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UNISON IN GWENT is the largest Public Services Trade Union in the region
With some 15,000 members, UNISON In Gwent is the largest Public Services Trade Union in the region and Britain’s largest Public Services Trade Union. As a consequence of the UK Governments austerity agenda, Unison branches and Local Authorities across Wales have needed to work more collaboratively. In Gwent Unison branches have a long tradition of working together. Building on the success of our achievements to date this website has been created and developed to keep members informed, to become a destination for those seeking help and support and to ensure that branches are accessible to all staff working across the region.
UNISON AND THE WELSH LABOUR MOVEMENT /
UNSAIN A'R MUDIAD LLAFUR CWMREIG
Join us online to explore the exhibition UNISON and the Welsh Labour Movement Explore it here
Ymunwch â ni ar-lein i archwilio’r arddangosfa UNSAIN a’r Mudiad Lla-fur Cymreig Archwiliwch ef yma
September 2025
Closing date 
ARTIST CALL OUT
Allech chi greu dyluniad poster beiddgar sy'n cipio ysbryd UNISON Cymru?
Could you create a bold poster design which captures the spirit of UNISON Cymru?
UNISON invites artists in Wales to design commemorative artwork for landmark change. Now Welsh-based artists, or those with a connection to Wales, are being offered the chance to create a work celebrating the new devolved identity. The final choice of best design will be left to a poll of the 90,000-strong membership. The winning artwork will be turned into a poster to be displayed at the union’s 50-plus branch offices across Wales and on social media.
There is also a £450 prize. The deadline for artists to submit designs is noon on Friday 26 September 2025. The union is not seeking a new or redesigned logo #ArtPrize #ArtAndDesign #Artists More information link click here
September 2025
to
START PLANNING FOR UNISON GREEN WEEK
Green UNISON Week, in September, is an ideal opportunity to lay the seeds for the union’s 2026 Year of Green Activity. UNISON is urging its members, particularly its environmental activists, to start planning for the union’s green week, which takes place on 19-26 September. More information link click here
UNISON Green Week, in September, is an ideal opportunity to lay the seeds for the union’s 2026 Year of Green Activity #GreenWeek #UNISONGreenWeek More information link click here
September 2025
UPDATE YOUR DETAILS
It’s so important that UNISON has the correct contact information for you so that vital things like ballot papers can reach you without delay - check your MyUNISON account now to see if you’re up to date #UNISON #UNISONMembers #UNISONUpdate #UNISONSupport Update now please click here
September 2025
WORKERS RIGHTS BILL
Unions warn government not to water down workers' rights bill. Unison general secretary Christina McAnea said she is concerned the government is no longer committed to implementing the bill in full, following Angela Rayner's departure and the cabinet reshuffle. Other unions have also raised concerns. BBC link click here
September 2025
GENERAL SECRETARY ELECTION
UNISON’s national executive council (NEC) met yesterday and agreed to nominate Christina McAnea in the forthcoming general secretary election. All full members who are on the union’s membership register on 28 July 2025, will be entitled to vote in this election. The ballot opens on 28 October, runs until 25 November with results announced on 17 December. More Information link click here
September 2025
OVERBURDEN PROBATION STAFF
Sentencing reform must not overburden probation staff, says UNISON. Commenting on the publication of the government’s Sentencing Bill, including “intensive supervision” requirements for probation officers and a major expansion in offender tagging, UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea has stated. Read the full article link click here
August 2025
NEGOTIATING BODY
The new School Support Staff Negotiating Body is a genuine opportunity to make sure all school staff are treated fairly and equally #Education #EmploymentRightsBill #SchoolSupportStaff #SSSNB Read the full article link click here
August 2025
WARM HOME DISCOUNT
In England and Wales, households receiving Housing Benefit, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, Pension Credit, or Universal Credit will qualify. #Winter #WinterBills #WinterDiscount More information link click here
August 2025
SUMMER LEARNING FOR YOU
UNISON College’s learning and training programmes continue through the summer. Here are some highlights for both members and activists: More information link click here
August 2025
REGIONAL MEDIA AND DIGITAL COMMS OFFICER
Are you the person to take UNISON Cymru’s public profile to the next level? UNISON Cymru is looking for a creative, strategic and experienced media and communications specialist to lead our media and digital communications in the region. Closing date 27th August.
More information link click here
July 2025
NJC IMPORTANT UPDATE
Yesterday a joint Trade Union position was reached to settle the NJC pay for 2025. The NJC has written to the National Employers this morning informing them of this.
When writing to the Employers, the trade unions made it clear that we remained disappointed by the offer, and we also stressed that we will be working on the 2026 pay claim very soon and we will want to engage in full and meaningful negotiations on 2026/27 pay, and the pay spine review, as soon as possible.
Once all the formalities have been undertaken, which shouldn’t take too long, the 3.2% pay increase will be applied to all pay points and backpay from April 1st 2025 paid as soon as possible.
July 2025
KEEP OUR RIVERS AND COASTLINE CLEAN OF POLLUTION
UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said: “Ofwat has been asleep at the wheel for decades. A rising tide of filth in rivers and coastlines means people have completely lost trust in an essential industry #WaterPollution #Sewage #WaterBills More information link click here
July 2025
POLITICS WALES
"It's not fair when you think how hard we work, how much work we do, how much support we give and we're treated as second class citizens." Watch UNISON Bridgend County member Julie Morgan and our Lead Organiser for Schools Rosie Lewis talking about school support staff pay on BBC Politics Wales, starting just after the 28:19 minute mark. #PoliticsWales #SchoolSupportStaff #SchoolSupportStaffPay Watch iPlayer video click here
July 2025
SCHOOL UNIFORM GRANT
The Welsh Government's School's Essential Grant. Eligible families can apply for a grant of £125 per child per year. Families with children entering year 7 can apply for £200 to help with increased costs associated with starting secondary school. All looked after children qualify for the grant. Schools also receive additional funding as a result of claiming this grant. More information link click here
The School Essentials Grant is making a real difference to families — helping with the cost of shoes, uniforms, PE kits and more. Meet Gemma, a parent at Bryn Celyn Primary School, who used the grant to get everything her children needed — and says applying only took two minutes! We also popped into Ysgol Gymraeg Pen y Groes, where Headteacher Anne Fenner explains how the grant is helping learners settle in and feel ready to learn. More information link click here
July 2025
CHRISTINA MCANEA COVID INQUIRY
Social care sector has yet to learn the lessons of pandemic, says UNISON
Christina McAnea highlights need for social care reform in evidence to Covid Inquiry. More information link click here
July 2025
SCHOOL SUPPORT STAFF
UNISON reacts to announcement of Welsh negotiating body for school support staff. Welsh Labour conference has committed to create a negotiating body for school support staff in Wales, UNISON Cymru Secretary Jess Turner comments: More information link click here
June 2025
HEATWAVE WARNINGS
Extreme Heat at Work: A Critical Health and Safety Issue. Climate change is significantly impacting worker safety and health, exposing them to higher daily temperatures and more frequent, severe heatwaves. #Heatwave #WeatherWarning #HighTemperatures #WorkingEnvironment More information link click here
June 2025
PRIDE CYMRU
Pride Cymru, Cardiff, South Wales, 21 – 22 June 2025.
LGBTQIA+ Mardi Gras, trading as Pride Cymru, returns to Cardiff for Wales’ biggest celebration of equality and diversity. The variety of entertainment will continue along with a funfair, a cultural market with arts and crafts, plenty of food and drink, and a social hub, offering advice and support to LGBTQIA+ communities and their friends and family #PrideCymru #PrideWales More information link click here
June 2025
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LIVERPOOL CONFERENCE
Another jam packed day of debates at Local Government Conference in Liverpool. Motions on the Disability Employment Charter, Artificial Intelligence and its impact on Local Government Workers, NJC Bargaining, and Severe Weather Events More information link click here
June 2025
NO TO AUSTERITY
Peoples Assembly “No to Austerity 2.0” demonstration
7 June 2025, 12:00pm–4:00pm London
The People’s Assembly Against Austerity is planning a huge anti-austerity demonstration against Labour’s Austerity 2.0 in June. We will be bringing together trade unions, campaign groups and community organisations to take the message to Keir Starmer and his government.
More information link click here / Route detail click here
May 2025
PUT NHS PAY RIGHT
NHS Wales staff likely to be disappointed with this year’s pay rise, says UNISON.
UNISON Cymru head of health Tanya Bull said: “The pay rise barely matches inflation and the money will be landing in pay packets late. More information link click here
May 2025
CUBAN AMBASSADOR
Unison Cymru Wales is with Cuba Vive at Cardiff, Wales (UK). ·
This week UNISON Cymru welcomed the Cuban Ambassador, Her Excellency, Mrs Ismara Vargas Walter and the First Secretary of Political Affairs, Pablo Ginarte Sampedro.
The Ambassador spoke passionately about the importance of solidarity across the World, including with Wales and UNISON.
UNISON Cymru proudly supports the #CubaVive appeal to get vital medical supplies into #Cuba #CubaSolidarity #EndTheBlockade #CubaVive Read more and get involved
May 2025
NEC ELECTIONS 2025
You decide! No ballot pack?
Call 0800 0857 857
“The NEC make decisions about how the union uses your subscriptions to protect jobs and pay, so please vote.” UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea urges all members to vote in the ballot for the union’s National Executive Council. #NEC NECElections #PleaseVote #UNISON
May 2025
IT'S TIME FOR FAIR PAY
Schools and council workers have been offered a pay increase of 3.2% from 1 April 2025 by the NJC employers. The offer also includes a proposal to delete the bottom pay point (SCP2) from the national pay spine on 1st April 2026. UNISON’s head of local government, Mike Short, said: ‘With household bills still rising, council and school staff need a decent pay award after years of below-inflation deals and deep cuts to local government services.
‘It's vital central government also plays its part through sustained investment in local authorities. UNISON will meet to discuss the employers’ offer in early May and decide next steps.’ Keep an eye on your inboxes for more information. Read the full offer please click here
April / May 2025
NHS PAY IN WALES
NHS pay is overdue once again. UNISON Cymru is yet to have any communication from Welsh government on NHS pay. If Welsh government continues to base their decisions on NHS pay in Wales on the PRB, then it seems unlikely any pay outcome will meet the costs of living or fix the wider issues with the NHS pay structure. Ministers will now be considering what to do with the PRB recommendations. But they’re still not talking to us. Unless that changes, we will need to deliver a credible strike threat to drive it to the negotiating table. Full information please click here
April / May 2025
NOMINATE A CHAMPION
As part of this year’s Champions in Our Colleges celebration day (taking place on Friday 2 May 2025) – we are running a prize draw called Nominate a Champion. This prize draw is all about recognising the fantastic contributions of support staff in colleges. These staff members work so hard to keep colleges running smoothly and support learners with their education. More information link click here
April 2025
to 
SAVE OUR SERVICES
We're organising a week of collective campaigning on council funding. From Tuesday 22 April to Friday 25 April, we will be piling the pressure onto the Government to urgently address the funding crisis in local government. We are asking members, branches and activists to generate as much noise as possible, pressuring ministers to pay attention and fund local government properly. #SaveOurServices
Hit this link to see how you can help.
April 2025
LIVERPOOL CONFERENCE
UNISON’s general secretary Christina McAnea addressed the union’s health conference in Liverpool.
“And after 14 years of cuts, chaos, damage and division, this was a welcome change. One that was long overdue.” Highlighting the change, she noted the Westminster Labour government’s policies – investing in green infrastructure, boosting social housing and nationalising rail companies. But the most significant change, she said, is the Employment Rights Bill.. More information link click here
April 2025
NHS STAFF HARRESSMENT
Video and photo harassment by the public is intimidating for health workers NHS staff must not be intimidated and harassed as they give vital care. NHS staff are frequently being harassed by members of the public filming them with their phones and threatening to post footage online, UNISON research suggests. Incidents are leaving staff feeling unsettled, intimidated, fearful and vulnerable as they go about their jobs. More information link click here
April 2025
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU ON WELFARE REFORM
A message from your Cymru Convenor, Jan Tomlinson, and Cymru Secretary, Jess Turner:
“This afternoon, there will be an emergency debate in the Senedd on the impact of the Chancellor’s welfare reform in Wales. So far, Welsh Government has said the impact of the cuts in Wales is unknown. “UNISON Cymru wants to build a picture explaining the impact of these cuts on public sector workers in Wales and how our members who are reliant on the benefits system feel about their future financial security.
We are asking UNISON members in Wales who may be impacted by the reforms to help us understand your reality. “If you have any feedback you would like to share, please follow the link to complete a short form. Your personal details will be kept in confidence.”
More information link click here
April 2025
APRIL RISING BILLS
It is being dubbed "awful April" with a range of household bills set to go up in the next few days. There are a few things that you can consider to save money.
1). Shop around: Shop around for better deals and haggle with your existing provider. That applies to a whole range of bills, including insurance, energy, and broadband.
2). Cut back: Consider a water and gas meter and taking shorter showers and putting in a showerhead with a slower flow. Draught-proofing your home, including round floorboards, pipework and old extractor fans, and setting the thermostat to the lowest comfortable temperature. Recommended between 18°C and 21°C. Using hot water bottles and electric blankets should work out cheaper than turning up the radiators. For reducing transport bills purchasing a railcard can help and booking tickets in advance.
3). Get help: There are free household bill online calculators to work out monthly bill totals. Find out what benefits and extra help you are entitled to click here.
The BBC have published an excellent support and help link here.
March 2025
REFORM BENEFITS
The government’s plans to reform benefits could be devastating for disabled workers who rely on the personal independence payment (PIP) to stay in their jobs. It’s this that pays for help with washing, dressing or to administer therapies. Assistance that enables so many disabled workers to work, earn and enjoy their independence. More information link click here
March 2025
PANDEMIC FIVE YEARS ON
As we mark five years since the first COVID-19 lockdown we must pause to remember and ensure the public inquiry does justice to the everyday heroism of our members. This week marks the fifth anniversary of the first COVID-19 lockdown. The pandemic was one of those rare moments in time when the world changed for everyone. Many of us will remember where we were, what we were doing and how we felt as our lives were upended. More information link click here
March 2025
to 
CELEBRATING NEURODIVERSITY WEEK
Let's take a moment to recognise and embrace the incredible diversity of human minds. Neurodiversity acknowledges that neurological differences are to be respected and valued just like any other form of human diversity. Join us in celebrating the unique strengths, perspectives, and talents of neurodiverse individuals. Together, we can foster a more inclusive and understanding world.
Let's break stereotypes, raise awareness, and show support.
#NeurodiversityWeek #EmbraceDifference #InclusionMatters
More information link click here
March 2025
ATTITUDES MUST CHANGE
Women not safe from violence and misogyny, including at work. Attitudes must change, Christina McAnea says on International Women’s Day. #InternationalWomensDay
More information link click here
March 2025
Ends 
HIGHER EDUCATION PAY BALLOT 2024/25
The higher education industrial action ballot will open on Tuesday 21 January 2025. Ballot papers will be sent to member’s home address. Completed ballot papers need to be posted back in the pre-paid envelope by Tuesday 4 March 2025.
Ballot papers click here
March 2025
RAMADAN
Ramadan 2025: your rights at work
NHS Employers have produced new guidance on how to support Muslim workers during Ramadan, which encourages flexibility around holidays, working patterns and breaks,
Full article click here
March 2025
DYDD GWYL DEWI HAPUS
Happy Saint David's Day. Saint David's Day, or the Feast of Saint David, is the feast day of Saint David, the patron saint of Wales, and falls on 1 March, the date of Saint David's death in 589 AD.
March 2025
UNION LEARNING REP (ULR) COURSES
Stage One Training – Spring 2025. Courses throughout March.
The course will be delivered online over MS Teams and will cover:
- the role of the UNISON learning rep
- how to find out what people want to learn – and how
- making the case for learning
- networking and making contacts
- advertising and communicating with members
- where to find help and resources
Full courses click here
February 2025
WOMEN'S CONFERENCE
General secretary has strong words for Labour. But Christina McAnea also says ‘it’s not all doom or gloom’.
Christina McAnea addressed UNISON’s women’s conference in Edinburgh on Saturday, with a strong message for the Labour government, saying that the first months of it had seen a “bumpy start.”
“Although the mess it inherited was much worse than expected, some of the choices made do feel like own goals,” she noted. Full article link click here
February 2025
UNISON COLLEGE IN CYMRU / WALES
All UNISON Members across the UK can access exclusive courses, bursaries, financial support, special events and e-learning platforms from UNISON College.
Find out what you can do today!
Full courses click here
February 2025
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HEART UNISON
Heart Unions Week is all about building a stronger union movement – telling positive stories of change and sharing the many benefits of union membership. This year, as well as celebrating local wins and putting members at the heart of our communications, a great focus for UNISON is our campaign around the Employment Rights Bill. We’ve branded it ‘A better life at work’ and you can find all the latest news here #JoinUNISON #UnisonCymruWales #HeartUNISON More information link click here
February 2025
SCHOOL AND COLLEGE WORKERS
Thousands of school and college workers in Wales spared registration fee rise, says UNISON. Tens of thousands of staff in schools and colleges across Wales have been spared a hike in costly registration fees for another year, thanks to their union UNISON. Since 2016, all 50,000 learning support workers in Wales must be registered with the Education Workforce Council. This registration certificate is required to work in schools and colleges in Wales and costs £45 a year. More information link click here
January 2025
HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL DAY
NEVER FORGET, NEVER AGAIN
At 8pm on 27 January, people will light candles and place them safely in their windows to remember those who were murdered for who they were and stand against prejudice and hatred today.
January 2025
HELPLINE
Helpline calls from people worried about debt have surged in January as energy bills rise and credit payments for Christmas spending are due. Source: BBC Online Full article click here
January 2025
THE AI CHALLENGE
AI must be used to enhance public services, not replace workers, says UNISON. UK workers have vast expertise and insight that can help shape AI development in ways to benefit everyone.
UNISON policy officer Kate Jones: “Artificial intelligence (AI) has the power to revolutionise the world of work. “But if AI is to play a positive role in public services, it must be managed carefully and responsibly. That means proper input from workers and all parts of society to ensure it’s not only the voice of big tech being heard. Full article click here
AI
January 2025
Runs until February 
NEC ELECTION CANDIDATE APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN
Apply now to represent the most senior decision making body in your union. The application and nomination period runs until 14 February.
Full article click here
January 2025
SCHOOL BUDGETS
School budgets need protecting, says UNISON in response to Institute of Fiscal Studies funding report. Delivering the education all children and young people deserve cannot be achieved without proper funding.
Full article click here
January 2025
NATIONAL CARE SERVICES
National care service and fair pay must be priority for new commission, says UNISON.
UNISON head of care Gavin Edwards said: “Long-term neglect has left social care with a workforce crisis. The fragmented, profit-driven sector is unable to deliver for the hundreds of thousands of people who are in need. The sooner pay and standards are reformed, the better".
Full article click here
YOUNG WORKERS CHARTER
Younger workers are more likely to experience low pay, precarious work and limited training. But UNISON’s young members are fighting to make work better, by asking employers to sign their Respect Your Youth Charter.
Find out about 'What matters to young people at work?' click here
UNISON POD CAST 2025
The UNISON Local Government podcast is out now. All-member email was sent to local government members advising them of the podcast. After evaluating series 1, we’ve changed the podcast's name to ‘Behind the Service: a UNISON insight into Local Government’.
In this podcast, Ruth Levin and Paul Bell chat with Tony Wright and Abi Coombs from UNISON’s charity, There For You.
This episode of the UNISON Podcast covers:
- What ‘There For You’ is, and how it works
- The sheer range of support available
- Quantifying the charity’s massive impact across the year
- How UNISON members can access support and get involved with the charity
Listen now on your favourite podcast platform via the links below! Please promote the podcast within your branch and regional networks.
Listen Online click here
Listen on Spotify click here
Listen on Apple click here
Listen on Amazon click here
UNISON USEFUL LINKS TO SAVE YOU MONEY
Please inform us if you see an outdated link, thank you.
CHECK YOUR BENEFITS
It can often be tricky to figure out which benefits you are eligible for and how to claim.
Check your support now with the UNISON Benefits Calculator.
BUDGET PLANNER
The first vital step in taking control of your finances is to create your own personal budget plan. Our user friendly budget planner is free to use and should only take minutes to complete if you have all your financial information to hand.
> Budget planner link here
WELLBEING MATTERS
Wellbeing breaks can provide welcome relief from stress and respite from difficult circumstances – this can include assisting with recovery from illness to help prepare for a return to work.
Contact Your Local UNISON IN GWENT Branch
UNISON
Blaenau Gwent
County Branch
UNISON Office
Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council
Municipal Offices
Ebbw Vale
NP23 6XB
Telephone: 01495 355252
UNISON
Caerphilly
County Branch
UNISON Office
Tredomen Business & Technology Centre
Tredomen Park
Ystrad Mynach
CF82 7FN
Telephone: 01443 863279
UNISON Monmouthshire
County Branch
UNISON Office
1st Floor Community Education Centre
18 Maryport Street
Usk
Monmouthshire
NP15 8AE
Telephone: 01291 675502
UNISON
Torfaen
County Branch
UNISON Office
Civic Centre
Pontypool
NP4 6YB
Telephone: 01495 766356
Contact Your Local UNISON Branch for latest news, campaigns. meetings and offers.
UNISON, UNISON Centre, 130 Euston Road, London NW1 2AY.
Telephone: 0800 0 857 857
UNISON Cymru/Wales, UNISON House, Custom House Street, Cardiff, CF10 1AP. Telephone 0800 0 857 857
