momentum-going-in-he-strike-ballot/Tue, 04 Jul 2023 18:19:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/movement-keeping-momentum-going-in-he-strike-ballot/ Today UNISON is the biggest trade union in the UK with more than 1.3 million members, over two thirds of whom are women.
Numbers matter because numbers bring power – as we illustrated some years ago in our first TV advert. UNISON was the first trade un]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-at-30-celebrate-good-times-come-on/Mon, 03 Jul 2023 16:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-at-30-celebrate-good-times-come-on/ “The care system is on its knees, as any family trying to secure decent care for a relative is only too aware.
“The government has done nothing to solve the growing crisis in care. Now a group of its MPs want ministers to make things a whole lot worse.
“Thankfully Numbe]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/cutting-migrant-staff-without-a-proper-plan-to-fix-care-is-beyond-foolish-says-unison/Mon, 03 Jul 2023 13:02:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/cutting-migrant-staff-without-a-proper-plan-to-fix-care-is-beyond-foolish-says-unison/ UNISON is deeply concerned by the Bill, which is intended to prevent public bodies from “being influenced in their procurement or investment decisions by political or moral disapproval of the conduct or policy of a government or any other public authority in a foreign territory”.
The union is particularly concerned that the Bill woul]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/fighting-to-protect-workers-rights/Mon, 03 Jul 2023 12:26:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/fighting-to-protect-workers-rights/ “At long last there is a plan. Now everyone committed to making the NHS thrive again can focus on the challenge of filling the huge gaps in the workforce.
“Action on retention is key. There are simply too few staff across all jobs and services. That makes it difficult for the NHS to function as a modern health system.
“Finding a fix for pay must lie at the heart]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/fix-for-nhs-pay-must-be-at-heart-of-any-workforce-solution-says-unison/Thu, 29 Jun 2023 23:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/fix-for-nhs-pay-must-be-at-heart-of-any-workforce-solution-says-unison/ “The regulator has been asleep at the wheel. The owners of Thames Water have borrowed billions, yet downed every drop of profit, racked up gigantic debts and rewarded the poor performance of senior directors with huge salaries.
“Thames Water is meant to be delivering a vital pu]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/government-must-bring-the-water-companies-back-to-public-ownership-says-unison/Thu, 29 Jun 2023 17:21:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/government-must-bring-the-water-companies-back-to-public-ownership-says-unison/ He talked about social care like it was something he found down the back of his sofa, rather than a vital public service he was responsible for. At one point, he said: “We at the health department” – once again forgetting about social care.
He admitted he did]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-matt-hancock-made-for-grim-listening-at-the-covid-inquiry/Thu, 29 Jun 2023 17:12:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-matt-hancock-made-for-grim-listening-at-the-covid-inquiry/ “The Conservatives had been in power for ten years when Covid struck. But a range of ministers systematically neglected social care, leaving it in a dreadful state at a critical time.
“Matt Hancock is living in a different world. His actions left the care sector exposed to the devastating impact of]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/matt-hancocks-actions-during-the-pandemic-left-the-care-sector-exposed-says-unison/Tue, 27 Jun 2023 17:45:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/matt-hancocks-actions-during-the-pandemic-left-the-care-sector-exposed-says-unison/ The film Groundhog Day was also released and, as in the film, it feels like we’re stuck on repeat. Although it’s 30 years on, the political debate on the EU continues, and another Tory prime minister is preparing for a wipeout at the next general election. Perhaps John Major and Rishi Sunak a]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-30-years-of-unison/Tue, 27 Jun 2023 15:23:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-30-years-of-unison/ Napo, UNISON and GMB, which represent staff working in the probation service in England and Wales, say crippling workloads will lead to a catastrophic breakdown of the service if the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) does not intervene.  
Probation workers are responsible for monitoring people on probation in the comm]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unmanageableprobationworkloads-putting-the-public-at-riskwarn-unions/Mon, 26 Jun 2023 09:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unmanageableprobationworkloads-putting-the-public-at-riskwarn-unions/ Napo, UNISON and GMB, which represent staff working in the probation service in England and Wales, say crippling workloads will lead to a catastrophic breakdown of the service if the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) does not intervene.  
Probation workers are responsible for monitoring people on probation in the comm]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/soaringprobation-workloads-put-the-public-at-riskwarn-unions/Mon, 26 Jun 2023 09:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/soaringprobation-workloads-put-the-public-at-riskwarn-unions/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/threat-to-block-public-sector-pay-rises-proves-governments-out-of-ideas-says-unison/Sat, 24 Jun 2023 15:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/threat-to-block-public-sector-pay-rises-proves-governments-out-of-ideas-says-unison/ As UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea says in her blog today, if Windrush hadn’t docked at Tilbury, the country wouldn’t also be celebrating the NHS’s 75th birthday this year, because many of the Windrush generation went straight to]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-seeks-judicial-review-of-home-secretary-over-windrush/Thu, 22 Jun 2023 12:46:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-seeks-judicial-review-of-home-secretary-over-windrush/ Greenwich Local Government branch proposed a motion on defending abortion rights, which was described as “very important and timely” in the light of the overturning of Roe v Wade by the US Supreme Court last year, “the biggest attack on abortion rights since the 1970s,” and the recent j]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/conference-restates-unisons-campaign-for-abortion-rights/Thu, 22 Jun 2023 11:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/conference-restates-unisons-campaign-for-abortion-rights/ If Windrush had never docked in the UK, we wouldn’t be celebrating 75 years of our treasured NHS this year, because many of the Windrush generation went straight to work in the health service.
Although we ce]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-we-cant-truly-commemorate-windrush-until-we-have-justice/Thu, 22 Jun 2023 03:58:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-we-cant-truly-commemorate-windrush-until-we-have-justice/ Outlining the key elements of the party’s plan, the Labour leader called it “the race of a lifetime,” and added “the prize is real.”
The plan aims to make the UK a global green leader through a just transition to net zero. Sir Kier added: “We’re going to throw everything at this: planning reform, procurement, long-]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unisons-response-to-labours-new-green-prosperity-plan/Wed, 21 Jun 2023 14:23:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unisons-response-to-labours-new-green-prosperity-plan/ “Higher prices, soaring rents and sky-high mortgages are a living nightmare.
“Government ministers don’t have a clue about the financial worries of most people. The prime minister and chancellor look content to sit back and watch while families lose their homes or can no longer pay their rents.
“The case for an election grows stronger by th]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/inflation-failures-strengthen-case-for-general-election-says-unison/Wed, 21 Jun 2023 10:55:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/inflation-failures-strengthen-case-for-general-election-says-unison/ “Care workers are overworked, underpaid and struggling to plug the gaps in a sector desperately short of staf]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/the-social-care-crisis-is-worsening-by-the-minute-says-unison/Wed, 21 Jun 2023 01:01:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/the-social-care-crisis-is-worsening-by-the-minute-says-unison/ Delegates agreed to raise the ceiling age for young member status from 26 to 30. This increases the time in which activists can work in a young member capacity and, consequently, the age of those taking the two young members’ seats on the national executive council.
It’s estimated that the move will roughly double the number of the union’]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-raises-the-age-limit-for-its-young-members/Tue, 20 Jun 2023 13:17:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-raises-the-age-limit-for-its-young-members/ It’s a critical ballot in our dispute with your employers over pay, and the decision to take strike action is in your hands. Every single vote matters.
You only need to turn on the news for a few minutes, or glance at a newspaper, to be reminded of the scandal of soaring living costs that are damaging people’s lives. Mortgage interest rates h]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/dig-out-that-red-envelope-and-vote-yes-for-strike-action/Tue, 20 Jun 2023 12:32:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/dig-out-that-red-envelope-and-vote-yes-for-strike-action/ It’s a critical ballot in our dispute with your employers over pay, and the decision to take strike action is in your hands. Every single vote matters.
You only need to turn on the news for a few minutes, or glance at a newspaper, to be reminded of the scandal of soaring living costs that are damaging people’s lives. Mortgage interest rates h]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-dig-out-that-red-envelope-and-vote-yes-for-strike-action/Tue, 20 Jun 2023 12:32:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-dig-out-that-red-envelope-and-vote-yes-for-strike-action/ UNISON sent out a text this week and over 700 members have said that they have voted, informing the union through the new Movement system.
HE branches are using Movement to help get out the vote, while activists are also making calls daily to increase this number. Every vote matters in getting a decent pay rise.
You can find out more by visiting the campaign webpage.
The article]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/still-time-to-vote-on-he-pay/Tue, 20 Jun 2023 11:18:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/still-time-to-vote-on-he-pay/ Conference debated a trio of motions on the issue: the first calling on the NEC to continue to prioritise campaigns on the issue; the second highlighting the compound effect of the crisis on private renters and the third on the disproportionate effect of the crisis on Black workers due to the ethnicity pay gap.
Moving the first motion, Yvonne Green told conference, “Public sector workers are worried]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/conference-continues-debate-on-the-cost-of-living/Mon, 19 Jun 2023 12:55:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/conference-continues-debate-on-the-cost-of-living/ The council elected Libby Nolan of Swansea Bay Healthcare Branch in Cymru/Wales as president, with Steve North of Salford Local Government Branch in the North West and Julia Mwaluke, also from Salford City Local Government Branch as vice presidents.
The article NEC elects new presidential team fir]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/nec-elects-new-presidential-team/Mon, 19 Jun 2023 12:35:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/nec-elects-new-presidential-team/ The first focussed on the ethnicity pay gap (EPG), which the union believes is a major cause of in-work poverty experienced by Black workers, and the cause of severe intergenerational inequality in Black communities.
The EPG is as high as 23.8% in London, with regional variations across the UK.
Although the government committed t]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/ndc-celebrates-and-resolves-to-do-more-for-black-workers/Fri, 16 Jun 2023 19:42:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/ndc-celebrates-and-resolves-to-do-more-for-black-workers/ The first focussed on the ethnicity pay gap (EPG), which the union believes is a major cause of in-work poverty experienced by Black workers, and the cause of severe intergenerational inequality in Black communities.
The EPG is as high as 23.8% in London, with regional variations across the UK.
Although the government committed t]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/conference-celebrates-and-resolves-to-do-more-for-black-workers/Fri, 16 Jun 2023 19:42:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/conference-celebrates-and-resolves-to-do-more-for-black-workers/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/avoid-outsourcing-services-unless-theres-a-clear-public-benefit-says-unison/Fri, 16 Jun 2023 16:11:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/avoid-outsourcing-services-unless-theres-a-clear-public-benefit-says-unison/ A report commissioned by the union, based on a survey of more than 2,600 public service workers in the UK, shows housing costs have increased for more than three in five (63%).
The document Through the Roof highlights how a rapid rise in rent and mortgage payments is taking a&nb]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/high-housing-costs-driving-up-poverty-among-public-service-workers-says-unison-/Fri, 16 Jun 2023 15:58:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/high-housing-costs-driving-up-poverty-among-public-service-workers-says-unison-/ A debate on defending the right to strike focussed on the government’s Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill, which the Lords sent back to the House of Commons last week, for the second time, with significant amendments that water down some of its anti-trade union aspects.
Speaking of the use of work notices, which would a]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/we-will-defend-our-right-to-strike-and-our-right-to-vote/Fri, 16 Jun 2023 14:36:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/we-will-defend-our-right-to-strike-and-our-right-to-vote/ Presenting the membership at UNISON’s 2023 national delegate conference in Liverpool, UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea described how the union has had ‘a long history’ of working with Stephen Lawrence’s parents, Dr Neville Lawrence and Baroness Doreen Lawrence, who have both received honorary union memberships.
Mr Lawrence recounted to]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-presents-dr-neville-lawrence-with-honorary-membership/Fri, 16 Jun 2023 12:43:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-presents-dr-neville-lawrence-with-honorary-membership/ Both a politician and a doctor, she opened her speech saying: “I am an NHS worker like so many of you in here today.”
“I want to thank you for all that you do. All the hours that you put in, even though you’ve been going through your own, personal, daily struggles. You are an incredible, powerful force for good.
&l]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/rosena-allin-khanshares-labours-vision-for-mental-health/Fri, 16 Jun 2023 12:26:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/rosena-allin-khanshares-labours-vision-for-mental-health/ The data, based on medium-term financial plans submitted by individual police forces to their local police and crime panels, reveals drastic cuts to the spending planned.
The worst affected is the Metropolitan Police (£282m), followed by West Midlands (£]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/police-forces-in-england-and-wales-could-face-a-combined-budget-shortfall-ofmore-than700mby-2026-warns-unison/Fri, 16 Jun 2023 01:01:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/police-forces-in-england-and-wales-could-face-a-combined-budget-shortfall-ofmore-than700mby-2026-warns-unison/ The data, based on medium-term financial plans submitted by individual police forces to their local police and crime panels, reveals drastic cuts to the spending planned.
The worst affected is the Metropolitan Police (£282m), followed by West Midlands (£]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/police-forces-in-england-and-wales-could-face-a-700m-budget-shortfall-warns-unison/Fri, 16 Jun 2023 01:01:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/police-forces-in-england-and-wales-could-face-a-700m-budget-shortfall-warns-unison/ Introducing the motion, the chair of the Welsh regional young members forum Ryan Hopkins said that harassment is one of the key issues raised by young members in the union.
Mr Hopkins drew the links between government cuts to services and increased harassment that workers face from members of the public: “Being justifiably stressed b]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/heartbreaking-stories-of-workplace-harassment-heard-at-ndc/Thu, 15 Jun 2023 15:47:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/heartbreaking-stories-of-workplace-harassment-heard-at-ndc/ The conference session began with a one minute silence to pay respects to Alan Jinkinson, UNISON’s first general secretary who died last year.
Delegates then heard two impassioned speeches from trade union leader Gonul Erden and Rosa Pavanelli (pictured), the general secretary of Public Services Inter]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/international-motions-on-womens-rights-and-palestine-passed-at-ndc/Thu, 15 Jun 2023 13:41:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/international-motions-on-womens-rights-and-palestine-passed-at-ndc/ The union says the finding, from a survey of more than 300 domiciliary care workers across England, reveals employers are effectively breaking minimum wage laws.
As a result, staff are hundreds of pounds short each month. This is money they can little afford to lose from their already rock-bottom wages and]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/majority-of-homecare-staff-are-unpaid-for-travel-between-visits/Thu, 15 Jun 2023 01:55:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/majority-of-homecare-staff-are-unpaid-for-travel-between-visits/ Moving the first, on the social care crisis, Rosie MacGregor (above) of the retired members forum told delegates: “It isn’t the first time we’ve considered the need for reform of adult social care – but despite our active campaigning and the meaningless promises from the government, nothing, nothing has changed.”
She went on to highlight the]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/care-dominates-debate-at-national-delegate-conference/Wed, 14 Jun 2023 17:03:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/care-dominates-debate-at-national-delegate-conference/ “This year thousands of public sector workers in UNISON have voted for strike action. Environment Agency, CQC and university staff are still in dispute.
“Local government workers in England and Wales are currently voting for strike action, with others to follow in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
“Council services are too often overlooked. It’s only]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/public-services-can-help-create-a-kinder-fairer-society-says-unison/Wed, 14 Jun 2023 15:29:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/public-services-can-help-create-a-kinder-fairer-society-says-unison/ Ms McAnea opened a wide-ranging and quietly passionate speech to national delegate conference with a simple observation – “What a year we’ve had” – before presenting a list of achievements that were “changing history” and the lives of members throughout the UK.
These were]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/we-remain-strong-and-defiant/Wed, 14 Jun 2023 14:29:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/we-remain-strong-and-defiant/ She opened by saying: “Today is a special day, because while there have been lots of rounds of preliminary hearings and meetings, today, the public hearings for the COVID-19 inquiry finally begin.”
She explained the importance of the inquiry to her, personally, “due to the way my love]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/conference-urged-to-fight-for-truth-and-justice-in-covid-inquiry/Wed, 14 Jun 2023 10:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/conference-urged-to-fight-for-truth-and-justice-in-covid-inquiry/ “Without fundamental change, the government risks sleepwalking into a disastrous repeat of the shambolic way ministers handled the two most recent pay rounds.
“The pay review body belongs to a different time. It exists in a vacuum, and that no longer works. A more relevant, modern app]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/nhs-pay-process-needs-fundamental-reset-says-unison/Tue, 13 Jun 2023 18:11:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/nhs-pay-process-needs-fundamental-reset-says-unison/ The motion was introduced by Sharon Foster, on behalf of the national women’s committee. Ms Foster said: “Let’s face it. Sometimes women need a little bit of encouragement to step into the limelight and get more active in UNISON.”
“Most women are trapped in casualised, low paid work, and in-work poverty remains a consistent problem.]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/supporting-lower-paid-women-in-unison/Tue, 13 Jun 2023 16:59:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/supporting-lower-paid-women-in-unison/ “Having been active in my branch for over 30 years, I’ve always been grateful to UNISON for the platform it has given me to fight for our members and within our community.”
Ms E]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/activists-are-the-lifeblood-of-our-union-says-andrea-egan/Tue, 13 Jun 2023 16:35:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/activists-are-the-lifeblood-of-our-union-says-andrea-egan/ Meat hygiene inspector and UNISON member John Rowlands said: “Our pay is under attack. For the last 13 years, we’ve had meagre pay rises”.
Another delegate, who inspects chickens, added: “I can no longer afford life’s basics, let alone life’s luxuries”.
As well as fighting for fairer pa]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/food-standards-agency-workers-call-for-fair-pay/Tue, 13 Jun 2023 12:32:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/food-standards-agency-workers-call-for-fair-pay/ The session, chaired by UNISON president Andrea Egan, kicked off with a motion on a national care service.
Tony Barnsley, introducing the motion on behalf of the NJC local government committee, said: “The pandemic shone a light on social care for a lot of people in this country.
“On the one hand, we saw minimum-waged heroes putting themselves on the frontline, to care]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/care-workers-take-centre-stage-at-local-government-conference/Tue, 13 Jun 2023 12:08:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/care-workers-take-centre-stage-at-local-government-conference/ “Nearly three million people used food banks last year, while the rich are getting richer. We need a government willing to tax the rich to fund public services. We need a party that is unashamedly for the working class,” said one delegate.
According to UNISON research, councils across the UK ar]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/save-local-services-before-its-too-late-says-conference/Tue, 13 Jun 2023 10:55:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/save-local-services-before-its-too-late-says-conference/ Mr Bozgeyik is co-president of the confederation of public employees’ trade unions (KESK), Turkey.
Opening his speech, Mr Bozgeyik thanked UNISON members for their ongoing support for trade union members facing different forms of harassment in Turkey, which he described as an ‘aut]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/a-message-of-solidarity-from-trade-unionists-in-turkey/Tue, 13 Jun 2023 10:16:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/a-message-of-solidarity-from-trade-unionists-in-turkey/ Mr Bozgeyik is co-president of the confederation of public employees’ trade unions (KESK), Türkiye.
Opening his speech, Mr Bozgeyik thanked UNISON members for their ongoing support for trade union members facing different forms of harassment in Türkiye, which he described as a]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/a-message-of-solidarity-from-trade-unionists-in-trkiye/Tue, 13 Jun 2023 10:16:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/a-message-of-solidarity-from-trade-unionists-in-trkiye/ UNISON’s energy conference was opened this morning in Liverpool by the region’s metro mayor, Steve Rotherham.
He spoke to delegates about the region’s efforts toward decarbonisation and greening of its economy.
He said: “Since I was elected as metro mayor we have been working together for a better, fairer greener future for the people who call this place home.
“In 2019 our area was t]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/mayor-of-liverpool-opens-unisons-energy-conference/Mon, 12 Jun 2023 17:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/mayor-of-liverpool-opens-unisons-energy-conference/ She was addressing the union’s annual local government conference in Liverpool as workers continue to vote in one of the biggest strike ballots the union has undertaken.
More than a third of a million council and school staff are being asked to vote on a £1,925 offer in England and Wales, signifi]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/the-case-for-better-pay-in-local-government-is-compelling-and-clear-cut-says-unison/Mon, 12 Jun 2023 17:17:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/the-case-for-better-pay-in-local-government-is-compelling-and-clear-cut-says-unison/ It claims short-term policies and a complex array of ever-changing support packages have left millions of households with insufficient help to meet soaring energy bills.
It also concludes that unless substantial progress is made on making sure sustainable homes and vehicles are within reach of t]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/christina-mcanea-introduces-new-energy-report-at-conference/Mon, 12 Jun 2023 16:19:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/christina-mcanea-introduces-new-energy-report-at-conference/ “We need you, talking to members, face to face in their workplaces, explaining why this vote matters,” she said. The National Joint Council, which covers council and school workers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, is calling for a pay increase of inflation plus 2%.&ld]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/general-secretary-urges-delegates-to-get-the-vote-out/Mon, 12 Jun 2023 15:46:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/general-secretary-urges-delegates-to-get-the-vote-out/ This has led to a recruitment crisis, with three quarters of England’s 228 colleges reporting difficulties in filling vacancies.
But delegates heard about the recent success of the Wirral branch of UNISON in securing a commitment from Wirral Metropolitan Coll]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/conference-calls-for-national-pay-bargaining-in-fe/Mon, 12 Jun 2023 11:53:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/conference-calls-for-national-pay-bargaining-in-fe/ Environment agency pay
He opened by highlighting the situation that the country faced when conference last convened a year ago: “Inflation was ramping up and by the end of the year was at levels we haven’t seen for 40 years. Government borrowing soared and interest rates have climbed since.
&]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/water-environment-and-transport-conference-held-in-liverpool/Mon, 12 Jun 2023 11:18:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/water-environment-and-transport-conference-held-in-liverpool/ Environment agency pay
He opened by highlighting the situation that the country faced when conference last convened a year ago: “Inflation was ramping up and by the end of the year was at levels we haven’t seen for 40 years. Government borrowing soared and interest rates have climbed since.
&]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/water-energy-and-transport-conference-held-in-liverpool/Mon, 12 Jun 2023 11:18:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/water-energy-and-transport-conference-held-in-liverpool/ The shadow secretary of state for levelling up, housing and communities said: “We’re going to tilt the balance of power back to people like care workers, refuse workers and librarians. It’s not just the right thing to do, it]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/labour-promises-to-rebuild-local-government/Mon, 12 Jun 2023 11:15:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/labour-promises-to-rebuild-local-government/ Black workers in local government face multiple forms of discrimination, including bullying, racial harassment and a lack of opportunities for promotion.
An independent review found that 30% of those from a Black background reported witnessing or experiencing racial harassment or bullying from management in the last five years, while 29% of Black Caribbea]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/a-lasting-legacy-for-black-workers/Mon, 12 Jun 2023 10:51:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/a-lasting-legacy-for-black-workers/ The National Joint Council, which covers council and school workers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, is calling for a pay increase of inflation plus 2%. The ballot ends on July 4.
Glen Williams, chair of the union’s local government service group executive (pictured), sa]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/time-to-fight-for-a-fair-pay-rise/Mon, 12 Jun 2023 10:24:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/time-to-fight-for-a-fair-pay-rise/ The event marked the launch of Support Guaranteed, a report commissioned by UNISON but produced independently by the society.
Introducing the report, co-author and general secretary of the Fabian Society Andrew Harrop said: “The backdrop of the project is an adult social care system on its knees. Since 2010, spending on adult care has fallen hugely, relati]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/support-guaranteed-the-roadmap-to-a-national-care-service/Mon, 12 Jun 2023 09:15:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/support-guaranteed-the-roadmap-to-a-national-care-service/ Unless substantial progress is made on making sure sustainable homes and vehicles are within reach of those on lower and middle incomes, the UK won’t meet its 2050 net-zero target, the union says.
Without a rethink on financial help and incentives to turbocharge the “painfully slow” progress, the]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/failure-to-widen-financial-help-for-a-greener-future-will-mean-climate-goals-are-missed-says-unison/Mon, 12 Jun 2023 01:01:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/failure-to-widen-financial-help-for-a-greener-future-will-mean-climate-goals-are-missed-says-unison/ The union has members working for the civil service itself and for various agencies and regulatory bodies, including Ofsted, the Environment Agency and the Probation Service.
The letter makes reference to a recent offer of an unconsolidated payment of £1,500 in recognition of how the cost of living crisis is affecting employees.
This, says]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-writes-to-civil-service-boss-for-clarity-over-pay-offer/Fri, 09 Jun 2023 12:08:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-writes-to-civil-service-boss-for-clarity-over-pay-offer/ The document, commissioned by UNISON from the Fabian Society, will be launched in Westminster later today.
The report, Support Guaranteed, says long-term solutions, not quick fixes, are needed to solve the crisis in social care. The new national service would transform suppor]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/roadmap-launched-for-a-national-care-service-to-transform-lives-says-unison/Thu, 08 Jun 2023 01:01:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/roadmap-launched-for-a-national-care-service-to-transform-lives-says-unison/ The deal resolves a two-year disagreement between the union and Bolton council, after hundreds of workers’ holiday pay was miscalculated. 
Some workers have already received back pay in their April or May salary with others expected to receive backdated payments in June.
UNISON acting Branch Secretary for Bolton Christine Collins said: “I am]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/300000-in-back-pay-for-council-and-schools-workers-in-bolton/Fri, 02 Jun 2023 16:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/300000-in-back-pay-for-council-and-schools-workers-in-bolton/ UNISON’s LGBT+ members bring so much to our union, and make it a diverse, wonderful organisation to join and to work for.
A year on from the last time I wrote about Pride month, it’s sad that such little progress has been made in our society and even worse, that in some ways, the UK government is taking huge leaps backwa]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-proud-to-welcome-in-pride/Thu, 01 Jun 2023 13:11:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-proud-to-welcome-in-pride/ Some NHS employers make substantive staff work on a bank contrac]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/how-to-build-a-better-bank-contract-june-2023/Wed, 31 May 2023 16:20:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/how-to-build-a-better-bank-contract-june-2023/ The new mandate marks a continuation of the dispute, begun last year, where EA members voted for strike action over pay for the first time in the agency’s history.
Donna Rowe-Merriman, national secretary for the sector, said: “Workers have endured over a decade of pay erosion where the value of their pay has reduced by over]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/ea-workers-renew-strike-mandate/Wed, 31 May 2023 15:52:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/ea-workers-renew-strike-mandate/ However, the local government employers have responded with an offer of a flat rate increase of £1,925 (with less for part-time and term-time workers)
So, what does that mean for council and schools workers?
Tap through the stats below to]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/the-numbers-behind-council-and-school-pay/Wed, 31 May 2023 12:14:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/the-numbers-behind-council-and-school-pay/ In April 2022, the Welsh Government made £48m available to social care providers to fund an uplift to the Foundation Living Wage for registered care workers in Wales, which is now £10.90.
However, months went by and carers working for Integra Community Living Options did not see any extra money in their pay packets. Union members approached the Cardiff County UNISON B]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/care-workers-in-wales-win-15-increase-and-foundation-living-wage/Wed, 31 May 2023 10:46:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/care-workers-in-wales-win-15-increase-and-foundation-living-wage/ Staff will walk out for two days of action, today (Tuesday) and again on Thursday (1 June) after voting overwhelmingly for industrial action in a dispute over pay.
UNISON has been in dispute with the local authority since last summer. The new dates follow three days of strike action in April.
The dispute started after a decision by the council to award staff in children&rsquo]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/south-gloucestershire-workers-continue-strike-dispute/Tue, 30 May 2023 17:20:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/south-gloucestershire-workers-continue-strike-dispute/ New research from UNISON has shown that funding remains significantly below 2010 levels, and a pupil who started school in 2010 will have lost out on an average of £5,384 of funding as a result of budget cuts. 
On a daily basis, this means larger class s]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/school-budgets-reach-breaking-point-so-unison-members-are-taking-action/Wed, 24 May 2023 17:51:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/school-budgets-reach-breaking-point-so-unison-members-are-taking-action/ The emergency protest coincided with the government’s new anti-strike legislation, the Strikes (Minimum Services Levels) Bill.What is the anti-strike bill?Eddie Brand from UNISON London Ambulance Service branch, which has taken action four times in the last year, spoke at the protest.
Addressing the crowds, Mr Brand said: “The very same members who were cal]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-joins-emergency-protest-against-anti-strike-bill/Tue, 23 May 2023 14:21:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-joins-emergency-protest-against-anti-strike-bill/ Once again, we’re up against restrictive anti-trade union laws that mean we need a big turnout and a big ‘yes’ vote to take strike action. So we’re doing all we can to get out the vote and beat those ballot thresholds.
Pay in councils and schools has fallen by 25% in real terms since 2010. And the]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-we-must-stop-this-managed-decline-of-local-government/Tue, 23 May 2023 10:41:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-we-must-stop-this-managed-decline-of-local-government/ “The potentially dangerous state of some school buildings is a matter of urgent public interest. Parents, carers and staff should be told if any school buildings are on the brink of collapse.
“This is a disas]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/details-of-crumbling-schools-must-be-published-says-unison/Tue, 23 May 2023 01:01:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/details-of-crumbling-schools-must-be-published-says-unison/ The wage offer made by employers to local government staff is nowhere near what’s needed to meet rising prices during the cost of living crisis, says the union. 
UNISON had called for an increase of 2% above inflation. Now the union is asking more than 360,000 workers it represents in the sector whether they ar]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/council-and-school-staff-begin-strike-ballot-over-pay-says-unison/Tue, 23 May 2023 01:01:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/council-and-school-staff-begin-strike-ballot-over-pay-says-unison/ 2023 Working Families Index, published last week, found that significantly more parents are reporting it is ‘financially harder to raise a family’.
60% of respondents reported that making ends meet and raising a family has become more difficult ‘over the last three years’. This represents a significant increase fr]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/the-increasing-pressures-on-raising-a-family/Mon, 22 May 2023 16:36:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/the-increasing-pressures-on-raising-a-family/ 2023 Working Families Index, published last week, found that significantly more parents are reporting it is ‘financially harder to raise a family’.
60% of respondents reported that making ends meet and raising a family has become more difficult ‘over the last three years’. This represents a significant increase fr]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/the-increasing-pressures-of-raising-a-family/Mon, 22 May 2023 16:36:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/the-increasing-pressures-of-raising-a-family/ The strike-busting legislation is returning to parliament on Monday and UNISON, along with other unions, believes that the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill, is a full-frontal attack on working people and the trade unions they organise within.
Details of the demonstration can be found]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/nec-backs-the-right-to-strike-emergency-protest/Fri, 19 May 2023 14:45:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/nec-backs-the-right-to-strike-emergency-protest/ We don’t get to see eve]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/local-government-workers-are-everyday-action-heroes/Thu, 18 May 2023 12:25:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/local-government-workers-are-everyday-action-heroes/ The protest will be held in Westminster at 6pm.
Register your attendance here
UNISON believes that the new anti-strike bill, named the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill, is a full-frontal attack on working people and the trade unions they organise within. It seeks to drastically curtail labour rights in Great Britain and allow]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/emergency-protest-against-the-anti-strike-bill/Thu, 18 May 2023 10:59:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/emergency-protest-against-the-anti-strike-bill/ Each ‘everyday action hero’ figure comes complete with outfit, props, and comic strip designed by a renowned Marvel artist
The limited-edition figurines include a community care worker, lollipop lady, librarian and refuse worker
The union is raising awareness of the important role local councils play in providing essential services
Care workers, crossin]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/council-workers-assemble-everyday-action-hero-figures-launched-by-unison/Thu, 18 May 2023 02:15:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/council-workers-assemble-everyday-action-hero-figures-launched-by-unison/ As a proud ally to the LGBT+ community, I’m concerned about the rise of LGBT+ hate crime and hate speech. The lack of progress in protecting LGBT+ people against abhorrent practices like conversion t]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/lgbt-rights-are-at-the-heart-of-unisons-work/Wed, 17 May 2023 15:19:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/lgbt-rights-are-at-the-heart-of-unisons-work/ Cleaners, IT technicians, library staff and other higher education workers will now decide on dates to take action unless UCEA increases its pay offer for 2023/24.UNISON says the current offer falls a long way short of inflation and staff deserve more.
Staff could walk out at the University of Bedfo]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/university-strikes-loom-unless-pay-increases/Mon, 15 May 2023 11:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/university-strikes-loom-unless-pay-increases/ It’s the union’s membership that elects them.
The NEC makes decisions about the future of our union that directly affect UNISON members, which is why it’s vital that all members have their say in who gets to be involved.
Nicky Ramanandi is UNISON’s regional convenor for the Northern region. With a 17-year hi]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/the-largest-election-we-have-in-unison/Tue, 09 May 2023 16:40:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/the-largest-election-we-have-in-unison/ UNISON is challenging the government this week over regulations that allow employers to hire agency staff to replace striking workers.
Alongside the NASUWT and TUC, whose case is on behalf of eleven unions, UNISON asks that the High Court declares the government’s removal of regulation on agency workers unlawful. Together, the unions represent millions of workers in the UK.
Since 197]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/strike-breaking-legislation-is-unlawful-argues-unison-in-high-court/Fri, 05 May 2023 14:40:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/strike-breaking-legislation-is-unlawful-argues-unison-in-high-court/ Cleaning, catering, and support workers at Barts Health NHS Trust are now directly employed by the NHS again, following a successful campaign by UNISON to bring them back in-house, the union announced this week.
The trust had been gradually bringing the 1,800 staff, previously employed by Serco, back under its employment since last November, and the process was completed on Monday (1 May).
Security and reception]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/insourcing-campaigners-at-barts-nhs-trust-celebrate-final-phase/Thu, 04 May 2023 15:15:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/insourcing-campaigners-at-barts-nhs-trust-celebrate-final-phase/ The union believes this money belongs in the pay packets of public sector workers, rather than the pockets of shareholders. 
UNISON has launched a petition calling for chancellor Jeremy Hunt to “make oil and gas giants – not ordinary households – pay the price” by closin]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-calls-for-tougher-taxes-on-energy-profits/Wed, 03 May 2023 17:23:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-calls-for-tougher-taxes-on-energy-profits/ But time is running out. Voting closes on 19 May.
Members of UNISON have a direct say on who will work with UNISON’s general secretary to steer our union through these difficult times.
Your vote is essential in ensuring we have the right leaders making crucial decisions for all of us. And from the very close results of previous elections, we do know]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/three-steps-to-nec-heaven/Wed, 03 May 2023 16:43:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/three-steps-to-nec-heaven/ We’ve pushed the government one step closer to getting more money into the pockets of NHS workers, we’ve supported our CQC members taking strike action in their dispute over pay, and today, our legal team entered the Royal Courts of Justice to challenge the government on their strike-breaking laws.
UNISON members, activists and staff all play their part in mak]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-dont-give-away-your-power/Wed, 03 May 2023 15:18:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-dont-give-away-your-power/ Independent analysis, commissioned by the union from economic experts Landman Economics, shows the cumulative effect of Conservative cuts. It shows that, even with the increased money promised for each pupil in the 2022 Autumn Statement, funding remains significantly below 2]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/cuts-since-2010-have-cost-pupils-5000-each-in-lost-education/Tue, 02 May 2023 17:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/cuts-since-2010-have-cost-pupils-5000-each-in-lost-education/ UNISON head of health Sara Gorton, who chairs the union group on the NHS staff council, said: “NHS workers will now want the pay rise they’ve voted to accept. The hope is that the one-off payment and salary increase will be in June’s pay packets.
&l]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/nhs-workers-must-now-get-their-money-as-soon-as-possible-says-unison/Tue, 02 May 2023 15:39:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/nhs-workers-must-now-get-their-money-as-soon-as-possible-says-unison/ Since 1976, it has been unlawful for employers to introduce or supply agency workers to replace workers who are taking part in a strike or industrial action. For decades, it has been a criminal offence to knowingly supply agency workers on strike days.
However, in the heat of last summer’s rail strikes, the government rapidly removed this key regulation without consulting trade unions. S]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-to-challenge-government-strike-breaking-laws-at-high-court/Tue, 02 May 2023 09:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-to-challenge-government-strike-breaking-laws-at-high-court/ Employees represented by UNISON, including those working in inspection teams, call centres and data analysis, will walk out along with colleagues belonging to PCS and Unite.
There will be severely reduced capacity at call centres to deal with reports from the public about serious concerns, emergency inspections may not take place and planned visits may be delayed]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/movement-on-pay-needed-to-avoid-delays-and-cancellations-of-cqc-inspections-says-unison/Tue, 02 May 2023 01:01:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/movement-on-pay-needed-to-avoid-delays-and-cancellations-of-cqc-inspections-says-unison/ UNISON’s Stand Up for Social Care campaign began when the union conducted research to see which councils were paying carers above the living wage. 
After securing the living wage for carers across the greater Manchester area, increasing pay for around 25,000 carers, the union’s organisers set their sights on Mersey]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/social-carers-in-liverpool-secure-living-wage/Fri, 28 Apr 2023 17:29:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/social-carers-in-liverpool-secure-living-wage/ UNISON’s Stand Up for Social Care campaign began when the union conducted research to see which councils were paying carers above the living wage. 
After securing the living wage for carers across the greater Manchester area, increasing pay for around 25,000 carers, the union’s organisers set their sights on Mersey]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/care-workers-in-liverpool-secure-living-wage/Fri, 28 Apr 2023 17:29:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/care-workers-in-liverpool-secure-living-wage/ The complaint alleged that the NEU had actively sought to recruit school support staff and had intervened in pay negotiations (known as the NJC) between the three recognised unions and the local government employers.
This undermined a previous agreement between all fou]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/joint-unison-gmb-and-unite-statement-on-the-outcome-of-their-complaint-against-the-neu/Fri, 28 Apr 2023 16:36:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/joint-unison-gmb-and-unite-statement-on-the-outcome-of-their-complaint-against-the-neu/ The union has now launched a grievance on behalf of more than 3,000 support staff across the country against ULT, which runs 70 schools with more than 40,000 pupils.
UNISON is seeking up to £800 for each worker including teaching assistants, librarians and school technicians. This is the amount the union s]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/englands-largest-academy-trust-withholding-back-pay-from-staff-says-unison/Fri, 28 Apr 2023 01:11:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/englands-largest-academy-trust-withholding-back-pay-from-staff-says-unison/ “Huw Pill is living on another planet. On his comfortable salary, he clearly has no idea of the impact soaring prices are having on working people and their families. 
“Millions are barely getting by, unable to pay thei]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/banks-chief-economist-is-living-on-another-planet/Wed, 26 Apr 2023 13:31:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/banks-chief-economist-is-living-on-another-planet/ “Ministers are choosing to ignore the social care crisis. Deep-rooted staffing problems will only begin to be resolved by addressing endemic low pay in the sector. 
“A national care service with better pay and conditions would end the profiteering in car]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/ignoring-the-social-care-crisis-will-worsen-the-broken-system-says-unison/Wed, 26 Apr 2023 13:27:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/ignoring-the-social-care-crisis-will-worsen-the-broken-system-says-unison/ EditorialThe usual repeat story of censorship in libraries is again in the news, with reports on protests to library staff over stock and events plus also the move in the British Library to tag books which may be politically incorrect at the date of tagging. I now remember somewhat fondly those innocent years when librarians could put what they thought was needed on the shelves without worrying about offending someone or being complained about. At leastit means that people take wh]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/at-least-it-means/Sun, 23 Apr 2023 16:41:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/at-least-it-means/ Our hearts go out to his parents, Baroness Doreen Lawrence and Neville Lawrence for whom this day, thirty years ago, was the start of their courageous battle for justice. They took on not only Stephen’s murderers, but the police force that failed Stephen at every turn.
UNISON was proud to stand with Stephen’s parents from]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-honouring-stephen-doreen-and-neville-lawrence/Fri, 21 Apr 2023 14:56:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-honouring-stephen-doreen-and-neville-lawrence/ Health conference closed yesterday (Wednesday) with a session focussing on the recruitment and retention of health staff.Jonathon Whitney (pictured above) from University Hospitals Birmingham branch moved a motion calling on UNISON to campaign to reinstate paid training and raise public awareness of health student debt.
Speaking of his personal experience with the bursary system that was ended in 2016, he said: “In 2009 I found myself in an awkward situation. Having been made redund]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/recruitment-retention-and-registration-discussed-at-health-conference/Thu, 20 Apr 2023 17:18:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/recruitment-retention-and-registration-discussed-at-health-conference/ Moving to the business of the day, debates were heard on a variety issues.
Retirement age parity
A motion submitted by the ambulance occupational group highlighted the disparity in retirement age between police, fire service and ambulance staff.
Peter Steventon, South East central amb]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/health-conference-asks-why-ambulance-staff-arent-an-emergency-service/Thu, 20 Apr 2023 17:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/health-conference-asks-why-ambulance-staff-arent-an-emergency-service/ Staff represented by UNISON, including those working in inspection teams, call centres and data analysis, will be striking on Tuesday 2 May. Workers represented by the PCS and Unite will also be on strike on the same day.
CQC employees started a continuous work to rule on Monday 17 April 2023. This means they are only working the hours they are paid for, not doing]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/care-quality-commission-staff-to-strike-in-escalation-of-pay-row-says-unison/Thu, 20 Apr 2023 13:17:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/care-quality-commission-staff-to-strike-in-escalation-of-pay-row-says-unison/ Whoever you elect to the NEC, will work with me to steer our union over the next two years. As the leader of our great union, I’ve always been clear that we want to increase participation in important votes like these, so that as many members as possible have their say.
The]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-this-is-democracy-in-action/Thu, 20 Apr 2023 11:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-this-is-democracy-in-action/ The persistent theme was of a workforce hellbent on protecting the public – and, in the case of activists, protecting their fellow members – while paying the price in their own deteriorating health and wellbeing.
Martin McKay, of Scotland region]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/health-workers-and-activists-on-the-brink/Wed, 19 Apr 2023 15:22:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/health-workers-and-activists-on-the-brink/ The persistent theme was of a workforce hellbent on protecting the public – and, in the case of activists, protecting their fellow members – while paying the price in their own deteriorating health and wellbeing.
Martin McKay, of Scotland region]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/health-workers-and-activists-endure-unrelenting-stress/Wed, 19 Apr 2023 15:22:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/health-workers-and-activists-endure-unrelenting-stress/ Pay talk dominated conference business this morning (Tuesday) at UNISON’s annual health conference in Bournemouth.
The morning started with general secretary Christina McAnea taking the opportunity to invite representatives from all health branches who secured a strike mandate in their pay disputes over the last year, to take to the stage, where they received an impassioned standing ovation from delegates (pictured above).Conference business then started with an emergency]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/health-conference-debates-pay/Tue, 18 Apr 2023 19:58:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/health-conference-debates-pay/ Campaigns on overtime, reducing the working week and protecting the NHS pension were among the other key topics discussed by delegates.
Among the re-banding wins, last year thousands of HCAs across Manchester received up to £5,000 in backdated earnings, after]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/health-conference-celebrates-unions-re-banding-wins/Tue, 18 Apr 2023 17:21:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/health-conference-celebrates-unions-re-banding-wins/ In 2022, workers were offered a below-inflation increase of 5.5%, made up of a 4% interim award in June and an extra 1.5% in October. An overwhelming majority of UNISON members (83%) rejected it.
After negotiations at ACAS, UNISON representatives secured an offer of 8.2%]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-secures-pay-win-for-canal-and-river-trust-workers/Tue, 18 Apr 2023 16:57:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-secures-pay-win-for-canal-and-river-trust-workers/ The union will once again be supporting and encouraging branches to mark Green UNISON Week, using it to celebrate, discuss and share how the union is working to green public services.
From Friday 15 to Friday 22 September inclusive, branches UK will be asked to consider organising a week of activities to call for urgent ac]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-announces-green-week-dates-in-run-up-to-earth-day/Tue, 18 Apr 2023 12:52:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-announces-green-week-dates-in-run-up-to-earth-day/ UNISON’s general secretary Christina McAnea, gave the keynote address to UNISON’s annual health conference this afternoon (Monday) in Bournemouth and thanked the lay leadership, staff and each and every health activist for their work during a “tough year” for the NHS.
Throughout that year, the health service has faced “the longest waiting times on record, highest levels of dissatisfaction, highest levels of staff vacancies.”
But Ms McAne]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/this-deal-puts-money-in-members-pay-packets-and-they-voted-decisively-to-accept-it/Mon, 17 Apr 2023 17:32:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/this-deal-puts-money-in-members-pay-packets-and-they-voted-decisively-to-accept-it/ The motion ‘Challenging racism in the NHS’, noted that data from the NHS Workforce Race Equalities Standard (WRES) continues to show that higher levels of Black workers are experiencing harassment, bullying and abuse from staff and patients, than their white colleagues.
Black workers also have less access to training and career opp]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/powerful-anti-racism-debate-opens-unison-health-conference/Mon, 17 Apr 2023 15:21:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/powerful-anti-racism-debate-opens-unison-health-conference/ The workers, employed on zero hours contracts by Medirest, have been working under worse terms and conditions compared to colleagues directly employed by the NHS.
The trust has also agreed a commitment to increase pay for portering staff, who will receive the London living wage from 1 September 2023.
UNISON North Middlesex Hospital branch secretary Paula Ward s]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/insourcing-win-at-north-middlesex-university-hospital/Mon, 17 Apr 2023 14:46:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/insourcing-win-at-north-middlesex-university-hospital/ What is happening, when and why is voter turnout important? Here’s our guide to everything you need to know.
Why is this happening?
The National Executive Council (NEC) is elected by our members every two years. The election timetable and procedures were agreed]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/democracy-in-action-not-just-lip-service-help-run-this-union/Mon, 17 Apr 2023 11:36:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/democracy-in-action-not-just-lip-service-help-run-this-union/ North West Ambulance Service spent more than £15m between January and December 2022 on private emergency services, according to data obtained by the union.
South Central Ambulance Service spent £19m over the past financial year, ]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/nhs-spending-over-1m-a-week-on-private-ambulances-for-999-callouts-says-unison/Mon, 17 Apr 2023 08:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/nhs-spending-over-1m-a-week-on-private-ambulances-for-999-callouts-says-unison/ Baroness Elizabeth Sanderson is the chair of a new advisory panel that will inform the Government’s new public library strategy this year. Elizabeth, a life peer, although described as “independent”, sits on theConservative benches, has advised Theresa May and has, well, before been a Mail on Sunday journalist for seventeen years. Given that is the case, and being it’s not an alternative universe, any advice to her has to be made being aware that th]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/this-ones-for-you-baroness-sanderson/Sun, 16 Apr 2023 14:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/this-ones-for-you-baroness-sanderson/ The consultation of 288,000 NHS workers across England closed at 3pm this afternoon. Almost three quarters (74%) voted to accept the offer, and 26% to reject.
Turnout in the consultation exercise was 53%, with 152,329 votes cast. Of these 112,458 voted yes, and 39,871 no.
NHS staff across England have been taking part in the online consultation exercise since th]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-health-workers-vote-to-accept-nhs-pay-offer/Fri, 14 Apr 2023 17:17:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-health-workers-vote-to-accept-nhs-pay-offer/ That means over 112,000 members working in every part of the NHS voted to accept, put cash in their pockets and give certainty about pay for the next year.Results:74% voted Yes, to accept the offer
26% voted No, to reject the offer
53% turnout, with 152,329 votes cast
The vote comes after months of strike action across the country by UNISON]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/decisive-outcome-as-unison-members-vote-to-accept-nhs-pay-offer-in-england/Fri, 14 Apr 2023 17:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/decisive-outcome-as-unison-members-vote-to-accept-nhs-pay-offer-in-england/ The equal pay issue started in 2013 when a special bank holiday payment, the Resident’s Services Guarantee (RSG), was negotiated for workers in refuse and recycling. 
The majority of workers benefitting from the payment in refuse and recycling were men, and the majority of t]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-secures-equal-pay-for-800-workers-in-brighton-and-hove/Fri, 14 Apr 2023 12:12:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-secures-equal-pay-for-800-workers-in-brighton-and-hove/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/care-quality-commission-staffwill-work-to-rule-over-pay-says-unison/Fri, 14 Apr 2023 10:07:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/care-quality-commission-staffwill-work-to-rule-over-pay-says-unison/ Workers providing crucial services to ensure communities are kept safe, pollution-free and protected will walk out over the space of four days spanning this weekend. 
It marks a significant escalation of the industrial action that began late last year to win a wage rise that would enable the Agency workforce to better weather]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/the-government-must-intervene-on-environment-agency-pay-to-prevent-permanent-damage/Fri, 14 Apr 2023 01:01:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/the-government-must-intervene-on-environment-agency-pay-to-prevent-permanent-damage/ Carers will no longer have a paid 30-minute break and their shifts have been extended by half an hour. Shaw has also banned staff from eating prepared food with residents at meal times, which was a contractual right. Now staff will be allowed to eat ‘leftovers’ if they pay. 
Shaw executives have so far refused to negotiate with UNISON Cymru/Wale]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/care-workers-in-powys-face-fire-and-rehire/Thu, 13 Apr 2023 11:15:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/care-workers-in-powys-face-fire-and-rehire/ Health members in England are currently voting on the government’s latest pay offer. The ballot closes at 3pm on Thursday 13 April. By the time delegates meet for the national health conference next week, results will be through and next steps will be debated.]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-prepares-robust-response-to-governments-attempts-to-divide-the-health-team/Wed, 12 Apr 2023 17:47:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-prepares-robust-response-to-governments-attempts-to-divide-the-health-team/ The UNISON migrant worker network is an informal network of UNISON members with a first-generation immigrant background including overseas and migrant workers, EU settled status workers and workers who have subsequently naturalised as British citizens or who have indefinite leave to remain.
A leaflet promoting UNISON’s migrant workers network, as well as our free immigration helpline for members and their]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-launches-new-migrant-member-network/Wed, 12 Apr 2023 17:02:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-launches-new-migrant-member-network/ Chair of UNISON’s science, therapy and technical occupational group Gemma Jones said the plans “break the code of conduct of radiography staff and their legal duties for radiation protection by instructing them to expose vulnerable individuals to ionising radiation without consent and without any medical need, for a procedure that is not]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-condemns-government-plans-to-x-ray-children-seeking-asylum/Wed, 12 Apr 2023 11:26:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-condemns-government-plans-to-x-ray-children-seeking-asylum/ One of the many fascinating things aboutpublic libraries is that they’re so very diverse. In the UK, and in many other parts of the world, each library service (or the council or other body that controls it) is effectively its own kingdom, with its own rules and norms. This is shown by variation in even neighbouring services: requirements to join (normally one of three, with no evidence of a connection between it and theft rates – none, one, two including proof]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/a-rainbow-of-different-library-services/Sun, 09 Apr 2023 17:40:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/a-rainbow-of-different-library-services/ Over the next five weeks, higher education workers including cleaners, IT technicians and library staff are to vote on whether to strike after the university employers put forward a wage rise that’s way below inflation, the union says.
The]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/raise-wage-offer-and-prevent-more-university-strikes-says-unison/Thu, 06 Apr 2023 16:34:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/raise-wage-offer-and-prevent-more-university-strikes-says-unison/ Ms Erden (pictured above, centre) is one of eight leading members of SES, the health and social services union in Turkey, who are charged with terrorism for their trade union work.
UNISON representatives attended the fourth trial date at the heavy penal court in Ankara on 13 March. The hearing focused on two things: Gonul and fellow trade unionist Selma Atabey’s requests for b]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/trade-unionist-gonul-erden-released-from-prison-in-turkey/Thu, 06 Apr 2023 13:53:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/trade-unionist-gonul-erden-released-from-prison-in-turkey/ Most social care in England is commissioned by local government and delivered by private and independent companies. The system has been run down by a combination of huge funding cuts to councils and profit extraction by some providers. National care st]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-launches-its-campaign-for-a-national-care-service-in-england/Wed, 05 Apr 2023 09:02:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-launches-its-campaign-for-a-national-care-service-in-england/ Despite months of strikes and other action where workers have taken themselves off ‘on call’ incident response rotas, ministers have made no attempt to invite unions in for pay talks, says UNISON.
The union’s latest action means staff working on coastal]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/environment-agency-workers-to-walk-out-for-four-more-days-says-unison/Wed, 05 Apr 2023 09:02:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/environment-agency-workers-to-walk-out-for-four-more-days-says-unison/ But the problems in social care didn’t start when COVID-19 arrived. For decades, governments]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/launching-unisons-campaign-for-a-national-care-service/Wed, 05 Apr 2023 08:05:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/launching-unisons-campaign-for-a-national-care-service/ But the problems in social care didn’t start when COVID-19 arrived. For decades, governments]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-launching-unisons-campaign-for-a-national-care-service/Wed, 05 Apr 2023 08:05:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-launching-unisons-campaign-for-a-national-care-service/ Staff will walk out for three days from today until Thursday (4 to 6 April) after voting overwhelmingly* for industrial action in a dispute over pay.
UNISON has been in dispute with the local authority since last summer. This is over its decision to award staff in children’s services an additional temporary £]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/south-gloucestershiresocialworkers-strikeover-pay/Tue, 04 Apr 2023 07:52:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/south-gloucestershiresocialworkers-strikeover-pay/ “The investment announced in 2021 was nowhere near enough to address the deep crisis in social care.
“It didn’t deal with the poverty wages and absence of sick pay rife in social care. By slashing those already inadequate plans, ministers have proved they have nothing but disregard for the sector.
“W]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/funding-failure-shows-governments-disregard-for-the-social-care-sector/Tue, 04 Apr 2023 01:01:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/funding-failure-shows-governments-disregard-for-the-social-care-sector/ Alongside other education unions including UCU, NEU, EIS and NASUWT, UNISON has urged the Israeli government to call a halt to the demolition of Jubbet ad Dib school, a small primary school southeast of Bethlehem. The school is built on private land, donated by the local community.
This is the second time the school will be demolished. In August 2017, Israeli soldiers demolished the school]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-opposes-school-demolition-in-west-bank/Mon, 03 Apr 2023 16:44:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-opposes-school-demolition-in-west-bank/ Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris and Department of Health representatives have agreed to meet health unions on Wednesday.
UNISON demanded confirmation that such a meeting will be a “genuine engagement” and will result in negotiation to produce a meaningful offer it can take to members.
The move comes afte]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-northern-ireland-pauses-health-strike-after-government-offer-of-talks/Mon, 03 Apr 2023 16:05:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-northern-ireland-pauses-health-strike-after-government-offer-of-talks/ It’s not often that I get to report on Scottish public library closures. This is because, well, there aren’t that many Scottish library closures. Aberdeen, however, is bucking the trend by closing six libraries, despite sizeable opposition. The amount of money saved is £280k. Meanwhile, the same council is putting an art installation in, right next to a closing library, for £155k. So, there’s priorities for you. The new First Minister of Scotl]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/aberdeen-getting-worse-but-otherwise-were-getting-beta/Sun, 02 Apr 2023 16:46:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/aberdeen-getting-worse-but-otherwise-were-getting-beta/ EA workers have been taking last resort industrial action since December 2022, after the organisation failed to offer a fair pay rise in the face of soaring household bills and inflation.
They staged a 12-hour walkout in February, picketing the EA’s head offices in London. And in the past two weeks they have stopped attending incidents at wee]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/ea-members-announce-new-strike-dates-as-pay-falls-below-minimum-wage/Fri, 31 Mar 2023 17:12:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/ea-members-announce-new-strike-dates-as-pay-falls-below-minimum-wage/ UNISON announced that planned 24-hour strikes in Northern Ireland, involving thousands of health workers, will go ahead today, 31 March, and also on 3 April. This came after unions were informed that local health leadership did not have any money with which to make an increased pay offer.
It comes as a direct result of th]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/government-inaction-means-ni-health-strikes-continue/Fri, 31 Mar 2023 11:44:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/government-inaction-means-ni-health-strikes-continue/ During the consultation exercise, UNISON is encouraging NHS staff to accept the offer, which resulted from pay talks held with unions, employers and ministers earlier this month. The vote closes on Friday 14 April.
The offer covers two pay years – a one-off amount for 2022/23 and a 5% wage rise (10.4% for the lowest paid) for 2023/24.
The non-consolidated payment for t]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/health-workers-todecide-whether-totake-nhs-wage-offer-or-risk-lengthy-pay-review-body-wait/Tue, 28 Mar 2023 12:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/health-workers-todecide-whether-totake-nhs-wage-offer-or-risk-lengthy-pay-review-body-wait/ Our officials went into the pay talks and spoke on behalf of thousands of health workers, who had either already taken part in strikes, or who were prepared to join the picket line to escalate the action.
Ambulance workers across several trusts in England, hospital workers in Liverpool]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-why-its-time-to-say-yes-to-nhs-pay/Mon, 27 Mar 2023 16:19:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-why-its-time-to-say-yes-to-nhs-pay/ The Government has given out £4.9 million to English public libraries in a competitive bidding process. This is to be welcomed but it’s worth pointing out that (a) this is likely to be much less than overall funding cuts to libraries this year and (b) is for stuff that library services can’t now afford normally but in any well-funded servicewould have been able to. Plus also it’s sometimes for additional stuff when the core service is being cut. As]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/bidding-for-a-bouncy-castle/Sun, 26 Mar 2023 17:02:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/bidding-for-a-bouncy-castle/ Fewer than 800 families across England have received a £60,000 pay out each from the government’s life assurance scheme*.
Official figures show more than 2,000 deaths involving Covid occurred among health and care staff, including porters, nurses and care home employees**. Although the pa]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/covid-death-families-have-yet-to-claim-millions-in-compensation/Fri, 24 Mar 2023 12:40:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/covid-death-families-have-yet-to-claim-millions-in-compensation/ Orchard Day Nursery in Huyton shut its doors at such short notice that many workers, children and parents only found out about the permanent closure via a notice fixed to the gates, the union says.
The nursery has since gone into insolvency. Its&nb]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/orchard-day-nursery-must-be-saved-says-unison/Wed, 22 Mar 2023 07:00:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/orchard-day-nursery-must-be-saved-says-unison/ During this important holy period for Muslims, UNISON reminds both workers and employers that it is within the Equality Act 2010 for all employers to ensure flexible working and provide reasonable adjustments for workers wishing to observe Ramadan, which i]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/ramadan-2023-your-rights-at-work/Tue, 21 Mar 2023 12:44:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/ramadan-2023-your-rights-at-work/ Censoring libraries is hitting stronger all the time – this week we have (1) death threats against US and Irish libraries (2) Devon apparently (the papers reporting it are the Telegraph and Express so it’s not certain) restricting access to Enid Blyton (3) the Mail stoking outrage at a LGBT books in a British school library and a Michigan prosecutor considering an up-to-four-year jail term for a librarian for stocking a book he doesn’t agree with. It&rsqu]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/another-normal-week-in-2023-death-threats-censorship-cuts-and-investment/Sun, 19 Mar 2023 22:33:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/another-normal-week-in-2023-death-threats-censorship-cuts-and-investment/ The industrial action is set to continue for three weeks, with workers refusing to volunteer for ‘on call’ cover between Friday evening and Monday morning.
Where there is a threat to life from incidents such as a major flood, officers will step in as emergency ‘life and limb cover’ has been agreed by]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/environment-agency-workers-begin-fresh-wave-of-industrial-action/Fri, 17 Mar 2023 17:40:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/environment-agency-workers-begin-fresh-wave-of-industrial-action/ It was only after UNISON announced our biggest day of strike action yet, with 32,000 members poised to strike, that the government agreed to hold talks.UNISON members have shown immense courage in taking four days of strike action in England, building momentum in every corner of the country and maintaining incredible public support throughout.  
Together with unions from across]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-why-this-pay-offer-should-be-accepted/Thu, 16 Mar 2023 18:06:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-why-this-pay-offer-should-be-accepted/ It was only after UNISON announced our biggest day of strike action yet, with 32,000 members poised to strike, that the government agreed to hold talks.UNISON members have shown immense courage in taking four days of strike action in England, building momentum in every corner of the country and maintaining incredible public support throughout.  
Together with unions from across]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-this-is-how-collective-action-works/Thu, 16 Mar 2023 18:06:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-this-is-how-collective-action-works/ “It’s a shame it took so long to get here. Health workers had to take many days of strike action, and thousands more had to threaten to join them, to get their unions into the room and proper talks underway. 
“But following days of intensive talks between the government, unions and employers, there’s now an offer on the table for NHS staff]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-to-recommend-acceptance-of-nhs-pay-offer/Thu, 16 Mar 2023 17:00:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-to-recommend-acceptance-of-nhs-pay-offer/ This is the latest victory in UNISON’s ‘pay fair for patient care’ campaign, which saw hospital workers in Manchester win significant back pay last year.
The union has now won significant backpay for members working in the two b]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/bristol-healthcare-assistants-win-over-1m-in-re-banding-victory/Thu, 16 Mar 2023 16:36:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/bristol-healthcare-assistants-win-over-1m-in-re-banding-victory/ In reality, though, this budget was back-to-normal for the Conservative Party – big tax cuts for some of the highest earners, and billions of taxpayer money spent subsidising big businesses.
Over thirteen years of Tory austerity, chancellor after chancellor has claimed that there is no mon]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-money-for-everything-everywhere-just-not-your-pay-rise/Wed, 15 Mar 2023 17:21:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-money-for-everything-everywhere-just-not-your-pay-rise/ “There are more holes in this budget than on most public highways.
“It’s funny how the chancellor can lay his hands on billions when he wants. Ministers have sounded like a broken record, insisting the country can’t afford to pay key workers more.
“Yet, in a flourish, there’s cash for another fuel duty freeze, tax cuts for those who need th]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/growth-wont-happen-without-strong-public-services/Wed, 15 Mar 2023 14:30:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/growth-wont-happen-without-strong-public-services/ “Decent public services are the bedrock of any society. But they can’t exist without people to run them.
“It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to fathom that pay is key to keeping and attracting a motivated workforce.
“The government must invest in pay in the budget so schools, hospitals, town halls and care homes can]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/budget-must-safeguard-services-by-boosting-pay/Tue, 14 Mar 2023 14:43:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/budget-must-safeguard-services-by-boosting-pay/ The day-long event, organised by the Scottish region, included a walking tour of women’s organising and trade union history in Glasgow, a workshop on how to tackle sexual harassment at work and in the union movement and a panel discussion on the achievements of Scottish Black women.
Addressing attendees on the day, UNISON Scottish secretary Tracey Dalling said: “We come to]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-celebrates-international-womens-day-in-glasgow/Tue, 14 Mar 2023 14:39:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-celebrates-international-womens-day-in-glasgow/ In the other UK, though, profits are booming. The oil and gas giants made record]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-which-version-of-the-uk-will-jeremy-hunt-choose-to-back/Mon, 13 Mar 2023 12:33:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-which-version-of-the-uk-will-jeremy-hunt-choose-to-back/ Like many, I have been caught up in the debate about the neutrality of the BBC. Like public libraries that august institution has a duty to neutrality and, like us, comes under pressure from time to time to be less than evenly balanced. And if the BBC sometimes finds this difficult then it’s potentially even harder for something like libraries, which are after all part of a service led by councillors, who are almost all of one political party or another. Ultimately,]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/neutrality-and-challenges/Sun, 12 Mar 2023 20:18:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/neutrality-and-challenges/ And while pay is seen as the defining feature of this industrial action, there’s frequently a lack of understanding of how pay affects staffing levels which ultimately affects patient care across the NHS.
Tap]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/the-numbers-behind-nhs-pay/Thu, 09 Mar 2023 16:06:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/the-numbers-behind-nhs-pay/ The budget takes place next Wednesday and is the Westminster government’s opportunity to take big decisions that would benefit people’s lives, such as investing in public services, improving wages, making t]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/how-the-budget-could-fix-public-services/Thu, 09 Mar 2023 14:07:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/how-the-budget-could-fix-public-services/ Fire and rehire
One of the first motions passed was on fire and rehire – a hostile employment practice where an employer seeks to terminate workers’ existing contracts and rehire them under new terms.Delegates heard how the tactic has been prevalent in the communi]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/we-need-to-outlaw-fire-and-rehire-forever-declares-unison-community-conference/Thu, 09 Mar 2023 13:56:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/we-need-to-outlaw-fire-and-rehire-forever-declares-unison-community-conference/ “No one should be in any doubt as to the scale of the problems facing the NHS.
“Years of government neglect and underinvestment are to blame. Ministers have done nothing meaningful to stop the slide, despite repeated warnings.
“The sharp decline in the number of staff happy with the standard of care at their organisation is alarming]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/change-of-direction-is-needed-to-savenhs/Thu, 09 Mar 2023 11:30:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/change-of-direction-is-needed-to-savenhs/ “Without investment in the workforce, there’ll be no public services.
“Council and school staff are caring for the most vulnerable, educating future generations, and keeping the local environment safe and clean. 
“These unsung workers deserve to be properly rewarded. But this offer falls short of what’s n]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/local-government-pay-offer-short-of-whats-needed-after-years-of-cuts/Wed, 08 Mar 2023 13:55:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/local-government-pay-offer-short-of-whats-needed-after-years-of-cuts/ Women in Westminster: The 100 celebrates the achievements and the valuable role women play in public life by recognising one hundred women from across the world of Westminster, who are not only influential in their own field, but who possess the talent and platform to inspire the next generation to make a difference in Westminster and beyond.
Ms McAnea attended a receptio]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/christina-mcanea-is-one-of-this-years-100-women-in-westminster/Tue, 07 Mar 2023 23:32:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/christina-mcanea-is-one-of-this-years-100-women-in-westminster/ There is a survey available for UNISON members to take. The findings will contribute toward UNISON’s wider policy and campaigning, helping the union fight for the right changes and support for members.
The researchers are interested in understanding what factors affect people’s decisions when deciding to take on work and what]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/survey-have-your-say-about-your-choices-at-work/Tue, 07 Mar 2023 14:28:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/survey-have-your-say-about-your-choices-at-work/ Thousands of ambulance staff, hospital workers and staff at NHS Blood and Transplant were due to walk out tomorrow in a significant escalation in our strike action. But the pressure from several days of strike action from December to February, and from new strike mandates secured in the past]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-we-will-be-talking-to-resolve-this-dispute-for-members/Tue, 07 Mar 2023 10:22:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-we-will-be-talking-to-resolve-this-dispute-for-members/ More than 700 workers were balloted by UNISON, including those in the organisation’s health and social care teams and call centres, along with clerical staff and data analysts.
CQC staff regulate health and social care bodies across England including hospitals, care homes, GP practices and dental surgeries ensuring the safe&n]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/care-quality-commission-staff-vote-to-strike-over-pay-says-unison/Tue, 07 Mar 2023 01:28:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/care-quality-commission-staff-vote-to-strike-over-pay-says-unison/ The FPU is the largest trade union centre in Ukraine, representing 4.7million members in more than 50 affiliate organisations.The Russian invasion has caused untold devastation to the Ukrainian people. On top of the thousands of people who have lost their lives, millions of workers have lost their jobs or been displace]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/ukraine-solidarity-one-year-on/Mon, 06 Mar 2023 17:25:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/ukraine-solidarity-one-year-on/ I’m always a bit bemused by the release of the annual CIPFA figures. For one thing, they tend to be released late (this one about 11 months afterwards). They’ve also lost their comprehensiveness – only 43% of library services responded this time. And then of course they’re impossible to get at, unless you’re a library service or very rich. Finally, there’s the analysis of them. The current one appears not to overly notice the big increas]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/cipfa-cuts-and-woohoos/Sun, 05 Mar 2023 20:48:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/cipfa-cuts-and-woohoos/ Following a meeting of its health committee this afternoon, UNISON announced it was suspending the action scheduled for 8 March.
The decision was taken after the Department of Health and Social Care confirmed there would be additional investment in pay for both this year (2022/23) and]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-to-suspend-strike-to-enter-nhs-pay-talks-with-government/Fri, 03 Mar 2023 18:21:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-to-suspend-strike-to-enter-nhs-pay-talks-with-government/ UNISON has repeated its call for the government to scrap its voter ID scheme, after it was revealed that only 1% of those wi]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/voter-id-is-the-governments-latest-threat-to-our-democracy/Thu, 02 Mar 2023 17:35:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/voter-id-is-the-governments-latest-threat-to-our-democracy/ “Health unions will need to clarify the basis upon which talks can get underway through the NHS staff council.  
“This includes understanding the status of the unilateral talks that have taken place with the Royal College of Nu]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/health-unions-to-consider-invite-from-government-to-enter-formal-pay-talks-through-nhs-staff-council/Thu, 02 Mar 2023 12:57:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/health-unions-to-consider-invite-from-government-to-enter-formal-pay-talks-through-nhs-staff-council/ “Care homes were on Matt Hancock’s watch but he failed to protect them from the virus. Lives were needlessly lost because ministers effectively abandoned staff and residents. 
“Many care workers had to make their own safety kit ]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/lessons-must-be-learned-from-governments-pandemic-care-home-policy-says-unison/Wed, 01 Mar 2023 13:57:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/lessons-must-be-learned-from-governments-pandemic-care-home-policy-says-unison/ Compiled by Professor Vera Trappmann and Dr. Jo Cutter at Leeds University’s Centre for Employment Relations Innovation and Change (CERIC), the report details the results of a survey of almost 400 UNISON members, compared against a nationally representative sample of 2,000 workers.
The detail and si]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/this-challenge-unites-us-as-a-union-says-new-green-report/Tue, 28 Feb 2023 12:53:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/this-challenge-unites-us-as-a-union-says-new-green-report/ The chair and secretary of the union side of the NHS staff council have written to Steve Barclay on behalf of health unions, raising concerns about the government’s handling of the pay dispute. 
The group of 13 unions includes four – UNIS]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/solo-pay-talks-could-have-serious-consequences-for-the-nhs/Mon, 27 Feb 2023 01:01:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/solo-pay-talks-could-have-serious-consequences-for-the-nhs/ The recent controversy over the rewriting of Roald Dahl’s books to make them more politically correct, which may or may not have been just a publicity stunt, has got me thinking even more about where we should stand on censorship. And it is censorship, pure and simple. Look at the definition of the word if you’re not sure.
My views on this have changed and hardened recently. The thing is I like being politically correct and, as any reader will gather from my ed]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/written-out/Sun, 26 Feb 2023 10:58:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/written-out/ The joint unions have continued to push employers, represented by the Universities and Colleges Employers Association (UCEA), on the issues of pay, workload, casualisation and equality pay gaps
Some progress has been made in establishing agreed terms of reference for negotiations on revie]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/joint-union-statement-acas-higher-education-talks/Fri, 24 Feb 2023 18:37:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/joint-union-statement-acas-higher-education-talks/ As this is UNISON’s year of Black workers, I also want to celebrate our Black LGBT+ activists, both from our past and present, who’ve led the way in the struggle for equality and LGBT+ rights both within UNISON and across the UK.
Rizwan Sheikh was a leading activist in lesbian and gay, and Black members groups. He became a senior activist in his region and then natio]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-celebrating-our-black-lgbt-activists/Fri, 24 Feb 2023 18:17:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-celebrating-our-black-lgbt-activists/ One year on, the people of Ukraine continue to resist the invasion but at great cost. Tens of thousands of Ukrainian and Russian soldiers have lost their lives and many more have been injured.
Over four million Ukrainians live as refugees in neighbouring European countries, while over seven million have been internally displaced within Uk]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/ukraine-one-year-on/Thu, 23 Feb 2023 12:42:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/ukraine-one-year-on/ “The NHS is in a dire state because it’s thousands and thousands of staff short. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to fathom that.
“The workforce crisis is now so bad that parts of the NHS can no longer provide safe patient care.
“Ministers’ attitudes towards wages certainly aren’t helping. Low levels]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/publishworkforce-plan-now-to-get-nhs-back-on-track-says-unison/Thu, 23 Feb 2023 11:56:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/publishworkforce-plan-now-to-get-nhs-back-on-track-says-unison/ The union says the strike on Wednesday 8 March is a serious escalation of the dispute and a direct result of the government’s failure to hold proper pay talks with health unions.
Health workers at NHS Blood and Transplant, Great Ormond Street Hospital, the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/nurses-paramedicsblood-collection-workersand-other-nhs-staff-in-new-strike-over-pay-says-unison-/Wed, 22 Feb 2023 15:14:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/nurses-paramedicsblood-collection-workersand-other-nhs-staff-in-new-strike-over-pay-says-unison-/ The union says the strike on Wednesday 8 March is a serious escalation of the dispute and a direct result of the government’s failure to hold proper pay talks with health unions.
Health workers at NHS Blood and Transplant, Great Ormond Street Hospital, the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/nurses-paramedicsblood-collection-workersand-other-nhs-staff-in-new-strike-over-pay/Wed, 22 Feb 2023 15:14:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/nurses-paramedicsblood-collection-workersand-other-nhs-staff-in-new-strike-over-pay/ “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]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/pay-proposal-will-worsen-the-nhs-dispute/Tue, 21 Feb 2023 20:00:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/pay-proposal-will-worsen-the-nhs-dispute/ “It’s a pity ministers haven’t invested as much energy into solving the disputes. Instead they’ve opted fo]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/ditch-the-pointless-spiteful-strike-laws-and-focus-on-helping-patients-by-solving-disputes/Tue, 21 Feb 2023 18:00:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/ditch-the-pointless-spiteful-strike-laws-and-focus-on-helping-patients-by-solving-disputes/ 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]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/womens-conference-calls-for-stronger-sexual-harassment-policies-in-the-workplace/Tue, 21 Feb 2023 15:45:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/womens-conference-calls-for-stronger-sexual-harassment-policies-in-the-workplace/ 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]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-an-electric-atmosphere-at-northern-ireland-strikes/Tue, 21 Feb 2023 14:44:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-an-electric-atmosphere-at-northern-ireland-strikes/ 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]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/third-day-of-nhs-strikes-in-northern-ireland/Tue, 21 Feb 2023 12:21:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/third-day-of-nhs-strikes-in-northern-ireland/ One third of women report domestic abuse at some point in their lives. With almost 80% of UNISON’s 1.3 million women identifying as women, domestic abuse is most definitely a trade union issue, delegates at the annual women’s conference heard]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-urges-better-protection-for-domestic-abuse-victims/Mon, 20 Feb 2023 18:27:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-urges-better-protection-for-domestic-abuse-victims/ Members at four ambulance services and five NHS trusts have voted to take industrial action, in a significant escalation of the dispute, after having fallen just short of the industrial action threshold in the first instance.
One of the services which was re-balloted and has now passed the legal threshold to take industrial action was East of]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/stop-ghosting-us-on-pay-say-unison-eastern/Mon, 20 Feb 2023 17:28:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/stop-ghosting-us-on-pay-say-unison-eastern/ Nurses, ambulance staff, healthcare assistants, homecare workers, porters and staff in other NHS roles will be on picket lines and joining marches to five rallies taking place across Northern Ireland tomorrow.
NHS and care staff in Northern Ireland have so far staged a one-day strike in December and another las]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/nhs-staff-across-northern-ireland-take-third-day-of-action-in-strike-over-pay/Mon, 20 Feb 2023 17:00:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/nhs-staff-across-northern-ireland-take-third-day-of-action-in-strike-over-pay/ According to the Office of National Statistics, the gender pay gap currently stands at 15% for full-time workers and is much wider when employed part-time, as most women are.
Working years
Proposing a motion ‘gender pay justice for women wor]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/womens-equality-at-risk-of-being-put-back-25-years-by-the-pandemic/Mon, 20 Feb 2023 13:59:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/womens-equality-at-risk-of-being-put-back-25-years-by-the-pandemic/ Things change and libraries change. I was training a new member of the team this week and went through everything that had changed since I started in public libraries in the same area (not the same council – that’s one of the changes) back in the 1990s. It included library moves, opening hour changes (usually for the better, thankfully), story-times, the Summer Reading Challenge, self-service machines, people’s network computers, cafes, rhyme-times, baby]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/the-only-thing-that-stays-the-same/Sat, 18 Feb 2023 20:00:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/the-only-thing-that-stays-the-same/ The statement highlights that progress has been made in discussions around pay, but that an impasse has been reached under Acas’ new dispute procedures.
However, the employer and the unions have agr]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/he-strikes-called-off-as-talks-move-forward/Fri, 17 Feb 2023 19:32:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/he-strikes-called-off-as-talks-move-forward/ Five unions – UNISON, UCU, GMB, Unite and EIS – issued a joint statement with the Universities and Colleges Employers Association (UCEA), which will see the strikes over pay suspended.
This follows an agreement from the employers to give more money to the lowest paid in higher education and undertake]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/university-strikes-called-off-as-pay-talks-are-set-to-continue/Fri, 17 Feb 2023 19:20:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/university-strikes-called-off-as-pay-talks-are-set-to-continue/ With the union’s members involved in a string of pay disputes, across sectors, Ms McAnea noted: “Women are at the heart of the action we’re taking now. I’ve met many of you on the picket lines.
“The right-wing media – and Tory politicia]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/women-are-at-the-heart-of-unisons-industrial-action/Fri, 17 Feb 2023 15:48:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/women-are-at-the-heart-of-unisons-industrial-action/ Announcing its re-ballot results of thousands more health workers, UNISON says staff at another four English ambulance services and five NHS organisations, including NHS Blood and Transplant, will now be able to strike. This is a significant escalation of the dispute.
Following the re-ballot of staff at ten NHS employers in England,]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/nhs-dispute-widens-to-cover-most-parts-of-england/Fri, 17 Feb 2023 12:15:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/nhs-dispute-widens-to-cover-most-parts-of-england/ With women holding 69% of low-paid and insecure jobs, the worry and sacrifices being experienced are widespread and disproportionate.
“The cost of living crisis is really a low pay crisis. Incomes are insufficien]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/the-cost-of-living-crisis-hits-home-for-working-women/Fri, 17 Feb 2023 11:43:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/the-cost-of-living-crisis-hits-home-for-working-women/ “Every ambulance trust in England and Northern Ireland, bar one, is ready to take action in the next few weeks, in the fight for decent pay and the future of the NHS.
“The Westminster government needs to take stock. It must take a serious look at the damage and disruption it]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/the-government-must-talk-to-unions-and-the-women-in-charge-of-them-to-solve-strikes/Fri, 17 Feb 2023 11:40:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/the-government-must-talk-to-unions-and-the-women-in-charge-of-them-to-solve-strikes/ “Once again, Holyrood has shown Westminster up. Genuine pay talks with unions can help prevent damaging NHS disputes.
“Dialogue has led to decent wage offers in Scotland and Wales. Rishi Sunak should take heed and give it a go too.
“Scottish ministers clearly value h]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/westminster-hasagain-been-shown-up-by-holyroodover-nhs-pay/Fri, 17 Feb 2023 10:00:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/westminster-hasagain-been-shown-up-by-holyroodover-nhs-pay/ “These figures show precisely what’s behind the wave of industrial action in the health service this winter.
“Ministers clearly don’t value health workers as much as they should. It’s no wonder the N]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/boost-nhs-pay-end-the-disputes-and-improve-patient-care/Fri, 17 Feb 2023 01:10:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/boost-nhs-pay-end-the-disputes-and-improve-patient-care/ The branch authorisation sheet, which includes the branch auditors’ statement, must be signed by the branch auditor(s) and then scanned and uploaded into OLBA. The branch treasurer and branch auditor(s) can print, sign and upload separate copies of the authorisation sheet.
This is the procedure which was introduced in 2021. Your treasurer will also]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/end-of-year-accounts-for-2022-branch-audits/Thu, 16 Feb 2023 11:33:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/end-of-year-accounts-for-2022-branch-audits/ “There’s no hint of an end to the price-rise nightmare for millions.
“Wage increases are miles off the recent leaps in food and energy costs. It’s even worse for public service employees.
“Ministers have to understand that unless workers are paid fairly to help them weather increased prices, essential ser]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/fair-pay-is-the-way-to-protect-public-services-as-high-inflation-continues/Wed, 15 Feb 2023 11:00:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/fair-pay-is-the-way-to-protect-public-services-as-high-inflation-continues/ They urged clergy, who were about to debate the cost of living crisis, to raise the issue of catering staff, cleaners and caretakers being paid less than the real living wage in church schools.
UNISON and Church Action on Poverty are jointly campaigning for the Church of England to take urgent action.
In December, UNISON wrote to the heads o]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-lobbies-church-of-england-leaders-over-pay/Tue, 14 Feb 2023 13:11:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-lobbies-church-of-england-leaders-over-pay/ Communities have been devastated, with buildings turned to dust and public services and critical infrastructure badly affected, hampering rescue efforts. People have been trapped in the rubble for days, while thousands more are left on the streets in freezing temperatures, without food and shelter.
The situation is d]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/turkey-earthquake-solidarity-appeal/Tue, 14 Feb 2023 12:40:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/turkey-earthquake-solidarity-appeal/ “When it comes to pay, the people providing vital public services are being treated as also-rans.
“It’s no wonder there are chronic staff shortages in health, care, local government and education, when the pay is far better]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/ministers-must-pay-workers-fairly-to-protect-public-services/Tue, 14 Feb 2023 11:34:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/ministers-must-pay-workers-fairly-to-protect-public-services/ UNISON worked with Dan Jarvis MP on the new law – the Protection from Redundancy (Pregnancy and Family Leave) Bill – to prevent employers from laying off expectant mothers and new parents, by extending redundancy protections to six months.
Raising a family is becomin]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-a-significant-step-forward-for-pregnant-workers-and-new-parents/Mon, 13 Feb 2023 13:32:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-a-significant-step-forward-for-pregnant-workers-and-new-parents/ Two bits of news catch my eye today. The first is the, wow, £500 million going to the British Library in London. That’s more than half what goes into the entire national public library service each year. On the one hand, it’s great to see such a massive investment in libraries and, it’s of course not government money that would otherwise have gone to public libraries. That is, the sector has lost nothing from it and may well gain in some ways. On the other hand,]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/500-million-to-a-library-in-the-south-east-of-england/Sun, 12 Feb 2023 20:26:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/500-million-to-a-library-in-the-south-east-of-england/ Check back in here throughout the day for updates from across the country and the media.
For now, if you’re not striking you can show your solidarity on Twitter and Facebook with #PutNHSPayRight or by using our template tweet:
Support our strikers
The article Put NHS pay right – NHS strike rolling report first appear]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/put-nhs-pay-right-nhs-strike-rolling-report/Fri, 10 Feb 2023 09:20:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/put-nhs-pay-right-nhs-strike-rolling-report/ UNISON and the four other higher education unions (UCU, EIS, GMB and Unite) and employer representative the Universities and Colleges Employers Association (UCEA), have agreed to further talks mediated by the conciliation service Acas. 
The talks will begin on Monday 13 February.  
Acas mediated talks are intended to address]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/higher-education-pay-dispute-enters-new-talks/Thu, 09 Feb 2023 19:27:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/higher-education-pay-dispute-enters-new-talks/ Ministers say they only want to talk about the NHS wage rise due in April. But the current round of strikes is over the government’s failure to tackle the growing staffing emergency and pay health workers properly this financial year, says the union.
By refusing point blank to discuss]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/its-time-the-pm-ditched-the-pretence-and-came-clean-with-the-public-says-unison/Thu, 09 Feb 2023 18:39:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/its-time-the-pm-ditched-the-pretence-and-came-clean-with-the-public-says-unison/ UNISON’s head of environment, Donna Rowe-Merriman, said: “EA members will not be ignored on the issue of pay any longer. They have taken strike action to ensure their issues are recognised by the public – and by their employer.
“Our members will not be pushed from pillar to post – they want action from this government to resolve pay, now, for]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/recap-second-day-of-ea-strikes/Thu, 09 Feb 2023 17:09:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/recap-second-day-of-ea-strikes/ “It’s been a very busy few months,” admitted general secretary Christina McAnea. “I’ll be heading to the South West for our next ambulance strike day on Friday, and we’re working on keeping up the huge media attention and public support that our strikes have attracted so far.
“Our health team,]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/nec-hears-of-ongoing-industrial-action-across-the-union/Thu, 09 Feb 2023 16:50:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/nec-hears-of-ongoing-industrial-action-across-the-union/ The union is urging the government to stop ignoring the Environment Agency’s “invisible workforce” and begin talks to increase the woeful wages of staff.
Poor pay is forcing increasing numbers to leave essential roles controlling pollution and protecting communities from wea]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/environment-agency-staff-begin-36-hours-of-action-over-pay-says-unison/Tue, 07 Feb 2023 17:13:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/environment-agency-staff-begin-36-hours-of-action-over-pay-says-unison/ Mr Western was speaking at UNISON’s national higher education conference, in Newcastle, where he told delegates: “The pandemic reminded those that needed reminding that society and institutions cannot function without those working in import]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/labour-vows-to-work-with-he-unions-as-partners-not-adversaries/Mon, 06 Feb 2023 16:59:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/labour-vows-to-work-with-he-unions-as-partners-not-adversaries/ And the Westminster government is refusing to hold meaningful talks with unions as general secretary Christina McAnea discusses in her latest blog.
As UNISON members have been taking sustained industrial action for some time now, across different sectors, the union is now welcoming donations to our strike fund.You can make a one-off bank transfer or set up]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/donate-to-support-striking-workers/Mon, 06 Feb 2023 14:21:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/donate-to-support-striking-workers/ Working people are standing up for themselves and refusing to quietly accept the pay crisis and a decline in their living standards. In contrast, the government ministers responsible for sorting out public sector pay disputes have gone silent.  
There have been no meetings between UNISON and ministers since be]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-government-inaction-just-leads-to-more-action/Mon, 06 Feb 2023 12:19:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-government-inaction-just-leads-to-more-action/ There is a joy to working in public libraries. I get a real up when I see a child jumping up and down in excitement because they’d found a book I remember ordering a month ago. Or when someone takes a book or two off a display that I put together. Or, the best of all, when someone thanks you or walks away obviously happy after I have answered their questions. Another satisfying thing is weeding a section of shelves because so much of my work is now on the computer, it’s gre]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/the-joy-of-work/Sun, 05 Feb 2023 16:42:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/the-joy-of-work/ “This ramps up the pressure on the prime minister significantly. Political leaders in Scotland and now in Wales are making the Westminster government look decidedly mean and totally out of touch.
“Rishi Sunak says he’d love to give health workers a pay rise yet claims he can’t. But he can and he should. If he do]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/welsh-government-nhs-pay-move-ramps-up-the-pressure-on-the-pm-says-unison/Fri, 03 Feb 2023 17:45:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/welsh-government-nhs-pay-move-ramps-up-the-pressure-on-the-pm-says-unison/ “We meet at yet another really difficult time in higher education,” Mr Richards, who was once the union’s head of education, told delegates. “We’ve had a continued fund]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/uks-model-for-funding-higher-education-is-a-broken-system/Fri, 03 Feb 2023 15:11:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/uks-model-for-funding-higher-education-is-a-broken-system/ Sanchia Alasia of the national disabled members’ committee proposed a motion aimed at “securing the legacy” of the campaign’s achievements, “because disabled staff still face discrimination in our universities.”
The union used the Year of Disabled Workers to highligh]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/universities-need-to-redouble-their-efforts-to-support-disabled-staff/Fri, 03 Feb 2023 14:54:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/universities-need-to-redouble-their-efforts-to-support-disabled-staff/ Since 2009, pay for higher education (HE) staff has lost around 28% of its value, as a result of below inflation rises year on year. Soaring inflation in 2022 brought this situation to crisis point, leaving members in HE facing real har]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/higher-education-conference-debates-ongoing-pay-dispute/Fri, 03 Feb 2023 12:54:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/higher-education-conference-debates-ongoing-pay-dispute/ Five unions – UNISON, PCS, Prospect, Royal College of Nursing (RCN) and Unite – are balloting workers who ​inspect, monitor and regulate hospitals, care homes, GP ​practices and dental surgeries, as well as ambulance and mental health services.
The UNISON and PCS strike ballots began last month, and the others]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/care-quality-commission-staff-balloted-over-strike-action/Fri, 03 Feb 2023 10:59:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/care-quality-commission-staff-balloted-over-strike-action/ Staff at two hospital sites, Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen, who work as cleaners, porters, caterers and in other domestic services will be transferred onto NHS terms and conditions once the outsourced contracts come to an end at the end of March.
The move comes after a merger of hospital trusts in Liverpool in 2019, creating Liverpool University Hospitals NHS foundation tr]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/hospital-staff-in-liverpool-are-coming-home/Fri, 03 Feb 2023 10:57:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/hospital-staff-in-liverpool-are-coming-home/ To mark the day, UNISON organised a roundtable event for Westminster parliamentarians to learn about the work of the Environment Agency (EA) as well as understand the issues]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/the-growing-importance-of-the-ea/Wed, 01 Feb 2023 17:18:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/the-growing-importance-of-the-ea/ The Homes for All campaign group comprising housing campaigners, trade unions, including UNISON, and community groups is calling on the UK Government to take action to:Freeze rents in line with Scotland
End evictions during the cost of living crisis
Fund the rent freeze to protect social housing servicesThe cost of living crisis continues to have a]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/homes-for-all-housing-day-of-action/Wed, 01 Feb 2023 14:25:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/homes-for-all-housing-day-of-action/ Staff working in river inspection, flood forecasting, coastal risk management and pollution control will stage a 12-hour strike on Wednesday (8 February) starting at 7am.
In addition, for 12 hours either side of the walkout, Environment Agency employees will escalate their ongoing work to rule by withdrawing from inc]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unions-join-forces-for-environment-agency-strike-next-week/Tue, 31 Jan 2023 15:59:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unions-join-forces-for-environment-agency-strike-next-week/ Later today the health secretary will be asked about the government’s handling of the NHS dispute by MPs on the health and social care select committee, just as UNISON announces its fourth day of strike action on Friday 10 February.
This morning, NHS pay review body chair Phi]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/digging-in-wont-solve-pay-dispute-nor-get-the-nhs-back-on-its-feet/Tue, 31 Jan 2023 13:38:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/digging-in-wont-solve-pay-dispute-nor-get-the-nhs-back-on-its-feet/ The affected workers are currently employed by outsourcing multinational conglomerate, Capita are being brought back in house after a decade-long battle, which was used as a test case for the outsourcing of local government services.
The staff who work under a joint venture called ‘Capita Re’ in a variety of areas like trading standards, environmental health, p]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/insourcing-win-at-barnet-council/Tue, 31 Jan 2023 12:49:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/insourcing-win-at-barnet-council/ Council employees – including refuse collectors]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/local-government-and-school-staff-deserve-inflation-busting-pay-rise-say-unions/Tue, 31 Jan 2023 11:52:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/local-government-and-school-staff-deserve-inflation-busting-pay-rise-say-unions/ “The government has at last acknowledged that there are deep problems in emergency care.
“But if the Prime Minister wants to take credit for fixing emergency care next winter, he must first resolve the workforce crisis happening now.
“There’s nothing to deliver the urgent retention plan needed to stop staff l]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/solving-workforce-emergency-now-is-key-to-the-future-of-the-nhs/Mon, 30 Jan 2023 12:17:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/solving-workforce-emergency-now-is-key-to-the-future-of-the-nhs/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/no-words/Sun, 29 Jan 2023 21:06:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/no-words/ “Jeremy Hunt’s grand vision for the future completely ignores vital public services.
“The chancellor holds the key to unlock the damaging health pay dispute and rebuild the NHS, but he’s not even trying.
“No plan for the economy can succeed unless the government also focuses on essential services.“Paying]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/chancellor-mustnt-ignore-public-services-in-his-economic-vision/Fri, 27 Jan 2023 14:00:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/chancellor-mustnt-ignore-public-services-in-his-economic-vision/ UNISON has 185,000 Black members, most of whom work in health and local government services, with significant numbers working in social care and schools. Many deliver frontline services, and many are low paid.
UNISON national officer for race equality Margaret Greer said: “The Year of Black Workers will focus UNISON on the important issues that affect Black members and their everyday lives, with their lived experiences being central to our chal]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/the-year-of-black-workers/Fri, 27 Jan 2023 12:22:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/the-year-of-black-workers/ The employers made a marginally improved offer which, compared to the original one, provides an improved – but still below inflation – offer for those on and above spinal column point 42. However, it did nothing to address issues of poverty pay and declining pay for all.
UNISON’s negotiators were shocked that the employers thought it appropriate to d]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unions-shocked-by-revised-higher-education-pay-offer/Fri, 27 Jan 2023 11:37:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unions-shocked-by-revised-higher-education-pay-offer/ Hannah Arendt wrote about the “banality of evil,” as a countenance to the often ubiquitous belief that evil is exceptional; that uniquely evil deeds are committed by uniquely evil individuals.
Offering up a thesis that evil is banal begs the question of whether we need to work harder to fight hate, because it is far more common than we are willing to admit.
The theme for this year’s international Holocaust Memorial Day, which falls on 27 Januar]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-remembering-the-banality-of-evil-is-of-vital-importance/Thu, 26 Jan 2023 10:39:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-remembering-the-banality-of-evil-is-of-vital-importance/ We remember the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust alongside the millions of other people killed under Nazi persecution, including Roma and Sinti people, disabled people, LGBT+ people, Black people, trade unionists and political opponents of the Nazis.
We also remember and commemorate the victims of more recen]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/marking-holocaust-memorial-day/Thu, 26 Jan 2023 10:12:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/marking-holocaust-memorial-day/ Introducing the second motion on the subject, Adejare Oyewole (pictured), from the national Black members’ committee, described how, as inflation continues to increase, Black members will face hardship.
The motion declared: “The only way that our members, especially Black members, can sta]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/black-members-conference-confronts-cost-of-living-crisis/Tue, 24 Jan 2023 16:30:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/black-members-conference-confronts-cost-of-living-crisis/ One of the motions demanded that the government hold to its promise of reimbursing the immigration health surcharge (IHS) paid by migrant workers.
The IHS is a health tax on migrants. It’s an extra payment that migrant workers and their families have to make to the NHS, in addition to paying their taxes.
The surcharge was introduced in 2015 a]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-demands-action-on-migrant-worker-health-surcharge/Tue, 24 Jan 2023 16:24:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-demands-action-on-migrant-worker-health-surcharge/ Photographer Mark Pinder took his camera along. 
The article Strikes are serious in Yorkshire first appeared on the UNISON National site.]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/strikes-are-serious-in-yorkshire/Tue, 24 Jan 2023 15:22:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/strikes-are-serious-in-yorkshire/ We start our look back at yesterday’s strike in the region at the Eccles Ambulance Station in Greater Manchester. 
And on to Huyton Ambulance Station in Merseyside, where members were joined by UNISON president Andrea Egan.And then to the Liverpool Royal Hospital,]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/proud-to-be-in-a-union-striking-in-the-north-west/Tue, 24 Jan 2023 11:17:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/proud-to-be-in-a-union-striking-in-the-north-west/ Strikes are always a symptom of a problem. But the government’s answer is to fast-track new legislation that will add further restrictions on the right to strike in the]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-why-we-must-defend-the-right-of-working-people-to-strike/Tue, 24 Jan 2023 10:16:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-why-we-must-defend-the-right-of-working-people-to-strike/ “A new radical approach for social care is long overdue. The current fragmented and privatised system is unfit to meet the needs of everyone who relies upon it.
“What’s urgently required is a national care service that’s fully funded, pays staff a fair w]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/government-must-show-political-will-to-mend-broken-social-care-system-says-unison/Tue, 24 Jan 2023 01:01:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/government-must-show-political-will-to-mend-broken-social-care-system-says-unison/ But if Jeremy Hunt continues to resist appeals to release extra cash and kickstart talks with unions to end the strikes, the NHS dispute could run for many months, says the union.    
This warning comes as up to 15,000 UNISON ambulance workers walk out l]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/new-moneyfor-nhs-pay-from-treasury-could-end-disputesays-unison/Mon, 23 Jan 2023 19:15:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/new-moneyfor-nhs-pay-from-treasury-could-end-disputesays-unison/ Ambulance and hospital staff are walking out again over the government’s failure to deliver fair pay. Today’s morning news bulletins are already featuring our picket lines, and our head of health, Sara Gorton, was on breakfast news helping to get our #PutNHSPayRight message out to the public.
We’r]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-why-wont-the-chancellor-resolve-the-nhs-strike/Mon, 23 Jan 2023 10:19:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-why-wont-the-chancellor-resolve-the-nhs-strike/ — Christina McAnea (@cmcanea) Jan]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/from-the-frontline-to-the-breadline-nhs-strike-rolling-report/Mon, 23 Jan 2023 09:11:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/from-the-frontline-to-the-breadline-nhs-strike-rolling-report/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/asymmetric-warfare/Sun, 22 Jan 2023 13:07:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/asymmetric-warfare/ During the morning session, chaired by Kebba Manneh – the chair of the national Black members committee – conference passed motions on young Black members and mental health at work, and on Black members feeling undervalued and like they don’t belong.
A key motion was unanimously passed on Bl]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/black-members-pass-motions-on-disability-and-cost-of-living-crisis/Sun, 22 Jan 2023 12:37:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/black-members-pass-motions-on-disability-and-cost-of-living-crisis/ UNISON president Andrea Egan presented the award to Ms Sewell at this year’s national Black members’ conference.
UNISON presents the award every year to someone who has ‘gone above and beyond to represent Black members’.
Ms Sewell has championed race equality and racial representation within the union, sat on the TUC race relations committ]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/carol-sewell-wins-2023-unison-nelson-mandela-award/Sat, 21 Jan 2023 15:27:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/carol-sewell-wins-2023-unison-nelson-mandela-award/ The conference, which runs until 22 January, is the first in-person Black members’ conference since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“COVID-19 revealed the truth, didn’t it?” Ms McAnea said. “Of institutional racism, for all to see. Black workers are more likely to be on the frontline, more likel]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/lets-raise-the-bar-christina-mcanea-tells-black-members/Fri, 20 Jan 2023 18:16:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/lets-raise-the-bar-christina-mcanea-tells-black-members/ But before getting into how you can show your support, it’s important to note that there are strict legal provisions and a statutory code of practice around who can picket and how pickets are run.
It’s vital to make sure legal requirements and patient safety are main]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/five-ways-that-you-can-support-mondays-nhs-strikers/Thu, 19 Jan 2023 16:20:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/five-ways-that-you-can-support-mondays-nhs-strikers/ What is NICE, you ask? The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. We work to assess new drugs and technologies and advise the NHS on clinical and cost effectiveness.
We also write guidance for clinical staff on how to treat various medical conditions. Our work was particularly important during COVID, when we produced guidance very quickly to su]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-nice-and-nhs-staff-are-for-life-not-just-for-covid/Thu, 19 Jan 2023 15:47:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-nice-and-nhs-staff-are-for-life-not-just-for-covid/ Environment Agency salaries have fallen by more than 20% compared to inflation since 2010, which means staff are effectively working one day in every five for free.
To make matter worse, workers were only given a 2% pay rise (plus £345) for this financial year, but the previous year, the majority of staff had a pay freeze and received no]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/recap-striking-for-fair-pay-in-the-environment-agency/Thu, 19 Jan 2023 09:11:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/recap-striking-for-fair-pay-in-the-environment-agency/ The Bill, described as a “bonfire of workers’ rights”, could see over 4,000 pieces of EU legislation torn out of the UK’s law books at the end of 2023 – including core workplace protections like holiday pay, maternity pay and protection for part-time workers. 
For decades, EU laws have ensured decent working]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/eu-law-bill-disability-protections-under-threat/Wed, 18 Jan 2023 15:14:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/eu-law-bill-disability-protections-under-threat/ River inspectors, flood forecasting officers, coastal risk management officers, sewage plant attendants and staff at the Thames Barrier are among those escalating their industrial action after refusing to do voluntary overtime in the run up to and during the festive period**.
Under-pressure staff s]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/ministers-must-invest-in-environment-agency-staff-or-communities-will-be-at-long-term-risk/Wed, 18 Jan 2023 01:16:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/ministers-must-invest-in-environment-agency-staff-or-communities-will-be-at-long-term-risk/ The programme offers a one-off, non-repayable grant of £200 to help UNIONS’s most vulnerable low-income members and to help ease the worry of paying for their next fuel bill during the coldest months of the year.
UNISON understands the financial hardship many members are facing – struggling to make ends meet, particularly with RPI inflation still running at 14% as of]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/winter-fuel-grant-opens-25-january/Tue, 17 Jan 2023 14:28:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/winter-fuel-grant-opens-25-january/ The strike will be followed by four days when the NICE employees, who belong to UNISON and are based in Manchester and London, will work to rule.
This means the staff, who advise the NHS on the best drugs and treatments available for patients, will only work the hours set out in their contracts and refuse any overt]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/staff-with-expert-view-of-nhs-crisis-to-strike-over-pay-and-staffing/Tue, 17 Jan 2023 11:12:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/staff-with-expert-view-of-nhs-crisis-to-strike-over-pay-and-staffing/ Yet, rather than engaging with the people who keep our country running, or finding solutions to staffing shortages and waiting lists, the government is intent on punishing frontline workers when they speak out.
UNISON believes that the new anti-strike bill, named the Minimum Service Levels Bill, is a full-frontal attack on working pe]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/three-things-you-need-to-know-about-the-anti-strike-bill/Mon, 16 Jan 2023 15:10:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/three-things-you-need-to-know-about-the-anti-strike-bill/ Successive governments have refused to depart from that decision ever since.
For workers in the Environment Agency (EA), their pay has been devalued by 20% over that time. Mix that with the cost of living crisis, a pay freeze from July 2020 to Nov]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-standing-with-our-members-at-the-environment-agency/Mon, 16 Jan 2023 11:36:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-standing-with-our-members-at-the-environment-agency/ UNISON members working in the EA are now “working one day in every five for nothing” due a decade of government failures to pay workers wages in line with inflation.
Workers who maintain important safety structures such as the Thames Barrier, coastal sea defences and those protecting communities from floods, water pollution, spills, waste]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/environment-agency-workers-to-take-historical-strike-action/Mon, 16 Jan 2023 10:01:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/environment-agency-workers-to-take-historical-strike-action/ UNISON members working in the EA are now “working one day in every five for nothing” due a decade of government failures to pay workers wages in line with inflation.
Workers who maintain important safety structures such as the Thames Barrier, coastal sea defences and those protecting communities from floods, water pollution, spills, waste]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/environment-agency-workers-to-take-historic-strike-action/Mon, 16 Jan 2023 10:01:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/environment-agency-workers-to-take-historic-strike-action/ EA pay was frozen in 2021 – with staff having no pay rise from July 2020.
Staff in the agency have seen their pay eroded by over 20% in the last decade and are now “working one day in every five for nothing”. UNISON members have voted to take strike action over pay for]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-calls-on-minister-to-unlock-ea-pay-talks-ahead-of-strike/Mon, 16 Jan 2023 09:52:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-calls-on-minister-to-unlock-ea-pay-talks-ahead-of-strike/ Touring the capital was UNISON head of health Sara Gorton – above, with pickets at Waterloo – moving from there, where she addressed massed ranks of news media, to sites including Deptford and Greenwich.
She was accompanied by photographer Marcus Rose, who recorded events.Christina McAnea tours pickets in Yorkshire and the North East
Through sun and rain, on the picket line]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/the-streets-of-london-pictures-from-the-picket-lines/Fri, 13 Jan 2023 10:37:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/the-streets-of-london-pictures-from-the-picket-lines/ “This significantly ups the pressure on Westminster. Rishi Sunak must now explain why the first ministers in Scotland and Wales can dig deep for NHS staff, but his government can’t.
“The latest NHS England figures show ambulance delays and waiting times in A&E are the worst ever, leaving the prime minister an]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/welsh-governments-nhs-pay-move-increasespressure-on-westminster-says-unison/Thu, 12 Jan 2023 16:38:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/welsh-governments-nhs-pay-move-increasespressure-on-westminster-says-unison/ Christina McAnea spent the second joint union NHS strike day, yesterday 11 January, touring picket lines in Yorkshire and the North East to show her support and solidarity for the striking ambulance workers.
She began the day in Sheffield at Longley ambulance station where, as they did across the county, paramedics walked out at 10am.
As the picket was set up, she spoke to the workers about why they were striking and, once the brazier was burning,]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/christina-mcanea-tours-pickets-on-second-nhs-strike-day/Thu, 12 Jan 2023 14:37:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/christina-mcanea-tours-pickets-on-second-nhs-strike-day/ Here is a selection of photographs from two pickets in Bristol, at Lansdown Road and Croydon Street, taken by Nigel Goldsmith.
The article Through sun and rain – on the picket lines in Bristol first appeared on the UNISON National site.]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/through-sun-and-rain-on-the-picket-lines-in-bristol/Thu, 12 Jan 2023 11:07:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/through-sun-and-rain-on-the-picket-lines-in-bristol/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/patients-would-be-better-served-if-ministers-solved-nhs-disputes-instead-of-picking-fights-says-unison/Wed, 11 Jan 2023 17:20:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/patients-would-be-better-served-if-ministers-solved-nhs-disputes-instead-of-picking-fights-says-unison/ Instead, the 14 unions – representing more than one million ambulance staff, nurses, porters, healthcare assistants, physiotherapists and other NHS workers in England – have called for direct pay talks with ministers. 
Unions believe the lengthy pay review body process is]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/ongoing-disputes-make-it-impossible-to-submit-evidence-to-nhs-pay-review-body-say-health-unions/Wed, 11 Jan 2023 10:37:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/ongoing-disputes-make-it-impossible-to-submit-evidence-to-nhs-pay-review-body-say-health-unions/ We will be bringing you reports from around the regions, so stay tuned.
The article #PutNHSpayright – all the news with our rolling report first appeared on the UNISON National site.]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/putnhspayright-all-the-news-with-our-rolling-report/Wed, 11 Jan 2023 08:46:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/putnhspayright-all-the-news-with-our-rolling-report/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/patients-would-be-better-served-if-ministers-solved-nhs-disputes-instead-of-picking-fights/Tue, 10 Jan 2023 17:20:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/patients-would-be-better-served-if-ministers-solved-nhs-disputes-instead-of-picking-fights/ This week, I, along with thousands of fellow ambulance workers belonging to the UNISON union across England, have voted to take strike action. We know it’s a shock – but we’re doing it out of necessity: not just for ourselves, but for the future of the NHS.
I’ve been a paramedic for more than 27 years, and]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/im-a-paramedic-heres-why-im-striking/Tue, 10 Jan 2023 11:52:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/im-a-paramedic-heres-why-im-striking/ Our head of health, Sara Gorton, was at the meeting and was interviewed by the press immediately afterwards. Sara explained how the government has moved from the position they’ve held for months, but there was a lack of clarity or concrete proposals and so our strike on Wednesday]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-ambulance-workers-will-walk-out-on-wednesday-and-ill-be-out-on-the-picket-with-them/Mon, 09 Jan 2023 17:52:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-ambulance-workers-will-walk-out-on-wednesday-and-ill-be-out-on-the-picket-with-them/ Our head of health, Sara Gorton, was at the meeting and was interviewed by the press immediately afterwards. Sara explained how the government has moved from the position they’ve held for months, but there was a lack of clarity or concrete proposals and so our strike on Wednesday]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/ambulance-workers-will-walk-out-on-wednesday-and-ill-be-out-on-the-picket-with-them/Mon, 09 Jan 2023 17:52:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/ambulance-workers-will-walk-out-on-wednesday-and-ill-be-out-on-the-picket-with-them/ But before getting into how you can show your support, it’s important to note that there are strict legal provisions and a statutory code of practice around who can picket and how pickets are run.
It’s important to make sure legal requirements and patient safety are maintained, and UNISON regional offices will be wo]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/five-ways-to-support-our-nhs-strikers/Mon, 09 Jan 2023 14:44:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/five-ways-to-support-our-nhs-strikers/ But before getting into how you can show your support, it’s important to note that there are strict legal provisions and a statutory code of practice around who can picket and how pickets are run.
It’s important to make sure legal requirements and patient safety are maintained, and UNISON regional offices will be wo]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/five-ways-to-support-our-ambulance-strikers/Mon, 09 Jan 2023 14:44:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/five-ways-to-support-our-ambulance-strikers/ “Health workers will be hoping the Prime Minister’s comments mean the talks can go beyond hearing solely about the pay review body evidence for the year from April.
“The earliest that process could finish is months away in May. The health secretary needs to set out what the]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/a-commitment-to-boost-wages-would-mean-unions-may-call-off-the-strikes-says-unison/Sun, 08 Jan 2023 17:04:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/a-commitment-to-boost-wages-would-mean-unions-may-call-off-the-strikes-says-unison/ “Ministers should focus their time and energy on rebuilding trust and relationships with workers, not silencing and suppressing them.
“Minimum staffing levels in the NHS would be welcome by the public and health staff every single day of the week. That could avoid people being le]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/proper-pay-talks-are-the-solution-to-disputes-not-penalties-for-staff/Thu, 05 Jan 2023 17:03:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/proper-pay-talks-are-the-solution-to-disputes-not-penalties-for-staff/ “A significant pay boost is an absolute necessity for care workers across the country. 
“Keir Starmer recognises that decisive action is needed to solve the staffing crisis, not the current government’s sticking-plaster approach.  
“A long-term, fully-funded plan is the only way to att]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/decisive-and-long-term-planneeded-to-solve-social-care-staffing-crisis-says-unison/Thu, 05 Jan 2023 14:54:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/decisive-and-long-term-planneeded-to-solve-social-care-staffing-crisis-says-unison/ “The public and health staff would welcome minimum staffing levels in the NHS every day of the week. That way, people wouldn’t be lying in agony on A&E floors or dying in the backs of ambulances.
“But limiting legal staffing levels to strike days and threatening to sack or fine health workers when there]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/government-should-focus-on-solving-nhs-crisis-with-proper-pay-not-penalties-for-staff/Thu, 05 Jan 2023 13:07:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/government-should-focus-on-solving-nhs-crisis-with-proper-pay-not-penalties-for-staff/ When so many people can take time off work to be with their family and friends, you make personal sacrifices to keep the country going. I have no doubt that you do this because of your commitment to your work and to the people who rely on the services you provide.
Yesterday, the prime minister gave a speech,]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-were-ready-to-talk-on-pay/Thu, 05 Jan 2023 11:19:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-were-ready-to-talk-on-pay/ Workers who maintain important safety structures such as the Thames Barrier, coastal sea defences and those protecting communities from floods, water pollution, spills, waste fires and fly-tipping will walk out on Wednesday 18 January from 8am to 5pm. The strike comes at a time of year when extreme weather is more]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/environment-agency-workers-to-strike-for-the-first-time-says-unison/Thu, 05 Jan 2023 11:00:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/environment-agency-workers-to-strike-for-the-first-time-says-unison/ Workers who maintain important safety structures such as the Thames Barrier, coastal sea defences and those protecting communities from floods, water pollution, spills, waste fires and fly-tipping will walk out on Wednesday 18 January from 8am to 5pm. The strike comes at a time of year when extreme weather is more]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/environment-agency-workers-to-strike-for-the-first-time-over-pay-says-unison/Thu, 05 Jan 2023 11:00:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/environment-agency-workers-to-strike-for-the-first-time-over-pay-says-unison/ “Society needs a well-funded, well-staffed NHS so care and treatment is available the moment people need it.
“If the Prime Minister is serious about change and doing things differently, he should apply this to his government’s approach to the healthcare crisis. That means giving his ministers the green light to start talk]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/waiting-times-wont-fall-unless-the-government-deals-with-nhs-pay-says-unison/Wed, 04 Jan 2023 18:10:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/waiting-times-wont-fall-unless-the-government-deals-with-nhs-pay-says-unison/ Public libraries have bounced back quite a lot this year from Covid, with normal service being resumed in almost all and, crucially, many people coming back to use them. Statistics are far between and contested but it looks like fewer numbers than in 2019 but perhaps in line with other physical retail and the continued decline i]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/an-encouraging-year-in-the-end/Mon, 02 Jan 2023 17:20:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/an-encouraging-year-in-the-end/ Noting that the union had seen “huge public support”, Ms McAnea said that this had been “so good to see”.
And she said that it was important that members should remember that in the new year, duri]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/general-secretary-thanks-strikers/Fri, 23 Dec 2022 15:41:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/general-secretary-thanks-strikers/ Nurses at the Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospital and the Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital took to the picket lines in protest not only at low pay, but also to call for safe staffing levels and make clear who is to blame for the troubles facing the NHS.
On a chilly day but under blue skies, passing vehicles honke]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/in-my-liverpool-home-on-the-picket-lines-in-merseyside/Fri, 23 Dec 2022 11:15:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/in-my-liverpool-home-on-the-picket-lines-in-merseyside/ Ambulance workers belonging to UNISON and employed by services in London, Yorkshire, the North West, North East and South West are to take action over pay and staffing again in January. Staff will be called out on strike on Wednesday 11 and Monday 23 January 2023. 
This follows a noon to midnight s]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/further-strikes-inevitable-unless-government-holds-talks-and-moves-on-nhs-pay-says-unison/Thu, 22 Dec 2022 18:28:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/further-strikes-inevitable-unless-government-holds-talks-and-moves-on-nhs-pay-says-unison/ The extraordinary response from UNISON members – and support from the public – was clear, and you can look back at that on the rolling report we ran throughout the day.
But today, let’s have a further look at action across London, as photographer Marcus Rose followed UNISON’s general secretary Christina McAnea to three pickets.
It began at Waterloo, with vast media interest, before c]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/london-calling-a-look-back-at-yesterdays-strike-in-the-capital/Thu, 22 Dec 2022 17:51:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/london-calling-a-look-back-at-yesterdays-strike-in-the-capital/ Staff belonging to UNISON at five ambulance services – North West, North East, Yorkshire, London and South West – have been staging a 12-hour walkout from noon over pay and staffing.
UNISON says all health workers will want to escalate strike action in the&]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/ministers-have-power-to-pause-strikesby-committing-to-pay-boost-says-unison/Wed, 21 Dec 2022 18:47:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/ministers-have-power-to-pause-strikesby-committing-to-pay-boost-says-unison/ UNISON members at two Liverpool hospitals walked out at 7.30am and ambulance road crews across five trusts will start their strike action at 12 noon, as part of our dispute over pay and staffing.
Much planning has gone into contingency arrangements that have been agreed through negotiations with local employers and NHS staff. The same staff who have put so much hard work int]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-a-message-to-ambulance-strikers-on-a-difficult-day/Wed, 21 Dec 2022 12:28:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-a-message-to-ambulance-strikers-on-a-difficult-day/ “Ministers have sat back while ambulance response times worsened and waiting lists reached record highs. Ambulance services and the wider NHS no longer have the staff to provide safe patient care. And all th]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/ministers-putting-lives-at-risk-by-refusing-to-negotiate/Wed, 21 Dec 2022 12:07:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/ministers-putting-lives-at-risk-by-refusing-to-negotiate/ But there are plenty of way in which non-striking members and any other supporters can show their solidarity with strikers today.
Check here to find out more
If you’re following events on Twitter, make sure to check @unisontheunion and @cmcanea. And if you yourself are tweeting, please use the hashtag #PutNHSpayright.08:55am Good morning all. As UNISON general secre]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/rolling-report-putnhspayright/Wed, 21 Dec 2022 09:55:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/rolling-report-putnhspayright/ When: Wednesday 21 December 2022, noon til midnightWhere: Five ambulance services in EnglandWho: Emergency response crews
Ambulance staff working for five services in England – London, Yorkshire, North West, North East and South West – will be taking part in industrial action tomorrow (Wednesday) over pay and staffing.
Paramedics, emergency care assistants, ambulance technicians and other 999 crew members are]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-ambulance-workers-strike-over-pay-and-staffing/Tue, 20 Dec 2022 16:46:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-ambulance-workers-strike-over-pay-and-staffing/ There are legal provisions and a statutory code of practice around who can picket and how pickets are run. Members may only lawfully picket at or near their own place of work and the union could be sued if any members engaged in unlawful picketing.
In the case of ambulance strikes, branches will be]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/supporting-nhs-members-on-strike/Tue, 20 Dec 2022 11:15:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/supporting-nhs-members-on-strike/ UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said: “The government must stop using public safety fears as a smokescreen for its own inaction. There’d be no strikes at all if ministers would only talk to unions and improve NHS pay.
“It&rsqu]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/talk-to-unions-boost-nhs-pay-and-strikes-wont-be-necessary/Mon, 19 Dec 2022 17:24:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/talk-to-unions-boost-nhs-pay-and-strikes-wont-be-necessary/ This is going to be the last post before Christmas and so it’s great to see public libraries doing so much great stuff. With the cold weather, the sector is really pushing it’s possibilities as a warm welcoming and neutral space to the fore. I’m loving things like “kindness racks” for people to donate and take clothes, places to recycle those troublesome used batteries, giving hot drinks, providing free activities and free charging of phones.]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/a-warm-christmas/Sat, 17 Dec 2022 14:37:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/a-warm-christmas/ UNISON is challenging government regulations that undermine the right to strike by allowing companies to hire agency workers to cover for those taking industrial action. The union argues that this is unlawful and violates fundamental trade union rights.
Describing the regulations as “impractical and dangerous”, UNISON director of legal services Adam Creme]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/court-permits-unison-challenge-on-law-allowing-strike-breaking/Fri, 16 Dec 2022 17:28:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/court-permits-unison-challenge-on-law-allowing-strike-breaking/ The vast majority of these cases were work-related personal injury claims, involving accidents and injuries such as assaults at work, manual handling claims, trips and falls and needlestick injuries.
Legal officer Helen Buczynsky, who coordinates t]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-secures-29m-in-personal-injury-settlements-for-members/Fri, 16 Dec 2022 16:23:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-secures-29m-in-personal-injury-settlements-for-members/ The union has written to the heads of the Church of England and Catholic Church urging them to honour their promises to pay the real living wage to all staff in more than 6,800 church schools in England and Wales.
The letters to the Archbishops of Canterbury, York and Westminster warn that thousands of these employees face “d]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/archbishops-must-honour-real-living-wage-pledge-for-church-school-staff-says-unison/Fri, 16 Dec 2022 01:01:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/archbishops-must-honour-real-living-wage-pledge-for-church-school-staff-says-unison/ “There’s no need to start another long-winded evidence round. A wage boost is needed now, not months down the line.
“The last two of the pay review body’s recommendations sat on ministerial desks for months.
“Health workers won’t have any confidence in a repeat of the p]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/only-direct-talks-will-end-nhs-dispute-says-unison/Thu, 15 Dec 2022 16:47:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/only-direct-talks-will-end-nhs-dispute-says-unison/ In a letter addressed to Christina McAnea, NPC general secretary Jan Shortt said that, as older people, convention members were “much more aware of the cuts and staff losses to services that they rely on in their later years to help them cope with what are sometimes complex health conditions”.
Ms Shortt noted that the NPC was “also gratef]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/pensioners-convention-extends-solidarity-to-unison-members/Thu, 15 Dec 2022 16:42:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/pensioners-convention-extends-solidarity-to-unison-members/ A letter from general secretary Christina McAnea describes the current offer as “poor compared to much of the public sector”. EA workers are in a worse position than some other public sector workers as pay was frozen the previous year for the majority of staff.
“The response from our]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-seeks-urgent-meeting-with-environment-secretary/Thu, 15 Dec 2022 13:57:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-seeks-urgent-meeting-with-environment-secretary/ General secretary Christina McAnea said: “UNISON will be using the opportunity of International Women’s Day in 2023 to celebrate the vital contributions that women in our union make. Their work is often undervalued, so I’m looking forw]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/celebrating-working-women-unison-prepares-for-iwd-2023/Tue, 13 Dec 2022 13:27:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/celebrating-working-women-unison-prepares-for-iwd-2023/ A 24-hr strike, escalating from a period of action short of strike, could have been avoided with a decent pay award. But even the paltry award they were promised – the same &po]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-health-workers-in-northern-ireland-need-all-our-support/Mon, 12 Dec 2022 13:40:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-health-workers-in-northern-ireland-need-all-our-support/ From this morning, staff will start a work to rule for an indefinite period. This means they will do only their contracted hours, taking all scheduled breaks and rest in full between shifts, and will not accept any unpaid work at this busy time of year]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/environment-agency-staff-start-industrial-action-over-pay-says-unison/Mon, 12 Dec 2022 12:38:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/environment-agency-staff-start-industrial-action-over-pay-says-unison/ “The facts are simple. The wage rise given to health workers this year simply hasn’t been enough to stop staff leaving in droves. Withou]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/government-can-stop-strikes-and-strengthen-nhs-if-it-makes-an-effort-withpay/Sun, 11 Dec 2022 16:36:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/government-can-stop-strikes-and-strengthen-nhs-if-it-makes-an-effort-withpay/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/nearly-christmas/Sat, 10 Dec 2022 12:32:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/nearly-christmas/ “These figures paint a bleak picture of the state of the NHS. There are too few staff to provide safe patient care, and as more leave for better paid work, so waiting times and delays worsen. 
“The government must get a grip, take the dispute seriously and start talking to unions about pay. Then there’ll b]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/government-mustresolve-nhs-pay-dispute-as-waiting-lists-keepgrowing-says-unison/Thu, 08 Dec 2022 13:44:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/government-mustresolve-nhs-pay-dispute-as-waiting-lists-keepgrowing-says-unison/ Addressing the meeting, general secretary Christina McAnea said that the “last time we met was just after Liz Truss was elected – by the Tories, not the country”.
The autumn statement from Chancellor Jeremy Hu]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/nec-hears-plans-for-industrial-action-plus-new-ballots/Wed, 07 Dec 2022 18:54:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/nec-hears-plans-for-industrial-action-plus-new-ballots/ Up and down the country, workplaces will be holding coffee mornings, profiling the work of their champions in local news, and inviting MPs to events to celebrate and raise the profile of local government workers.
For the day, UNISON has released a special film of last year&rsquo]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/christopher-eccleston-celebrates-unisons-champions-day/Wed, 07 Dec 2022 07:00:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/christopher-eccleston-celebrates-unisons-champions-day/ Health workers in Northern Ireland have received no pay rise at all for 2022-23 after the Democratic Unionist Party withdrew from the Stormont executive earlier this year in protest over the Northern Ireland Protocol, part of the Brexit deal.
The UNISON members will be joined by colleagues in the Northern Ireland Public Service Alliance (Nipsa). Both]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/nhs-workers-in-northern-ireland-prepare-for-strike-action/Tue, 06 Dec 2022 14:06:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/nhs-workers-in-northern-ireland-prepare-for-strike-action/ The pre-Christmas date coincides with action being planned by two other unions – GMB and Unite – with members in ambulances services in England.
The UNISON strike involving paramedics, emergency care assistants, ambulance technicians and other ]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/start-talking-to-avert-health-strikes-later-this-month/Tue, 06 Dec 2022 13:02:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/start-talking-to-avert-health-strikes-later-this-month/ She spoke of the dangers, the progress and the hopes of being a trade unionist in that country.
“This is a very important time nationally in the history of Colombia. We have recently elected a new government which received the backing of the trade union movement.
“On issues such as agrar]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/colombian-trade-unionist-addresses-young-members/Mon, 05 Dec 2022 16:06:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/colombian-trade-unionist-addresses-young-members/ Nothing illustrates how broken the global procurement system is better than examining who gets what and how, at the top and the bottom of the global supply chain.
As exposed on Channel 4 News last week, the non-government organisation, All the Citizens (represented by Wilson Solicitors LLP), settled its claim in the h]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-we-need-a-new-law-to-protect-human-rights-and-the-environment/Mon, 05 Dec 2022 12:45:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-we-need-a-new-law-to-protect-human-rights-and-the-environment/ One key theme running through the day was the union’s recruitment and organising work around young members.
This started with a debate on a constitutional issue – raising the age limit for young members. The motion, which carried, argued that with only 63,000 members under 27 in the union, and an ageing member and activist base, it is important that UNISON reflects young workers’ views prope]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/young-members-conference-turns-to-recruitment-and-organising/Mon, 05 Dec 2022 12:40:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/young-members-conference-turns-to-recruitment-and-organising/ Start pay talks to stop NHS strikes this winter says UNISON
Commenting on comments made by Conservative Party chairman Nadhim Zahawi earlier today (Sunday), UNISON head of health Sara Gorton said: “The government can easily prevent strikes across the NHS this winter. Steve Barclay simply has to start talking to unions about increasing NHS staff pay.
“But instead of taking responsibility for trying to solve the growing staffin]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/start-pay-talks-to-stop-nhs-strikes-this-wintersays-unison/Sun, 04 Dec 2022 14:41:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/start-pay-talks-to-stop-nhs-strikes-this-wintersays-unison/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/2023-universal-library-offers-warm-libraries-and-a-scottish-library-celebrity/Sun, 04 Dec 2022 09:46:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/2023-universal-library-offers-warm-libraries-and-a-scottish-library-celebrity/ Welcoming delegates, he began by talking about the political state of the country, highlighting the importance of young people getting involved in democracy early on in their lives and noting that: “Since the Second World War, 13 out of 17 prime ministers of the UK went to Oxford.”
To that he added: “Five out of the last f]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/young-members-conference-opens-with-debates-about-cost-of-living/Sat, 03 Dec 2022 19:47:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/young-members-conference-opens-with-debates-about-cost-of-living/ Among other ramifications, this means that colleges and their subsidiaries in England will need to adhere to Treasury guidance on senior pay.
Colleges that want to appoint to posts paying £150,000 or more and/or performance related pay of over £17,500 will have to obtain clearance before such roles can be a]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-welcomes-return-of-further-education-to-public-sector/Fri, 02 Dec 2022 16:18:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-welcomes-return-of-further-education-to-public-sector/ “The government must stop burying its head in the sand and act decisively to save the NHS.
“Ministers claim they’ve done all they can on wages, but exhausted and demoralised health employees keep walking away from the NHS for jobs on more money]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/government-must-act-decisively-to-save-the-nhs/Thu, 01 Dec 2022 13:00:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/government-must-act-decisively-to-save-the-nhs/ “Pay and staffing are at the heart of the problems affecting the NHS. Nurses and midwives are leaving for jobs elsewhere because they can’t afford their bills or to feed their families. 
“Overseas workers will]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/put-pay-right-to-solve-nurse-and-midwife-exodus-says-unison/Wed, 30 Nov 2022 01:01:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/put-pay-right-to-solve-nurse-and-midwife-exodus-says-unison/ Thousands of 999 call handlers, ambulance technicians, paramedics and their colleagues working for ambulance services in the North East, North West, London, Yorkshire and the South West ​are to be called out on strike over pay and staffing levels. 
Commenting on the ballot result]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/boost-nhs-pay-to-prevent-pre-christmas-strikes/Tue, 29 Nov 2022 20:11:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/boost-nhs-pay-to-prevent-pre-christmas-strikes/ Despite high rent costs, many people living in rented homes are struggling with disrepair.
UNISON is conducting a survey to find out more about the housing issues members are facing. All respondents will be entered into a prize draw for £50 worth of high street shopping vouchers]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/take-part-in-unisons-survey-on-the-state-off-housing/Tue, 29 Nov 2022 18:57:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/take-part-in-unisons-survey-on-the-state-off-housing/ Despite high rent costs, many people living in rented homes are struggling with disrepair.
UNISON is conducting a survey to find out more about the housing issues members are facing. All respondents will be entered into a prize draw for £50 worth of high street shopping vouchers]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/take-part-in-unisons-survey-on-the-state-of-housing/Tue, 29 Nov 2022 18:57:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/take-part-in-unisons-survey-on-the-state-of-housing/ Members in the Environment Agency (EA) will take continuous action, short of strike, from that date.
The action will take the form of work to rule and includes:only working contracted hours;
taking all scheduled breaks and having appropriate compensatory rest between work;
not doing any unpaid work outside contracted hours; and
disconnecting from work electronic]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/environment-agency-workers-announce-industrial-action-dates/Tue, 29 Nov 2022 18:50:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/environment-agency-workers-announce-industrial-action-dates/ Since winning the FIFA bid for the competition in 2010, Qatar has relied on migrant workers to execute its ambitious infrastructure-building projects, which include the construction of seven new stadiums, the renovation of an eighth, and the building of new public transport systems, skyscrapers, hotels and housing.
Lusail, where the World Cup final will take place on 18 December, is a purpose-built ‘smart ci]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-stands-with-migrant-workers-in-qatar-beyond-the-world-cup/Mon, 28 Nov 2022 16:51:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-stands-with-migrant-workers-in-qatar-beyond-the-world-cup/ Since winning the FIFA bid for the competition in 2010, Qatar has relied on migrant workers to execute its ambitious infrastructure-building projects, which include the construction of seven new stadiums, the renovation of an eighth, and the building of new public transport systems, skyscrapers, hotels and housing.
Lusail, where the world cup final will take place on 18 December, is a purpose-built ‘smart ci]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-stands-with-migrant-workers-in-qatar-beyond-football/Mon, 28 Nov 2022 16:51:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-stands-with-migrant-workers-in-qatar-beyond-football/ The survey was conducted among UNISON members working as school support staff across the UK between 4–9 November. This included teaching/classroom assistants working in classrooms, of whom 1,644 responded.
The results showed that:on CO2 monitoring, only 26% said that their sc]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/energy-bills-see-schools-pull-back-on-ventilation-and-co2-monitoring/Mon, 28 Nov 2022 15:36:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/energy-bills-see-schools-pull-back-on-ventilation-and-co2-monitoring/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/childrens-libraries-of-all-colours/Sun, 27 Nov 2022 21:09:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/childrens-libraries-of-all-colours/ “Public service workers just can’t go on taking what amount to pay cuts year after year. They and their families are at rock bottom.
“Many are leaving or have already left to find better paid work in other sectors to help them pay their soaring bills.
“Ministers must understand that unless the]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/ministers-must-give-proper-public-sector-wage-rises-or-services-will-be-beyond-saving/Sun, 27 Nov 2022 15:54:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/ministers-must-give-proper-public-sector-wage-rises-or-services-will-be-beyond-saving/ A ​UK-wide union survey of more than 6,000 school workers reveals staff – including teaching assistants, catering and cleaning workers, librarians and sports coaches – are buying food for hungry pupils, and contributing towards the cost of uniforms, shoes and stationery.
The findings have been released to]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/low-earning-school-support-staff-are-paying-for-pupils-food-skipping-meals-and-taking-on-multiple-jobs-to-survive/Fri, 25 Nov 2022 14:38:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/low-earning-school-support-staff-are-paying-for-pupils-food-skipping-meals-and-taking-on-multiple-jobs-to-survive/ Ahead of today’s Stars in our Schools Day, MPs attended a UNISON-run drop-in session at Westminster, to celebrate school support staff and learn more about the issues they face.
UNISON’s annual celebration highlights the amazing work that school support staff do, every day, around the country. They are the caterers, the admin staff, the finance]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/mps-celebrate-stars-in-our-schools-at-parliamentary-drop-in/Fri, 25 Nov 2022 12:17:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/mps-celebrate-stars-in-our-schools-at-parliamentary-drop-in/ Workers at the museum include ex-miners who keep the heritage of the coal industry alive for a new generation by giving talks and tours of the underground tunnels at Wakefield’s former Caphouse Colliery.
UNISON had submitted a pay claim of £2,000 for each full-time member of staff, but they were offered]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/pay-victory-for-museum-staff-following-five-day-strike/Wed, 23 Nov 2022 16:04:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/pay-victory-for-museum-staff-following-five-day-strike/ Mr Shoukry could, at least, be satisfied that an agreement was finally reached. Throughout the second week the gap between the different parties was so great, that it seemed unlikely it coul]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-cop27-one-step-forward/Mon, 21 Nov 2022 17:38:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-cop27-one-step-forward/ Research by the University of Lancaster shows violent domestic abuse incidents increase by 38% when England loses football matches. Rates are also 26% higher when the team wins or draws.
Domestic abuse consists of a pattern of coercive and controlling behaviours, where one partner seeks to hold power and co]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/world-cup-women-prepare-for-increased-domestic-abuse/Mon, 21 Nov 2022 14:51:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/world-cup-women-prepare-for-increased-domestic-abuse/ Administrators, cleaners, library, security and catering workers – many of them among the lowest paid in the ​university sector – are among those taking industrial action.
The employees ​are after a fair ​pay rise ​to help them cope with soaring ​prices. This follows several years ​where wages have failed]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/thousands-of-university-workers-strike-again-over-wages/Mon, 21 Nov 2022 14:30:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/thousands-of-university-workers-strike-again-over-wages/ UNISON is seeking to overturn a Court of Appeal decision from earlier this year that enables employers to discipline staff who take lawful industrial action.
The union is acting on behalf of care worker and UNISON member Fiona Mercer, who originally brought a case in 2019 against the Alternative Futures Group (AFG), a]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/supreme-court-hearing-to-decide-strike-protection-says-unison/Mon, 21 Nov 2022 12:20:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/supreme-court-hearing-to-decide-strike-protection-says-unison/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/meeting-some-baser-needs/Sun, 20 Nov 2022 20:18:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/meeting-some-baser-needs/ Members have been promoting the work that the union does for LGBT+ equality in the workplace, together with its wider work and the importance of being in a trade union.
This year’s caucus winner was the trans caucus (pictured above with vice presiden]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/lgbt-awards-make-a-welcome-return-in-edinburgh/Sun, 20 Nov 2022 19:46:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/lgbt-awards-make-a-welcome-return-in-edinburgh/ Saying that she had been privileged to attend the union’s trans ally training, she told delegates that the subject was “close to my own heart”, particularly since her nephew started to transition three years ago.
“Education is k]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/we-need-to-continue-the-fight-lets-join-the-winter-of-solidarity/Sun, 20 Nov 2022 15:50:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/we-need-to-continue-the-fight-lets-join-the-winter-of-solidarity/ Then came Brexit , which emboldened bigotry. Across all the British media, she said, there has been a constant stream of anti-trans opinion, portraying trans people – and trans women in particular &nd]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/terfs-toxic-opinions-and-an-obsession-over-whos-in-what-toilet/Sat, 19 Nov 2022 20:17:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/terfs-toxic-opinions-and-an-obsession-over-whos-in-what-toilet/ Introducing a lifetime achievement award, Eileen Best from the national LGBT+ committee said that Jackie was a stickler for detail, telling of an occasion at one conference where she had spent three hours discussing the importance of a single punctuation mark in a motion.
Initially with Nalgo, befor]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/living-legend-jackie-lewis-given-lgbt-lifetime-achievement-award/Sat, 19 Nov 2022 19:50:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/living-legend-jackie-lewis-given-lgbt-lifetime-achievement-award/ Addressing conference, Dr Julia Ehrt, the executive director of ILGA (International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association) World, said that she was especially proud that her first keynote speech was to an organisation that had been so importa]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/being-inclusive-is-not-only-the-right-thing-it-is-a-strategic-necessity/Sat, 19 Nov 2022 19:40:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/being-inclusive-is-not-only-the-right-thing-it-is-a-strategic-necessity/ Delegates debated a number of motions on trans equality – including the need to combat anti-trans narratives in the media, negotiating trans equality with employers and supporting gender neutral toilets and changing facilities.
Gail from the North West pointed out that trans people – particularly]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/delegates-discusses-tackling-hate-and-persecution-around-the-world/Sat, 19 Nov 2022 18:28:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/delegates-discusses-tackling-hate-and-persecution-around-the-world/ Delegates debated a number of motions on trans equality – including the need to combat anti-trans narratives in the media, negotiating trans equality with employers and supporting gender neutral toilets and changing facilities.
Gail from the North West pointed out that trans people – particularly]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/delegates-discuss-tackling-hate-and-persecution-around-the-world/Sat, 19 Nov 2022 18:28:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/delegates-discuss-tackling-hate-and-persecution-around-the-world/ That was the pledge from UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea this morning, when she addressed the union’s LGBT+ conference in Edinburgh, as she applauded the fact that being “loud and proud” was the event’s cen]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/christina-mcanea-its-great-to-be-loud-and-proud/Sat, 19 Nov 2022 17:53:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/christina-mcanea-its-great-to-be-loud-and-proud/ “The previous Conservative government trashed the economy. But the chancellor behaves likes it’s nothing to do with him. Millions will be feeling the financial pain for years to come.
“Super-high inflation means callous cutbacks are on the cards for essential services. Everyone’s paying the price for getting the Conservatives out of the mess they alone created.
&ldquo]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/nothing-in-statement-to-halt-pay-crisis-across-public-services/Thu, 17 Nov 2022 16:03:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/nothing-in-statement-to-halt-pay-crisis-across-public-services/ I’m not only talking about the disaster gamble that happened just eight weeks ago. Of course, Liz Truss and Kwasi Kwarteng pushed our economy over a cliff edge, but Conservative MPs are the ones who’d been dragging it there since 2010.
Their long ‘experi]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-austerity-only-points-to-failure/Thu, 17 Nov 2022 11:04:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-austerity-only-points-to-failure/ “Without skilled, experienced staff, there is no NHS. Vacancies have now reached intolerable levels and there’s no cure in sight. 
“It’s vital the government gets behind a proper workforce plan before it’s too late. The focus should be on permanent jobs rather than patchi]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/workforce-plan-and-proper-pay-rise-vital-to-secure-nhs-future-says-unison/Wed, 16 Nov 2022 18:53:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/workforce-plan-and-proper-pay-rise-vital-to-secure-nhs-future-says-unison/ “Ministers should be concerned with putting NHS pay right now, not trying to distract unions with the long, drawn-out evidence-gathering process of the pay review body.
“Staff are exiting in droves and without urgent movement on pay, many more will follow suit.
“NHS services are in a dire state, with too few s]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/government-must-focus-on-sorting-nhs-pay-now-says-unison/Wed, 16 Nov 2022 18:50:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/government-must-focus-on-sorting-nhs-pay-now-says-unison/ “Families already at rock bottom will be aghast that their financial misery is worsening.
“The record gap between wages and price rises mean workers in understaffed public services are ​either planning their exit route ​or have long gone. But essential service]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/chancellor-must-not-cut-public-services-to-fix-economy-says-unison/Wed, 16 Nov 2022 10:44:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/chancellor-must-not-cut-public-services-to-fix-economy-says-unison/ Gathering on the steps of Downing Street at 6pm, five UNISON members delivered the petition on behalf of the union.The text read: “When pay rises by less than our bills, we’re all getting poorer. But rising prices don’t have to push people into poverty. It&r]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-delivers-pay-petition-to-downing-street/Tue, 15 Nov 2022 19:57:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-delivers-pay-petition-to-downing-street/ Ms Erden, alongside several colleagues, is facing charges of ‘terrorism’ for her trade union work when she was co-president of SES, the public health and services union in Turkey. 
Eight current and former leading members of SES, including Ms Erden, were arrested in May 2021, when police raided their homes. Five members are accused of leading a terrorist organ]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-attends-trade-unionist-trial-in-turkey/Tue, 15 Nov 2022 15:30:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-attends-trade-unionist-trial-in-turkey/ In the strike vote, 72% of the 2,800 Agency staff balloted by the union across England, including river inspectors, flood forecasting officers, coastal risk management officers and sewage plant attendants, voted to take action.
Earlier in the year staff, who also work on the Thames Barrier, maintain coastal defences, and manage th]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/winter-warning-as-environment-agency-staff-vote-for-strike-says-unison/Tue, 15 Nov 2022 15:08:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/winter-warning-as-environment-agency-staff-vote-for-strike-says-unison/ “Workers everywhere are struggling to make their wages go far enough. But the huge inflation hit is being felt the hardest across the UK’s public services.
“Lower pay is driving experienced staff away fr]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/public-sector-wage-slump-matters-to-us-all-says-unison/Tue, 15 Nov 2022 14:00:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/public-sector-wage-slump-matters-to-us-all-says-unison/ At the Westminster meeting this morning, the unions made clear that without urgent government action on wages, experienced health workers would continue to quit their jobs, and the NHS struggle to attract new staff in sufficient numbers.
Unions told the secretary of state that patient waits for treatment would ca]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/act-on-pay-and-help-the-nhs-staff-and-patients-say-health-unions/Tue, 15 Nov 2022 13:15:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/act-on-pay-and-help-the-nhs-staff-and-patients-say-health-unions/ The bill creates a countdown to the expiry of vital protections in the workplace by 31 December 2023, which will remove 3,800 pieces of EU-derived legislation in one fell swoop.
Ms McAnea accuses the government of placing “ideological principles above the lived, practical needs of th]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-demands-rishi-sunak-guarantee-workers-protections-in-eu-law-bill/Tue, 15 Nov 2022 11:22:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-demands-rishi-sunak-guarantee-workers-protections-in-eu-law-bill/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/library-ideas-impending-doom-and-ace-funding/Sun, 13 Nov 2022 18:16:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/library-ideas-impending-doom-and-ace-funding/ Of those parcels, half a million went to children, as the cost of living crisis creates what the trust calls “a tsunami of need” across a struggling population.
One in five of the trust’s food bank users are in work – but still can’t afford the essentials.
The charity is calling on the p]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/food-banks-under-pressure-from-a-tsunami-of-need/Fri, 11 Nov 2022 13:38:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/food-banks-under-pressure-from-a-tsunami-of-need/ “The NHS is in danger of reaching the point of no return. Waiting lists will simply not improve unless ministers address chronic under-staffing. Improving pay would make an immediate difference. Without a decent wage rise, health workers will continue to leave and patients suffer.
“NHS staff]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/government-must-act-urgently-on-nhs-pay-to-bring-record-waiting-times-down-says-unison/Thu, 10 Nov 2022 15:40:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/government-must-act-urgently-on-nhs-pay-to-bring-record-waiting-times-down-says-unison/ “This is loud a wake-up call to the government. Hundreds of thousands more nurses, paramedics, cleaners, health care assistants and other NHS employees are still to decide if they’ll be striking for better pay and staffing. Now is the time for swift action to avoid a damaging dispute.
“A strike across the NHS th]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/strike-voteisloudwake-up-call-to-the-government-says-unison/Wed, 09 Nov 2022 16:51:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/strike-voteisloudwake-up-call-to-the-government-says-unison/ The controversial Retained EU Law Bill, introduced by Jacob Rees-Mogg, has set a fast-moving conveyor belt in motion, which will see all protections for workers and UK citiz]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/retained-eu-law-bill-unison-gives-expert-evidence-in-parliament/Tue, 08 Nov 2022 18:01:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/retained-eu-law-bill-unison-gives-expert-evidence-in-parliament/ The £1,400 pay award for NHS England and Cymru Wales is a real-terms pay cut for the majority of staff, and staff in Northern Ireland have been given no pay rise at all because of the political paralysis in Stormont.
Our activists and organisers have been speak]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-it-is-within-their-power-to-give-nhs-workers-the-pay-they-deserve/Tue, 08 Nov 2022 14:15:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-it-is-within-their-power-to-give-nhs-workers-the-pay-they-deserve/ He played a key role in the formation of UNISON and was always proud to serve as the union’s first general secretary from vesting day in July 1993.
A life-long servant to the labour and trade union movement, he worked in many ro]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unisons-first-general-secretary-has-died-aged-88/Tue, 08 Nov 2022 13:58:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unisons-first-general-secretary-has-died-aged-88/ The definition of low-paid reflects the median gross weekly earnings for all jobs – full time or part time – and is revised each year.
The median gross weekly earnings figure for 2022 has been calculated in the Annual]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unisons-reserved-low-pay-seat-threshold-for-2023/Tue, 08 Nov 2022 12:07:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unisons-reserved-low-pay-seat-threshold-for-2023/ Senior paramedic and UNISON branch chair Glenn Carrington (pictured above), who has worked for the East of England Ambulance Service (EEAS) for almost 30 years, described how dire the situation has become.
“We’re spending so much time sat outside the hospital. The record so far is 10 and a half hours.
“Literally 10 and a half hours with our patient in the back of our vehicle, unable to move]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-ambulance-workers-share-heartbreaking-stories-of-wait-times/Mon, 07 Nov 2022 16:41:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-ambulance-workers-share-heartbreaking-stories-of-wait-times/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/libraryon/Sun, 06 Nov 2022 12:29:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/libraryon/ Standing in for general secretary Christina McAnea, she noted it was seven years to the day when “the trade union movement was gathered here to lobby MPs on the pernicious Trade Union Bill.
“The government then was trying to smash us –]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/another-world-is-possible-together-we-can-rise/Thu, 03 Nov 2022 14:04:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/another-world-is-possible-together-we-can-rise/ UNISON members were among those making their voices heard at the ‘We Demand Better’ lobby and rally, organised by the TUC.
A number of individuals set up meetings with their MPs, in order to share their stories, describe how the crisis is affecting the l]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/hundreds-of-workers-lobby-parliament-for-better-pay/Wed, 02 Nov 2022 18:30:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/hundreds-of-workers-lobby-parliament-for-better-pay/ “Those providing care, looking after our health, keeping us safe and providing education shouldn’t need to worry about simply making ends meet for their families.
“Holding down public sector pay for years to come could make the cost-of-living]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/leaving-workers-in-poverty-is-no-way-to-run-vital-services/Tue, 01 Nov 2022 23:30:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/leaving-workers-in-poverty-is-no-way-to-run-vital-services/ UNISON, GMB and Unite make up the trade union side of the national joint council (NJC) that negotiates pay for the majority of local government workers. After consulting their members over the last two months, the unions met today and agreed to accept the of]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/council-workers-accept-deal-that-will-give-lowest-paid-105/Tue, 01 Nov 2022 14:54:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/council-workers-accept-deal-that-will-give-lowest-paid-105/ “The NHS, care and other key services already have a workforce crisis. Many more staff will walk if they know there’s no prospect of a decent pay r]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/public-sector-pay-cuts-are-the-worst-possible-response/Tue, 01 Nov 2022 13:16:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/public-sector-pay-cuts-are-the-worst-possible-response/ HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has not increased the allowance in a decade. Workers affected include midwives attending home births, district nurses, social workers and pest control officers.
UNISON says this means staff are effectively subsidising their employers, ​because they]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/mileage-rate-rise-needed-urgently-for-public-sector-staff/Tue, 01 Nov 2022 12:58:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/mileage-rate-rise-needed-urgently-for-public-sector-staff/ Sound familiar? Well, it is, because we’re heading to Austerity 2.0. We’ve been here before – the first round was painful, damaging and lasted over a decade. In a speech about the economy in 2010, on his plans to deal with the fallout of the]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-the-government-paves-the-way-for-austerity-20/Tue, 01 Nov 2022 12:48:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-the-government-paves-the-way-for-austerity-20/ UNISON represents a wide range of staff working in the NHS, including porters, nurses, paramedics and cleaners. The union recommends members vote ‘yes’ for strike action in order to pressure government decision-makers to increase pay.
In England and Wales, NHS staff have had a pay award of just 72p per hour. This is nowhere near what worker]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/vote-yes-for-the-nhs-unison-urges-backing-for-strike-action/Tue, 01 Nov 2022 11:48:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/vote-yes-for-the-nhs-unison-urges-backing-for-strike-action/ A new UN report shows that countries are far short of meeting their Paris Agreement goal of limiting global warming to below 2°, and preferably 1.5° by 2030.
Since COP26, hosted in Glasgow last year, very limited progress has been made in reducing emissions. In f]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/mobilise-to-save-the-planet/Tue, 01 Nov 2022 11:48:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/mobilise-to-save-the-planet/ Congratulating delegates on their work in the Year of Disabled Workers, she noted that activists had trained 100 new disabled officers for the union, which she called “a fantastic achievement.”
An]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/we-must-be-united-for-battles-ahead-says-unison-president/Mon, 31 Oct 2022 17:13:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/we-must-be-united-for-battles-ahead-says-unison-president/ UNISON is horrified by the measures included in the Retained EU Law bill. Many core workplace protections – including]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/workers-protections-at-risk-as-retained-eu-law-bill-moves-through-parliament/Mon, 31 Oct 2022 16:11:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/workers-protections-at-risk-as-retained-eu-law-bill-moves-through-parliament/ UNISON is horrified by the measures included in the Retained EU Law bill. Many core workplace protections – including]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/workers-protections-at-risk-as-eu-law-bill-moves-through-parliament/Mon, 31 Oct 2022 16:11:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/workers-protections-at-risk-as-eu-law-bill-moves-through-parliament/ In 2020, 75% of those who took their own lives in the UK were male, with 4,880 men and boys ending their lives – equating to 12 deaths every day of the year.
While people of all genders experience mental health probl]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/delegates-call-for-help-to-combat-the-epidemic-of-male-suicide/Sun, 30 Oct 2022 18:46:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/delegates-call-for-help-to-combat-the-epidemic-of-male-suicide/ Vicky Foxcroft, Labour’s shadow minister for disabled people, was addressing UNISON’s national disabled members’ conference in Brighton this afternoon, a]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/we-want-workplaces-to-thrive-the-tories-want-to-curtail-unions/Sun, 30 Oct 2022 17:36:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/we-want-workplaces-to-thrive-the-tories-want-to-curtail-unions/ The latest Public Lending Right consultation is out to change the rate per loan for 2021/2022. https://t.co/qGDF13ayENThis was always going to be the big one, as the previous year CIPFA data is used to estimate total loans.
The rate per loan is going fr]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/hack-ney/Sun, 30 Oct 2022 17:18:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/hack-ney/ But it also saw member Paddy Toner presented with his award as this year’s winner of the union’s Local Service Champions Awards by general secretary Christina McAnea (pictured above).
Mr Toner is a rehabilitation worker for the visually impaired at Halton Borough]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/disabled-members-look-to-the-legacy-of-2022/Sun, 30 Oct 2022 17:09:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/disabled-members-look-to-the-legacy-of-2022/ General secretary Christina McAnea was speaking at UNISON’s annual disabled conference in Brighton this morning, and was addressing the fears of health members over the damage that industrial action could do to the NHS.
Bu]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/general-secretary-urges-members-to-vote-vote-vote-in-nhs-ballot/Sun, 30 Oct 2022 15:03:00 +0100https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/general-secretary-urges-members-to-vote-vote-vote-in-nhs-ballot/ The most pressing issue for the new prime minister and health secretary is without doubt finding a solution to the many problems affecting the NHS, says UNISON. 
If, as Rishi Sunak says, he wants to strengthen the NHS, ministers have no option bu]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/strikes-across-the-nhs-edge-closeraslatest-industrial-action-ballotbegins/Thu, 27 Oct 2022 01:01:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/strikes-across-the-nhs-edge-closeraslatest-industrial-action-ballotbegins/ In a new deal, announced last week, the workers – who are outsourced to private healthcare facilities firm OCS – have won a pay rise of over 14%, an extra week of annual leave and the same sick pay as their colleagues who work directly for the NHS trust.
The 50 workers include porters, catering staff and cleaners at hospitals, mental hea]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/ocs-workers-secure-major-victory-after-26-days-of-strike-action/Wed, 26 Oct 2022 17:34:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/ocs-workers-secure-major-victory-after-26-days-of-strike-action/ A bonfire of employment rights might be the long-cherished dream of right-wing ideologues like Jacob Rees-Mogg, but it’s a nightmare for workers – particularly women. One member told UNISON that these plans were “callous, cruel and despicable”. I agree.
If the bill becomes la]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-the-eu-law-bill-a-halloween-nightmare-from-downing-street/Wed, 26 Oct 2022 16:25:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-the-eu-law-bill-a-halloween-nightmare-from-downing-street/ “No one can be under any illusion about the challenges that lie ahead. The previous prime minister has certainly made the situation a whole lot worse.
“If Rishi Sunak really wants the NHS and other public services to become stronger, they must have the resources needed to tackle the growing workforce crises.
“]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/new-prime-minister-must-improve-pay-if-he-wants-a-stronger-nhs/Tue, 25 Oct 2022 14:28:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/new-prime-minister-must-improve-pay-if-he-wants-a-stronger-nhs/ The lobby takes place during the worst cost-of-living crisis in 50 years. Everything is going up but wages. The Tories crashed the economy with their mini-budget and all the signs are showing that they will try and fill the hole in public finances created by their own mistakes with a fresh wave of austerity.
This will place public services under unbearable strain,]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/help-ensure-mps-understand-the-reality-of-the-cost-of-living-crisis/Tue, 25 Oct 2022 12:29:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/help-ensure-mps-understand-the-reality-of-the-cost-of-living-crisis/ A flat rate of £1,400 extra per year, for the essential workers who save lives and worked all through the pandemic, is simply not enough. For many NHS workers it’s just about a 4% increase, which lags way behind inflation.
And it gets worse. NHS workers in Northern Ireland have received no increase at all. Disagreeme]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-vote-yes-for-your-futures-and-the-future-of-our-nhs/Tue, 25 Oct 2022 12:05:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-vote-yes-for-your-futures-and-the-future-of-our-nhs/ UNISON represents around 50,000 police staff across the country, approximately 60% of whom are women. The new award, which takes effect from 1 September 2022, was secured by action from UNISON, Unite and GMB.
During pay negotiations earlier in the year, the unions insisted that the Police Staff Council (PSC) adopt a specific clau]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/police-staff-receive-1900-pay-increase-matching-officers/Mon, 24 Oct 2022 18:09:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/police-staff-receive-1900-pay-increase-matching-officers/ “Changing leaders won’t make a shred of difference. The shambles of the past few weeks proves the Tories are no longer fit to govern.
“It’s time to let voters choose a new government in Westminster. The public wants a general election. Th]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/no-more-leadership-musical-chairs-its-time-for-a-general-election/Mon, 24 Oct 2022 15:15:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/no-more-leadership-musical-chairs-its-time-for-a-general-election/ Since coming into post in 2020, Ms Jones has spent time visiting police forces across the country, listening to staff, PCSOs and officers – many of whom are UNISON members – on the challenges they’re facing. The most pressing issues she says, relate to the workforce, pay and budget restraints.]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/shadow-police-minister-we-need-a-proper-workforce-plan-for-policing/Mon, 24 Oct 2022 11:15:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/shadow-police-minister-we-need-a-proper-workforce-plan-for-policing/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/its-getting-warm-in-here/Sun, 23 Oct 2022 17:58:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/its-getting-warm-in-here/ Conference passed a key motion on securing development pathways for police staff within the context of ‘operation uplift’ – the government’s pledge to recruit 20,000 additional police officers by March 2023. As of March 2022, 13,576 officers had been recruited.
UNISON believes the increa]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/delegates-pass-key-motions-to-protect-probation-workers/Fri, 21 Oct 2022 17:19:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/delegates-pass-key-motions-to-protect-probation-workers/ You could be forgiven for thinking, given all the headlines about dead fish off Britain’s east coast, sewage in the country’s rivers and seas and increased flooding due to climate change, that the role of the Environment Agency in England would be considered vital.
Unfortunately, the Conservative government seems to thin]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/working-a-day-every-week-for-free-at-the-environment-agency/Fri, 21 Oct 2022 16:51:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/working-a-day-every-week-for-free-at-the-environment-agency/ The guidance, which was published on 31 March, governs pay setting arrangements throughout the civil service and within that, applies to: the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the Environment Agency (EA) and the Food Standards Agency (FSA) &]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-general-secretary-writes-to-the-chancellor-on-civil-service-pay/Fri, 21 Oct 2022 16:25:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-general-secretary-writes-to-the-chancellor-on-civil-service-pay/ Because Black people have been a fundamental part of British history and have had a global impact since time began.
That’s also why Black History Month is so important to the trade union movement and to UNISON. The struggle for positive ch]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-power-and-unity-the-theme-for-this-years-black-history-month/Fri, 21 Oct 2022 12:41:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-power-and-unity-the-theme-for-this-years-black-history-month/ Ms Jones said: “When Labour was in government, the future of the police workforce, and how we plan for it, was a priority. Since the Tories came in, over a decade ago, the workforce planning all but disap]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/policing-and-justice-is-about-people-says-shadow-minister/Fri, 21 Oct 2022 09:48:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/policing-and-justice-is-about-people-says-shadow-minister/ UNISON national secretary Donna Rowe-Merriman stated: “When this pay offer by the EA is implemented, workers will clearly see just how ineffective the award is at tackling the increasing cost of living.
“UNISON members are in serious need of an improved pay outcome.]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/environment-agency-condemned-over-pay-imposition/Thu, 20 Oct 2022 17:12:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/environment-agency-condemned-over-pay-imposition/ UNISON represents people working in policing and probation, from call handlers and community support officers probation officers, custody assistants, cleaners and canteen staff, with 60% of police staff being women. 
Chaired by UNISON vice president]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-police-and-justice-conference-opens-in-telford/Thu, 20 Oct 2022 17:03:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-police-and-justice-conference-opens-in-telford/ “The crisis affecting the country is so deep that the only solution is to have an election. There should be one immediately so voters can choose a government to get the country back on its feet.”
Notes to editors:– UNISON is the UK’s largest union with more than 1.3]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/there-must-now-be-an-election-says-unison/Thu, 20 Oct 2022 15:01:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/there-must-now-be-an-election-says-unison/ “A Labour government under Keir would work with unions to solve problems, not see them as the enemy. Public services would be properly funded, its workforce paid a decent wage and social care tra]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/its-time-for-a-government-that-puts-the-country-first-says-unison/Thu, 20 Oct 2022 12:46:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/its-time-for-a-government-that-puts-the-country-first-says-unison/ Chaired by Libby Nolan, the conference opened with a short speech from the mayor of Telford, Raj Mehta, who thanked members for their work in providing public services that society relies on.
The business of the day was focused on how the cost of living crisis is affecting the retired population,]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-retired-members-focus-on-the-cost-of-living-crisis/Wed, 19 Oct 2022 17:10:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-retired-members-focus-on-the-cost-of-living-crisis/ “I was on a hospital picket line in Blackpool recently, early one morning in the wind and rain.
“Most of the strikers were cleaners, catering staff or porters, who w]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/government-gamble-means-working-people-are-the-losers-says-unison/Tue, 18 Oct 2022 14:27:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/government-gamble-means-working-people-are-the-losers-says-unison/ The general secretary had opened by telling delegates that she had been on a picket line recently in Blackpool. It was “early one morning, in the wind and the rain …
“I was talking to our UNIS]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/co-ordinated-action-unites-us-mcanea-tells-tuc-congress/Tue, 18 Oct 2022 14:27:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/co-ordinated-action-unites-us-mcanea-tells-tuc-congress/ What starts as forgetting silly things – going to the supermarket for milk and bananas and coming home with toilet rolls and potatoes, then the feeling of having a heater in your core that ends with a trickle of sweat rolling down the si]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-the-menopause-really-is-a-workplace-issue/Tue, 18 Oct 2022 12:37:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-the-menopause-really-is-a-workplace-issue/ The dispute involving several hundred inspectors, vets, and office-based staff in England, Wales and Northern Ireland could bring the industry to a halt, according to the union.
Earlier in the year, FSA staff voted to reject a pay offer of between 2% and 5%.
UNISON says this is significantly lower than inflation]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/food-standards-agency-strike-ballot-could-mean-christmas-meat-shortages-says-unison/Tue, 18 Oct 2022 12:25:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/food-standards-agency-strike-ballot-could-mean-christmas-meat-shortages-says-unison/ Recent statistics show that one in five pensioners – more than two million people – are already living in relative poverty in the UK. 
Chair of UNISON’s national retired members’ committee Rosie MacGregor said: &]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/a-gamble-with-pensioners-lives-retired-members-confront-the-cost-of-living-crisis/Mon, 17 Oct 2022 17:18:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/a-gamble-with-pensioners-lives-retired-members-confront-the-cost-of-living-crisis/ The analysis is the first to look at the violence and aggression faced by teaching and classroom assistants in England, Scotland and Wales. Extensive data already exists into pupil-on-pupil violence and aggression towards teachers and senior managers.
University of Roehampton criminologist Dr Amanda Holt led the qualitative]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/school-staff-face-violent-attacks-from-pupils-with-some-receiving-death-threats-new-research-finds/Mon, 17 Oct 2022 17:09:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/school-staff-face-violent-attacks-from-pupils-with-some-receiving-death-threats-new-research-finds/ That was the verdict of UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea today, after the fourth Conservative chancellor this year performed a series of screeching U-turn on his predecessor’s catastrophic ‘mini-budget from just a few weeks ago.
After Kwasi Kwarteng’s tax-cutting ‘fiscal event’ on 23 September triggered panic in the markets, with the p]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/tories-cannot-be-trusted-after-screeching-economic-u-turn/Mon, 17 Oct 2022 16:48:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/tories-cannot-be-trusted-after-screeching-economic-u-turn/ Responding to emergency measures announced by the chancellor today (Monday), UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said:
“A government that dumps virtually its entire economic slate in the space of a month simply cannot be trusted.
“Liz Truss promised again and again to shield people from rocketing energy bills, but even that help now lies in tatters. Struggling families will be aghast.
“Threaten]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/government-cant-betrusted-and-must-go-says-unison/Mon, 17 Oct 2022 14:19:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/government-cant-betrusted-and-must-go-says-unison/ “Sacking the chancellor won’t put a stop to the economic madness. This is a crisis entirely of the Prime Minister’s making.
“The buck stops with Liz Truss for turning the UK into an international laughing stock.
“This government has run out of road, and credibility too. It’s time for an election to make way for a Labo]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/this-government-has-run-out-of-road-says-unison/Fri, 14 Oct 2022 14:25:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/this-government-has-run-out-of-road-says-unison/ “Now’s not the time to be sick or injured. Under this government’s watch, the NHS is experiencing the worst crisis in its 74-year history.
“Health service managers are increasingly frustrated that there’s nothing they can do to slow the tide of staff heading to the doors.
“As a matt]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/government-must-act-urgently-on-nhspay-to-bring-record-waiting-times-down/Thu, 13 Oct 2022 11:56:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/government-must-act-urgently-on-nhspay-to-bring-record-waiting-times-down/ General secretary Christina McAnea updated the meeting on bargaining, negotiations, disputes and industrial action that the union is currently engaged in, across sectors.
On health, she noted that a ballot opened in Scotland on 3 October, with phone-banking set to start this week]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/nec-hears-that-building-for-the-nhs-strike-ballots-is-the-priority/Wed, 12 Oct 2022 17:56:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/nec-hears-that-building-for-the-nhs-strike-ballots-is-the-priority/ As a trade union working to tackle exploitation, protect working people and to promote decent pay and work, UNISON is horrified about the proposals contained in the Retained EU Law Bill.
Business Secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg has intro]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/the-retained-eu-law-bill-an-attack-on-working-women/Wed, 12 Oct 2022 13:41:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/the-retained-eu-law-bill-an-attack-on-working-women/ You might have seen one of our poster billboards, shared some of our campaign graphics or our video on social media – or even encouraged one of your friends or colleagues to sign our petition calling on the prime minis]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-taking-our-cost-of-living-campaign-to-a-wider-audience/Tue, 11 Oct 2022 13:09:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-taking-our-cost-of-living-campaign-to-a-wider-audience/ “Put simply, wages are much too low. The social care sector won’t get back on its feet and deliver the support needed by millions if it can’t pay the rates needed to attract, keep and promote experienced care workers.
“This is a govern]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unless-wages-rise-in-social-care-the-sectors-problems-will-never-be-fixed-says-unison/Tue, 11 Oct 2022 10:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unless-wages-rise-in-social-care-the-sectors-problems-will-never-be-fixed-says-unison/ Working with the TUC and other unions, UNISON is organising a lobby of the Westminster parliament on Wednesday 2 November, between 2-6pm.
This will be an opportunity for members to meet their MPs and tell them about the reality of the cost of living crisis.
Where relevant, it will also be an important opportunity to speak with MPs about current pay disputes and ballots in higher educati]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/lets-rise-up-in-westminster-on-2-november-in-unison/Tue, 11 Oct 2022 10:13:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/lets-rise-up-in-westminster-on-2-november-in-unison/ These are the words of UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea, speaking after this year’s UNISON Green Week at the end of September and as the world – a]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/help-unison-prepare-for-cop27-in-egypt-this-november/Mon, 10 Oct 2022 12:47:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/help-unison-prepare-for-cop27-in-egypt-this-november/ A strike ballot of several thousand Agency employees across England – including river inspectors, flood forecasting officers, coastal risk management officers, sewage plant attendants and staff maintaining the Thames Barrier – opens today. The vote closes in a month’s time.
Earlier in]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/environment-agency-staff-start-to-vote-on-possible-strikeover-pay-says-unison/Mon, 10 Oct 2022 10:40:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/environment-agency-staff-start-to-vote-on-possible-strikeover-pay-says-unison/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/not-like-the-fly-by-night-ministers-we-get-nowadays/Sun, 09 Oct 2022 17:28:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/not-like-the-fly-by-night-ministers-we-get-nowadays/ “Winter is coming and the virus is staging a comeback. Yet the government doesn’t appear to have a plan.
“Unless urgent action is taken, cases will surge and schools, hospitals, care homes and other key public services will be without the staff they need to function.
“Bringing back free testing is a must so people don’t unwittingly take the vir]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/winter-plan-for-covid-urgently-needed-says-unison/Fri, 07 Oct 2022 16:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/winter-plan-for-covid-urgently-needed-says-unison/ The union has also written to health secretary Therese Coffey urging her to meet and negotiate an improved pay award to avert action that could disrupt NHS services this winter.
UNISON has initiated a formal dispute after most NHS workers were given just a &po]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/its-now-up-to-the-government-to-avoid-strikes-in-nhs-by-putting-pay-right-says-unison/Fri, 07 Oct 2022 01:01:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/its-now-up-to-the-government-to-avoid-strikes-in-nhs-by-putting-pay-right-says-unison/ “It defies belief that the government’s bare bones plan for social care is already crumbling. Neither Boris Johnson nor Liz Truss have delivered on their promises for funding and reform.
“Vacancy rates are rocketing because care workers are underpaid for a difficult and skilled job.&]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/boost-wages-to-reform-broken-bargain-basement-social-care-system-says-unison-/Thu, 06 Oct 2022 13:55:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/boost-wages-to-reform-broken-bargain-basement-social-care-system-says-unison-/ “It defies belief that the government’s bare bones plans for social care are already crumbling. Neither Boris Johnson nor Liz Truss have delivered on their promises for funding and reform.
“Vacancy rates are rocketing because care workers are underpaid for a difficult and skilled job. Minist]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/boost-wages-to-reformbroken-bargain-basement-social-care-system-says-unison-/Thu, 06 Oct 2022 12:34:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/boost-wages-to-reformbroken-bargain-basement-social-care-system-says-unison-/ She will say: “It’s a huge privilege to be honouring one of Glasgow’s finest heroes. I heard Jimmy speak in the early 1970s in the Glasgow City halls. The place was packed to the rafters. I was about 15.]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/improving-lives-means-more-than-putting-money-in-peoples-pockets-says-unison-general-secretary/Thu, 06 Oct 2022 12:26:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/improving-lives-means-more-than-putting-money-in-peoples-pockets-says-unison-general-secretary/ She will say: “It’s a huge privilege to be honouring one of Glasgow’s finest heroes. I heard Jimmy speak in the early 1970s in the Glasgow City halls. The place was packed to the rafters. I was abou]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/improving-lives-means-more-than-putting-money-in-peoples-pockets/Thu, 06 Oct 2022 01:01:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/improving-lives-means-more-than-putting-money-in-peoples-pockets/ “Harsh spending cuts have cast a long, nasty shadow. Slashing budgets meant key public services were unprepared and understaffed when Covid came calling.
“The same mistakes cannot be made again. Austerity can never be a soluti]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/austerity-cuts-had-terrible-repercussions-and-should-never-be-repeated-says-unison/Wed, 05 Oct 2022 12:21:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/austerity-cuts-had-terrible-repercussions-and-should-never-be-repeated-says-unison/ The workers – including those in administrative, cleaning, library, security and catering services – will continue their strike tomorrow and Thursday after rejecting a 3% pay award from the University and Colleges Employers Association.
UNISON had called for an increase of 2% above the rate of inflation, currently running at 9.9%.
With further rises in the cost of living expe]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/workers-at-leeds-beckett-university-begin-strike-over-pay-says-unison/Tue, 04 Oct 2022 11:54:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/workers-at-leeds-beckett-university-begin-strike-over-pay-says-unison/ This is a one-off non repayable grant of £200 for members struggling with their energy bills.
The application form will go live at 11am on the day, on the Energy Support Fund page on the website.
Visit the website
Members can apply if they meet the following criteria:Must have 4 weeks of up-to-date membership as of 5 October;
Must not have received a main grant since March 2022;]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-welfares-energy-support-fund-opens-5-october/Mon, 03 Oct 2022 17:38:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-welfares-energy-support-fund-opens-5-october/ The workers, among the lowest paid in the higher education sector, walked out after rejecting a 3% pay award from the University and Colleges Employers Association.
Staff had asked for a pay increase 2% above the rate of inflation, which currently stands at 9.9%.
With further rises in the cos]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/staffat-manchester-and-liverpool-universities-begin-series-of-strikes-over-ludicrously-low-pay-rise-says-unison/Mon, 03 Oct 2022 12:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/staffat-manchester-and-liverpool-universities-begin-series-of-strikes-over-ludicrously-low-pay-rise-says-unison/ UNISON member Alvina Ware (pictured above) is a clinical practice support worker at the Royal United Hospital (RUH) in Bath. Over the past two years, Alvina has transformed hair and skincare for Black patients at the hospital.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Alvina began to notice that elderly Black patients on her ward weren’t getting the skincare and haircare they needed – and set about to change that. She explained:
“Culturally it’s so important for our hair]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/black-history-month-black-nhs-workers-going-above-and-beyond/Mon, 03 Oct 2022 11:29:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/black-history-month-black-nhs-workers-going-above-and-beyond/ The deal, signed by the union’s general secretary Christina McAnea, allows UNISON and the University and College Union to negotiate with college managers on behalf of staff about pay and their working conditions.
The agreement comes as RNCM staff represented by UNISON prepare to strike over pay on dates due to be announced later this mon]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/royal-northern-college-of-music-and-unison-sign-historic-agreement-as-staff-prepare-to-strike/Mon, 03 Oct 2022 11:28:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/royal-northern-college-of-music-and-unison-sign-historic-agreement-as-staff-prepare-to-strike/ The launch comes on the back of 80,000 people (at the time of publication) signing the union’s petition calling on new Prime Minister Liz Truss to prioritise pay rises over tax cuts, with over 26,000 tweet]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-launches-next-stage-of-cost-of-living-campaign/Mon, 03 Oct 2022 11:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-launches-next-stage-of-cost-of-living-campaign/ “It’s deeply disturbing that it took a week of financial worry for millions and damage to the UK’s international reputation before the government listened to reason.
“The Prime Minister and Chancellor should be focusing on those who can’t make ends meet, not lining the]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/government-should-focus-on-those-in-need-rather-than-foolish-tax-cuts/Mon, 03 Oct 2022 11:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/government-should-focus-on-those-in-need-rather-than-foolish-tax-cuts/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/alienating-times/Sun, 02 Oct 2022 12:41:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/alienating-times/ “The government must wake up to this crisis and increas]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/give-health-staff-pay-boost-to-resolve-workforce-crisis-says-unison-/Fri, 30 Sep 2022 18:31:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/give-health-staff-pay-boost-to-resolve-workforce-crisis-says-unison-/ “Some health employees are now so hard up, they can’t survive without help from their employers. This is a shocking state of affairs. Ministers should be ashamed that things have come to this.
“The government should be raisin]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/ministers-should-be-ashamed-that-nhs-staff-are-having-to-use-food-banks-says-unison/Fri, 30 Sep 2022 01:01:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/ministers-should-be-ashamed-that-nhs-staff-are-having-to-use-food-banks-says-unison/ In a joint, open letter to Liz Truss and Kwasi Kwarteng, the TUC and 18 trade unions – representing millions of public sector workers – are seeking an urgent meeting, amid fears of another crippling round of austerity this November.
Commenting on the move, TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/union-leaders-call-on-pm-to-rule-out-crippling-cuts-to-public-services/Thu, 29 Sep 2022 16:06:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/union-leaders-call-on-pm-to-rule-out-crippling-cuts-to-public-services/ “The government needs to take its head out of the sand. Ministers must listen to the world’s economic experts urging them to junk this disastrous financial experiment.
“​Borrowing to fund huge tax cuts for the super wealthy has taken the UK economy to the brink and &#]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/government-must-stop-the-chaos-and-abandon-its-disastrous-financial-experiment-says-unison/Thu, 29 Sep 2022 14:03:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/government-must-stop-the-chaos-and-abandon-its-disastrous-financial-experiment-says-unison/ “Everyone deserves the very best start in life. Free breakfast clubs will ensure the best start to every single school day.
“Pupils learn so much more when they’re not going hungry.
“The additional childcare offered by the clubs will make life easier for hard-pressed working families.
“A modern childc]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/breakfast-clubs-will-give-pupils-the-ingredients-for-learning/Wed, 28 Sep 2022 01:01:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/breakfast-clubs-will-give-pupils-the-ingredients-for-learning/ “This was a speech from the Prime Minister in waiting.
“Keir set out how he will lead a government that protects the economy and living standards, and gives people hope of a better life.
“A government that will work for a fairer, greener future, where people can live in affordable homes, feed their famili]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/a-labour-government-cant-come-soon-enough-says-unison/Tue, 27 Sep 2022 16:55:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/a-labour-government-cant-come-soon-enough-says-unison/ He also had a nation of workers struggling with low pay and the soaring cost of living, and public services in dire need of investment. “Help is coming” he declared. But for who?
Myth: Friday’s announcement was not a budget
Fact: Despite calling Friday’s annou]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/mythbuster-the-budget/Tue, 27 Sep 2022 11:26:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/mythbuster-the-budget/ “This shows the difference a Labour government would make to working people and public services. A windfall tax so our children’s children aren’t still paying off the cost of our energy support in years to come and sustained investment in rundown public services.
“Rachel Reeves is a future chancellor who]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/genuine-living-wage-and-public-service-investment-show-why-labour-should-be-in-government/Mon, 26 Sep 2022 14:48:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/genuine-living-wage-and-public-service-investment-show-why-labour-should-be-in-government/ “This is the Tories’ latest attempt at reinventing themselves. From Theresa May’s strong and stable, to Liz Truss’ promise of a decade of dynamism.
“George Osborne demanded austerity and a balanced budget, now Kwasi Kwarteng wants to gamble billions of pounds to give the richest more money to play with.
&ldquo]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/government-handing-taxpayers-money-to-rich-friends-while-public-services-suffer/Mon, 26 Sep 2022 13:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/government-handing-taxpayers-money-to-rich-friends-while-public-services-suffer/ “Labour is outlining genuine, meaningful policies that’ll have a real impact on those working in public services, and the people who rely on them.
“Angela Rayner’s pledge to launch a wave of insourcing will put the emphasis on delivering better services, not]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/the-country-needs-a-transformative-labour-government/Sun, 25 Sep 2022 14:44:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/the-country-needs-a-transformative-labour-government/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/a-decisive-end-to-austerity-but-what-about-public-libraries/Sun, 25 Sep 2022 13:03:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/a-decisive-end-to-austerity-but-what-about-public-libraries/ Unlike the government minimum wage (‘national living wage’) for over 23s, which is £9.50, the Foundation rate is independe]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/living-wage-foundation-rate-is-not-enough-say-unison-members/Fri, 23 Sep 2022 17:23:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/living-wage-foundation-rate-is-not-enough-say-unison-members/ Unlike the government minimum wage (‘national living wage’) for over 23s, which is £9.50, the Foundation rate is independe]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/even-living-wage-foundation-rate-is-not-enough-say-unison-members/Fri, 23 Sep 2022 17:23:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/even-living-wage-foundation-rate-is-not-enough-say-unison-members/ “The government must stop demonising unions and seeing them as the enemy. Strikes are a symptom of the cost of living crisis.
“Instead of making it harder for employees to secure decent wages, ministers should be talking to unions about ways to solve problems.
“Attempting to tie unions up in knots while pu]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/stop-seeing-unions-as-the-enemy-says-unison/Fri, 23 Sep 2022 16:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/stop-seeing-unions-as-the-enemy-says-unison/ Ms Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish woman, was arrested by Iran’s so-called ‘morality police’ on 13 September for allegedly failing to comply with Iran’s harsh hijab rules. She died three days later in police custody, reportedly after being beaten and tortured.
UNISON stands in solidarity with the thousands of peacef]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-condemns-the-death-of-mahsa-amini/Fri, 23 Sep 2022 13:37:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-condemns-the-death-of-mahsa-amini/ We’re in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis that needs urgent action. But Liz Truss and the new chancellor are willing to wa]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-the-60bn-gamble-with-the-future-of-our-country/Fri, 23 Sep 2022 12:43:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-the-60bn-gamble-with-the-future-of-our-country/ “The government has ditched levelling up for an all-out offensive to make the wealthiest even richer.
“In the middle of a huge cost-of-living crisis, this isn’t the time for economic experiments that are doomed to fail.
“There are masses of essential jobs that need filling. The best way to deal with 300,000 vacancies across health and c]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/government-is-making-rich-richer-while-leaving-struggling-families-in-despair/Fri, 23 Sep 2022 12:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/government-is-making-rich-richer-while-leaving-struggling-families-in-despair/ In a consultation that opened this week, the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC), which regulates 15 professions in the health sector, has proposed an increase in its compulsory annual registration fee from £98.12 to £117.74.
UNISON says the rise is u]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/fee-rise-for-stretched-nhs-workers-is-unfair-and-misjudged-says-unison/Fri, 23 Sep 2022 12:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/fee-rise-for-stretched-nhs-workers-is-unfair-and-misjudged-says-unison/ “NHS and social care both face the biggest workforce crisis in their combined history. Offloading to volunteers is not the solution.
“There’s not even a whiff here that the government might have a serious plan to respond to the dire problems in hospitals and care homes.
“That be]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/solving-nhs-and-care-crisis-must-involve-proper-workforce-plan-says-unison/Thu, 22 Sep 2022 01:12:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/solving-nhs-and-care-crisis-must-involve-proper-workforce-plan-says-unison/ “Investing in social care is vital, but it shouldn’t be at the expense of the NHS. Both services must be properly funded.
“Social care has been losing staff at terrifying rates because the government has failed to improve poverty pay rates. The desperate shortage of workers and huge funding shortfall is placing the entire system at risk]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-comments-on-nhs-confederations-call-for-better-funding-for-social-care/Thu, 22 Sep 2022 01:01:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-comments-on-nhs-confederations-call-for-better-funding-for-social-care/ “Low-paid workers are crying out for help. The government must follow the Foundation’s lead and bring forward an increase to the national minimum wage without delay. Waiting until April would be]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/government-should-follow-foundations-lead-with-early-wage-rate-rise-says-unison/Thu, 22 Sep 2022 01:01:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/government-should-follow-foundations-lead-with-early-wage-rate-rise-says-unison/ “Low-paid workers are crying out for help. The government must follow the Foundation’s lead and bring forward an increase to the national minimum wage without delay. Waiting until April wou]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/government-should-follow-foundations-lead-with-early-wage-rate-rise/Wed, 21 Sep 2022 23:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/government-should-follow-foundations-lead-with-early-wage-rate-rise/ “This package is too little too late. Public bodies are still vulnerable because of a general lack of cash.
“Many schools, care homes, councils and hospitals have already had to make tough decisions, selling properties or cutting staff to afford their energy bills.
“All this could have been avoided. Better]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-reacts-to-government-energy-package-for-businesses-and-public-sector-bodies/Wed, 21 Sep 2022 12:54:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-reacts-to-government-energy-package-for-businesses-and-public-sector-bodies/ Universities will be disrupted across England and Scotland as employees push for a fair pay rise that takes account of soaring cost of living pressures and years of below-inflation awards, says the union.
The workers, among the lowest paid in the higher education sector, took the difficult dec]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/university-staff-to-strike-over-pay-as-new-term-begins/Tue, 20 Sep 2022 16:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/university-staff-to-strike-over-pay-as-new-term-begins/ The lobby was originally planned for 19 October, but has been changed because of a rescheduling of the TUC Congress.
The new date will give more time for members to set up meeting with MPs, to explain what the cost of living crisis means for them and their families, the need for a pay rise and the pressures on public services.
The rally that evening, at Westminster Central Hall, wi]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/new-date-for-the-unison-and-tuc-cost-of-living-lobby-of-parliament/Tue, 20 Sep 2022 13:33:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/new-date-for-the-unison-and-tuc-cost-of-living-lobby-of-parliament/ The union issued proceedings with the High Court last week (13 September), triggering the start of a process seeking a judicial review of the government’s decision. UNISON is arguing that ministers’ changes are unlawful and should be axed.
Business secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg has 21 days to respond from the date the case was lodged last Tuesday.
U]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-takes-the-government-to-court-over-law-allowing-the-use-of-agency-workers-to-break-strike/Tue, 20 Sep 2022 13:07:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-takes-the-government-to-court-over-law-allowing-the-use-of-agency-workers-to-break-strike/ UNISON doesn’t need any persuading that climate change is real, dangerous and destructive. There is no future on a dead planet, so we need commitments and action now from government and employers. And if the transition to net zero is not just, workers and their families will suffer.
We are determined to be part of the necessary change. Trade unions are the]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-there-is-no-future-on-a-dead-planet/Tue, 20 Sep 2022 12:32:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-there-is-no-future-on-a-dead-planet/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/and-wow-theres-books-in-them-too/Mon, 19 Sep 2022 20:34:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/and-wow-theres-books-in-them-too/ Libraries Connected statement on the death of Her Majesty the Queen – Libraries Connected. “During her 70-year reign, the Queen visited hundreds of public librari]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/queen-elizabeth-ii-1926-to-2022/Sun, 11 Sep 2022 14:43:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/queen-elizabeth-ii-1926-to-2022/ “The Queen has given a lifetime of exemplary public service and her loss will be felt deeply across the whole of the UK and Commonwealth.”
Notes to editors:– UNISON is the UK’s largest union with more than 1.3 million members providing public serv]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/the-death-of-her-majesty-the-queen/Thu, 08 Sep 2022 20:01:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/the-death-of-her-majesty-the-queen/ “If the new Prime Minister’s serious about tackling problems in the NHS, that must start with a serious plan to keep hold of existing staff.
“Services cannot run themselves. Without a way to persuade exhausted employees to stay and new people to join, the outlook is bleak for anyone needing the NHS.
“Committing to]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/waiting-times-wont-reduce-without-fixing-workforce-issues-says-unison/Thu, 08 Sep 2022 14:20:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/waiting-times-wont-reduce-without-fixing-workforce-issues-says-unison/ “At long last, the government has acted. A bill freeze should have happened months ago. Instead, millions have endured sleepless nights terrified of the winter ahead.
“The companies raking in billions from soaring energy costs should pay their share. Another windfall tax would be fairer than handing]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/fund-energy-help-by-taxing-firms-making-most-from-crisis-says-unison/Thu, 08 Sep 2022 13:41:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/fund-energy-help-by-taxing-firms-making-most-from-crisis-says-unison/ From Covid to the Cost of Living provides a snapshot of the way ​Covid has fundamentally changed the role of teaching assistants, says UNISON.
The report also captures headteachers’ concerns that chronic low pay is drivi]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/headteachers-fear-losing-increasingly-vital-teaching-assistants-as-cost-of-living-pressures-bites/Thu, 08 Sep 2022 12:20:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/headteachers-fear-losing-increasingly-vital-teaching-assistants-as-cost-of-living-pressures-bites/ From Covid to the Cost of Living provides a snapshot of the way ​Covid has fundamentally changed the role of teaching assistants, says UNISON.
The report also captures headteachers’ concerns that chronic low pay is drivi]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/headteachers-fear-losing-increasingly-vital-teaching-assistants-as-cost-of-living-pressures-bite/Thu, 08 Sep 2022 12:20:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/headteachers-fear-losing-increasingly-vital-teaching-assistants-as-cost-of-living-pressures-bite/ Progress was made and it was agreed that discussions would continue at the NEC’s October meeting where actions will be agreed. A further statement will be sent to branches following the October meeting.
The article NEC meets to discuss motions from June’s conference first appeared on the UNI]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/nec-meets-to-discuss-motions-from-junes-conference/Thu, 08 Sep 2022 10:24:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/nec-meets-to-discuss-motions-from-junes-conference/ The union is concerned about how many pregnant workers are experiencing unfair treatment or discrimination at work – including being singled out for redundancy. During the pandemic, many women were forced out of their jobs because employers didn’t know the law or simply ​chose to ignore it.
The union]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/help-boost-protection-for-pregnant-women-and-new-parents/Tue, 06 Sep 2022 16:16:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/help-boost-protection-for-pregnant-women-and-new-parents/ With inflation topping 10% and further increases on the way, the offer, together with an unconsolidated performance award, effectively represents a pay cut.
EA staff had asked for a pay increase above the rate of inflation after a 0% pay increase in 2021 and the current offer fell we]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/environment-agency-staff-overwhelmingly-reject-pay-offer/Tue, 06 Sep 2022 13:56:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/environment-agency-staff-overwhelmingly-reject-pay-offer/ How could he be more concerned with his memories of space-hoppers and his own future career than showing remorse for the trail of crises that he leaves behind him?
His debasement of the integrity and probity of the highest public office in the country was only conf]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-the-time-to-act-on-the-cost-of-living-is-now-prime-minister/Tue, 06 Sep 2022 12:38:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-the-time-to-act-on-the-cost-of-living-is-now-prime-minister/ In intense late-night negotiations on Thursday with the first minster, the deputy first minister, Scottish government and COSLA, UNISON negotiated a number of improvements to the employer’s offer.
This included an increase in the overall value of the pay offer to £600m, full consolidation]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/strikes-called-off-after-improved-cosla-pay-offer/Mon, 05 Sep 2022 16:04:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/strikes-called-off-after-improved-cosla-pay-offer/ “Leaving the country rudderless all summer ​at a time of great emergency has been nothing short of a ​national disgrace.
“​The government has got to get back to governing immediately. Liz Truss must do what should’ve happened months ago and deliver help to the millions ​unable to co]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/the-government-has-got-to-get-back-to-governing-says-unison/Mon, 05 Sep 2022 13:49:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/the-government-has-got-to-get-back-to-governing-says-unison/ Working with the TUC and other unions, UNISON is organising a lobby of the Westminster parliament on Wednesday 19 October.
This will be an opportunity for members to meet their MPs and tell them about the reality of the cost of living crisis and to demand better. Where relevant, it will also be an important opportunity to speak with MPs about current or pending pay disputes.
Sign up he]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/join-the-unison-and-tuc-lobby-of-parliament-to-demandbetter/Mon, 05 Sep 2022 13:46:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/join-the-unison-and-tuc-lobby-of-parliament-to-demandbetter/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/public-libraries-have-a-new-advisory-panel/Sun, 04 Sep 2022 13:11:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/public-libraries-have-a-new-advisory-panel/ In London, with general secretary Christina McAnea, they took their message from UNISON Centre (pictured above) to the AQA headquarters in nearby Tavistock Square. It’s a simple one, summarised as a call to treat the workforce st]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/aqa-strike-a-tough-decision-but-the-right-one/Fri, 02 Sep 2022 15:07:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/aqa-strike-a-tough-decision-but-the-right-one/ Independent economic analysis commissioned by the union identifies tax changes that would raise £30.58bn a year to tackle the cost-of-living crisis, including funding for public sector pay increases that keep pace with price rises.
This includes £10.1bn that could be raised from an annual 1% t]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/wealth-tax-could-fund-pay-rise-for-staff-providing-vital-services/Fri, 02 Sep 2022 07:00:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/wealth-tax-could-fund-pay-rise-for-staff-providing-vital-services/ “Staffing shortages are getting worse by the day. That means constant struggles to fill rotas and move people to where they’re most needed.
“The government needs a long-term answer to workforce pressures. Ignoring targets that show the public how safe and effective their NHS services are won&rsqu]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/boosting-funding-and-pay-are-the-best-ways-to-fix-nhs-staffing/Thu, 01 Sep 2022 18:16:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/boosting-funding-and-pay-are-the-best-ways-to-fix-nhs-staffing/ The workers, some of the lowest paid in the higher education sector, will walk out after rejecting a 3% pay award from the University and Colleges Employers Association in May, the union says. Staff had asked for a pay increase 2% above the rate of inflation,
With inflation topping 10% and further increases on the way, the award effecti]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/university-staff-vote-to-strike-over-ludicrously-low-pay-rise/Thu, 01 Sep 2022 11:30:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/university-staff-vote-to-strike-over-ludicrously-low-pay-rise/ UNISON has produced a guide for branches so that they can discuss monkeypox with employers to ensure that appropriate support in terms of guidance for staff, appropriate PPE provision and full sick pay can be put in place so anyone that contracts monkeypox does not suffer financial detriment.
Only a small number of people in the UK have had monkeypox and the risk rem]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/new-workplace-guidance-on-monkeypox/Wed, 31 Aug 2022 17:17:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/new-workplace-guidance-on-monkeypox/ The money will be used to support members over the winter months. The union anticipates there will be high demand for support. Earlier this year, There for You’s annual winter fuel grant was increased by 50% and yet the fund was still over-subscribed in a matter of d]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/help-there-for-you-raise-1m-to-support-members-with-energy-bills/Tue, 30 Aug 2022 12:51:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/help-there-for-you-raise-1m-to-support-members-with-energy-bills/ The money will be used to support members over the winter months. The union anticipates there will be high demand for support. Earlier this year, There for You’s annual winter fuel grant was increased by 50% and yet the fund was still over-subscribed in a matter of d]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/help-there-for-you-raise-1m-to-fight-energy-bills/Tue, 30 Aug 2022 12:51:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/help-there-for-you-raise-1m-to-fight-energy-bills/ The other story is, still, that o]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/warm-banks-and-drag-queens/Mon, 29 Aug 2022 16:56:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/warm-banks-and-drag-queens/ They were joined by general secretary Christina McAnea, as they handed out leaflets to passers by and explained why they were on strike.
Earlier, the group, which had travelled down from Manchester, visited another AQA site in Milton Keynes, taking the message of their action – and biscuits – to staff workin]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/aqa-strikers-take-their-fight-to-company-hq/Fri, 26 Aug 2022 17:47:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/aqa-strikers-take-their-fight-to-company-hq/ “This is beyond a disaster for struggling households. People can’t even cover basic costs right now so they’ll be feeling sick at the thought of massive energy bills heading their way.
“After months of inertia, ministers must wake up to the seriousness of the situation. The government must s]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/ministers-must-take-immediate-action-on-sickening-energy-prices/Fri, 26 Aug 2022 08:13:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/ministers-must-take-immediate-action-on-sickening-energy-prices/ As the UK experiences the highest inflation for decades and with another energy price cap hike imminent, UNISON warns that thousands of workers are forced to cut back on essentials such as food, transport and healthcare.
The uni]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/public-sector-staff-forced-to-skip-meals-as-cost-of-living-crisis-deepens/Thu, 25 Aug 2022 01:06:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/public-sector-staff-forced-to-skip-meals-as-cost-of-living-crisis-deepens/ “Clearing treatment backlogs and dealing with all the other NHS pressures relies on limiting the spread of coronavirus infection in health settings as much as possible.
“NHS staff were already alarmed that last month’s withdrawal of Covid pay and leave measures could be a backward step. Dispensing]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/testing-withdrawal-will-cause-safety-worries/Wed, 24 Aug 2022 18:40:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/testing-withdrawal-will-cause-safety-worries/ It marks the fourth round of action in a dispute over pay and fire-and-rehire threats to staff, says the union.
Around 180 workers – including those in customer services ​who would normally take calls from schools, parents and pupils about the results – are walking out for five days up to and including]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/exam-boardstaff-will-strike-this-week-on-gcse-results-day/Tue, 23 Aug 2022 14:48:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/exam-boardstaff-will-strike-this-week-on-gcse-results-day/ Changes by local authorityGloucestershire – Stonehouse library moves into town counci]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/putting-the-drag-into-story-times/Tue, 23 Aug 2022 13:26:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/putting-the-drag-into-story-times/ The campaign follows the government’s imposition of a £1,400 pay increase on NHS workers in England.
UNISON says the award is nowhere near enough to keep pace with rising prices, is nowhere near what’s needed to improve staffing and protect patient care, and will only worsen the current NHS staffing crisis.
Since the pay announcement on 19 July, the government has refu]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/pledge-yes-for-the-nhs/Mon, 22 Aug 2022 17:10:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/pledge-yes-for-the-nhs/ Learning reps, lifelong learning coordinators and branch education coordinators are being invited to the event at UNISON Centre in London on 28 September, where they will find out how they can play a key part in shaping the future of the college.
Those attending will also hear about the latest findings from UNISON’s recent lea]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/september-conference-will-explore-unisons-learning-offer/Thu, 18 Aug 2022 12:33:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/september-conference-will-explore-unisons-learning-offer/ For years, healthcare assistants (HCAs) in hospitals across the city have been performing clinical duties that are above their pay grade. After joining forces within the union’s North West region, they’ve forced Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust to reward and recognise this.
The]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/manchester-nhs-workers-get-back-pay-thanks-to-unison-campaign/Thu, 18 Aug 2022 11:13:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/manchester-nhs-workers-get-back-pay-thanks-to-unison-campaign/ “The cost-of-living crisis has become a living nightmare for millions of working people.
“Wages are slumping at a record rate while prices and bills shoot up. But the government and those angling to be the next PM appear indifferent to the plight of those struggling to make ends meet.
“Ministers are deluded if t]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/proper-wage-boost-the-answer-as-inflation-reaches-new-high/Wed, 17 Aug 2022 10:02:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/proper-wage-boost-the-answer-as-inflation-reaches-new-high/ And this morning, we learned from the latest labour market statistics, that for seven months in a row, workers’ wages have fallen. In the last quarter, wages were 3% lower in real terms than last year.
The only workers that seem to be immune from wag]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-a-broken-system-in-our-economy-and-in-social-care/Tue, 16 Aug 2022 09:57:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-a-broken-system-in-our-economy-and-in-social-care/ Coming after June’s major TUC demonstration in London, which launched the We Demand Better campaign, the fight for a pay rise will target MPs in their local constituencies and at the Houses of Parliament, with public service workers attending to make the politicians listen.
On 14 October, the TUC will be asking workers to visit their local MPs at constituency su]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/tuc-and-unison-ramp-up-cost-of-living-campaign/Tue, 16 Aug 2022 08:44:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/tuc-and-unison-ramp-up-cost-of-living-campaign/https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/care-staff-announce-new-strike-dates-over-pay-says-unison/Tue, 16 Aug 2022 01:01:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/care-staff-announce-new-strike-dates-over-pay-says-unison/ The new role is intended to be a special pay campaign workplace contact, who will receive information of UNISON’s pay campaigns and distribute it locally to members and non-members.
This network of contacts will hopefully increase the visibility of these campaigns, as well as recruit and build workplace organisation around the issues.
This should help to strengthen the union, get the vote out in future b]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-launches-new-pay-campaign-role-for-activists/Mon, 15 Aug 2022 12:55:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-launches-new-pay-campaign-role-for-activists/ “Millions of people are suffering financially and it’s going to get worse without emergency action.
“Families and households, particularly those on low wages, may never recover from disastrous energy hikes.
“Labour’s plans are a positive start to deal with the cost-of-living crisis, reduce bills and control inflation. They’re in star]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/labour-plan-is-right-move-for-cost-of-living-pressures/Mon, 15 Aug 2022 11:31:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/labour-plan-is-right-move-for-cost-of-living-pressures/ “Millions of people are suffering financially and it’s going to get worse without emergency action.
“Families and households, particularly those on low wages, may never recover from disastrous energy hikes.
“Labour’s plans are a positive start to deal with the cost-of-living c]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/energy-price-freeze-is-right-move-for-cost-of-living-pressures/Mon, 15 Aug 2022 11:31:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/energy-price-freeze-is-right-move-for-cost-of-living-pressures/ Describing how the union has given her the resources and space to help make a difference, she noted: “As a working-class woman, it’s allowed me to really fulfil that deep sense of how unfair and unequal society is, and has allowed me a plat]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/a-struggle-is-a-struggle-thats-why-weve-got-to-stick-together/Fri, 12 Aug 2022 12:24:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/a-struggle-is-a-struggle-thats-why-weve-got-to-stick-together/ This is the fourth round of action to be announced in the long-running dispute regarding pay and fire and rehire threats to staff, says the union.
The 180 workers​, including staff in customer services ​who would normally take calls from schools, parents and pupils on results day, will take action from]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/exam-boardstaff-add-strike-on-gcse-results-day/Fri, 12 Aug 2022 12:01:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/exam-boardstaff-add-strike-on-gcse-results-day/ “The problems affecting the NHS go from bad to worse. It’s no wonder its staff are in such a state of deep despair.
“The government must stop watching from the side lines as too few health workers struggle to deliver for patients in the face of unprecedented demand.
“A solu]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/government-must-end-nhs-despair-by-fixing-workforce-problems/Thu, 11 Aug 2022 13:48:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/government-must-end-nhs-despair-by-fixing-workforce-problems/ This is another ambush from the Westminster government on our basic rights, and it’ll hit the most vulnerable hardest.
Our human rights are the basic rights and freedoms that we all rely on every day, even when we don’t realise it. They belong to us and are protected in law by the Human Rights Act.
But the proposed Bill of Rights – we’re calli]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-help-us-fight-back-against-the-governments-rights-removal-bill/Mon, 08 Aug 2022 16:35:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-help-us-fight-back-against-the-governments-rights-removal-bill/ The 180 workers​, including those in customer services ​who would normally take calls from schools, parents and pupils about the results, will take action from Wednesday 17 to Sunday 21 August.
UNISON says this could cause issues for thousands of teenagers trying to contact AQA on Thursday 18 August̴]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/exam-boardstaffto-strike-on-a-level-results-day-says-unison-/Mon, 08 Aug 2022 16:27:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/exam-boardstaffto-strike-on-a-level-results-day-says-unison-/ From 23 of September to 1 October, branches across the UK will be asked to consider organising a week of activities to call for urgent action to tackle climate change.
Green UNISON Week also gives members the chance to show support for the school climate strike on Friday 23 September.
Christina McAnea sa]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/get-ready-for-green-unison-week/Mon, 08 Aug 2022 11:09:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/get-ready-for-green-unison-week/ “The government must stop pretending it’s done enough. Support for consumers has so far been pitiful. Other European governments have been both swifter and bolder to lessen the blows from big bills.
“All but the richest consumers face a terrifying prospect this winter. Many simply don’t have]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/government-must-act-swiftly-to-cap-horrific-energy-price-hikes-says-unison-/Thu, 04 Aug 2022 13:12:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/government-must-act-swiftly-to-cap-horrific-energy-price-hikes-says-unison-/ The UK government seeks to introduce collective defined contribution schemes as an alternative to the UK’s current two primary pension scheme models – defined contribution and defined benefit.
The new scheme is a result of the Pensions Schemes Act that was passed in 2021.
UNISON sees defined benefit schemes as vit]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-urges-caution-over-new-pension-scheme/Thu, 04 Aug 2022 12:04:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-urges-caution-over-new-pension-scheme/ If you’re an NHS worker in Scotland, you only have a few days left to have your say on the 5% pay offer. UNISON, along with other health unions, asked for an above inflation pay award, so we’re asking members to reject the pay deal.
For EA members, the consultative ballot that opened this week closes on 2 September. The agency is underfund]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-i-urge-members-to-make-sure-they-have-their-say-on-pay/Thu, 04 Aug 2022 11:43:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/blog-i-urge-members-to-make-sure-they-have-their-say-on-pay/ “The buck stops with government. Only ministers can solve the crisis in social care. Poverty of ambition and lack of will lie at the heart of their planned but rather limited reforms.
“The urgent priority must be a proper]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/pay-key-to-solving-crisis-in-social-care-says-unison/Thu, 04 Aug 2022 01:01:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/pay-key-to-solving-crisis-in-social-care-says-unison/ “Th​is move ​is not what an under-pressure NHS needs. It will be about as effective as sticking a ​tiny plaster on a gaping wound.
“Putting additional non-NHS ambulances on the road without ​tackling the staffing crisis or the lack of capacity in A&]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/30m-ambulance-contract-as-effective-as-sticking-plaster-on-wound-says-unison/Tue, 02 Aug 2022 16:25:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/30m-ambulance-contract-as-effective-as-sticking-plaster-on-wound-says-unison/ The offer falls short of the claim the EA unions jointly submitted in March this year and follows a 0% rise for most staff in 2021 after a decade of below inflation pay rises.
UNISON national secretary Donna Rowe-Mer]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-recommends-that-ea-members-reject-insulting-offer/Tue, 02 Aug 2022 15:06:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/unison-recommends-that-ea-members-reject-insulting-offer/ “The NHS is in the depths of the biggest staffing crisis it’s ever faced. Last month’s below-inflation pay award isn’t enough to stop experienced health workers from leaving a service that’s on the edge. This ridiculous policy would have spelt total di]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/ridiculous-pay-plans-would-have-spelt-total-disaster-for-the-nhs-says-unison/Tue, 02 Aug 2022 14:16:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/ridiculous-pay-plans-would-have-spelt-total-disaster-for-the-nhs-says-unison/ The workers, including those who help organise the awarding of grades, will strike from Friday to Sunday (31 July) in action that could mean delays for students awaiting their GCSE and A-level results.
Many of the 180 staff affected say they’re struggling financially following successive below-inflation pay awards.
Thei]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/strikes-to-go-ahead-after-exam-board-fails-to-improve-pay-offer-says-unison/Thu, 28 Jul 2022 13:13:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/strikes-to-go-ahead-after-exam-board-fails-to-improve-pay-offer-says-unison/ The action will disrupt schools, early years centres, nurseries and waste and recycling centres across the country.
UNISON members in all councils across Scotland overwhelmingly voted to reject the final offer of 2% from COSLA – the Scottish local government employers’ association]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/scottish-council-staff-back-industrial-action/Wed, 27 Jul 2022 13:02:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/scottish-council-staff-back-industrial-action/ Rearranged from last week, after being postponed due to the heat emergency, this was the first meeting of the council after June’s national delegate conference (NDC) and was chaired by the new president, Andrea Egan.
Ms McAnea looked back to conference and to the TUC demo in London that ca]]>https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/general-secretary-reiterates-need-for-branches-to-be-strike-ready/Tue, 26 Jul 2022 23:12:00 +0200https://www.newslocker.com/en-uk/profession/library/general-secretary-reiterates-need-for-branches-to-be-strike-ready/