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 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Please inform us if you see an outdated link, thank you.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.
August - 2022
HAVE YOUR SAY
Higher Education pay campaign and strike ballot 2022.
Have your say on Higher Education pay.
The University and Colleges Employers Association have made their final pay offer: a below-inflation pay rise of 3% for most Higher Education staff and between 9% and 3% for those on pay points 3 to 19. They didn’t offer any more during the dispute process and will now impose this pay increase on 1 August 2022.
With RPI inflation at 11.8% and your pay only set to go up by 3% this pay rise is a pay cut. The higher increases on the lower spinal points are partly being proposed to keep pay at legal rates – we think you’re worth more than that.
July- 2022
UK WORKERS WIN
Huge win for UK workers! All workers will now receive the same minimum level of paid annual holiday leave, regardless of how many hours they work, thanks to a case brought by UNISON in the UK Supreme Court.
The judgment will particularly affect agency, part-time and term-time workers including thousands of school support staff.
Now it will no longer be possible for employers to argue staff who don’t work all year are only entitled to holiday based on the hours they work.
Today’s decision is also good news for anyone working irregular hours or on zero-hours contracts.
July- 2022
WE NEED MORE
Don't forget, there are lots of ways you can get involved in our campaign for better pay for council and school workers, check them out. #WeNeedMore
July- 2022
EXTREME HEAT WARNINGS
Information for members in response to Amber and Red warnings of extreme heat.
July- 2022
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Happy Birthday NHS. Here’s to the remarkable people who have worked in the NHS over the last 74 years, the lives saved, supported and improved. Proud to support the whole NHS team and fight to defend our national service.
June - 2022
DEMAND BETTER
An incredible turnout for the TUC march and rally in London today.
Angela Rayner joined Christina McAnea to lead the charge to Parliament.
June- 2022
DEMAND ACTION DEMONSTRATION
Christina McAnea: Lets send a strong message on 18 June.
June- 2022
LONDON DEMONSTRATION
All public sector workers are being forced to deal with a toxic mix of a decade of cuts combined with low wages and sky high fuel and energy bills as the cost-of-living crisis deepens.
On Saturday June 18, the trade union movement will be taking to the streets of London to demand action and UNISON Cymru/Wales is providing three buses to get our members to this vital demonstration.
Find out how to book your place on the buses here: Complete bus transport details link here
Wales TUC Cymru Trades Union Congress / (TUC) UNISON / Unison Swansea Bay Health Branch / Members Group NPT Unison / Unison Carms / Cangen Unsain Gwynedd / UNISON North Wales / Health Branch UNISON Velindre and PHW Branch Unison / Bridgend Unison / Powys Local Government Branch / Unison Cardiff Branch
Bus Details For South West Wales
Pick-ups: Haverfordwest (train station) at 6.00am; Llanelli (train station) at 7.30am and Swansea Moto services M4 Junction 47 at 7.45am
Bus Details For South Wales
Pick-ups: Merthyr Tydfil (Civic Building) at 7.00am; Pontypridd (bus station) at 7.25am; Cardiff (Museum steps) at 8.00am and Newport (train station) at 8.30am
To book your branches place on these buses, please email Helen Dunn-Jones h.dunn-jones@unison.co.uk with the name, email, mobile number and pick up point for each traveller.
Return journey will be picking back up near Parliament Square at 3pm.
June- 2022
BBC NEWSNIGHT
‘It’s not just energy bills that are going up. Fuel’s going up, cost of social and private rented housing, food. Everything is going up. That’s what our members are telling us’. Christina McAnea UNISON general secretary on BBC Newsnight.
‘It’s not my decision, but if NHS workers get offered just 3%, as general secretary I would strongly recommend our members consider strike action’.
June- 2022
SCHOOLS WEBINAR
Calling all those working in schools in Wales. What are your thoughts on the Welsh Government plans to explore changes to the school day and school term? Come along to a webinar this evening (7th June) at 6pm to let us know your opinion. You can book a place here:
May - 2022
to 
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK
The official theme is ‘loneliness’ and, across the week, we encourage you to build meaningful connections with your friends, family, colleagues and communities.
#MentalHealthAwarenessWeek
#LetsConnect
Poster states: Mental Health UK. Let;s Connect! From 9th to 15th May 2022. Let's connect during Mental Health Awareness Week, and together, we can. We're asking people and organisations alike to consider their 'unique contribution' in tackling loneliness, isolation and the barriers to connection. We need to, raise awareness, invire conversation, volunteer your time, ask others to act.
May - 2022
WHAT HAVE THE UNIONS DONE FOR US
- Two day weekends
- Maternity and Paternity leave
- 8 hour working days
- Workplace pensions
- Paid holidays
- Equality Rights
- Health and Safety at work
- Minimum wage
- Collective bargaining
- The NHS and more
May - 2022
LOCAL ELECTIONS - HAVE YOUR SAY
16-year-olds will be voting for the first time in a local election in Wales.
Unison Wales has heard from first time voter Julia who told us public services are vital to her. She said: "Voting is vital for me because without doing so, people may not see the change that they would like to see, in the government, and in their day-to-day lives.
"By voting everyone has a say in their future and positive change will be implemented.
"It is extremely important for me as it reminds me that as a community we have a say and in turn change will take place."
Let us know if you are voting for the first time and why public services are important for you.
#localelections2022 #LocalElections #LocalElectionsMatter UNISON Unison in Local Government
April - 2022
INTERNATIONAL WORKERS MEMORIAL DAY
Today is International Workers’ Memorial Day and it is our day to remember those who have died and fight for the living.
Up to 50,000 people die each year in the UK from work-related ill health and accidents. Although few UNISON members die in workplace incidents, many suffer injuries and work-related ill health.
April - 2022
ENERGY SEMINAR
Energy workers from across Wales will be joining industry experts and key politicians for the first ever energy seminar run by UNISON Cymru/Wales.
Welsh Government Climate Change Minister Julie James MS will be among the speakers at the event on Wednesday April 27 at the Radisson Hotel in the centre of Cardiff.
#UNISONpriorities Read more
April - 2022
LOCAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS
The local council elections in May are a great opportunity for UNISON Cymru Wales to talk about why it’s so important to invest in public services and in public service workers.
We want to influence politicians and public opinion to address the needs of working people and Welsh communities. We’re asking council candidates to pledge their support for UNISON’s priorities and work with us to deliver them.
#UNISONpriorities Read more
April - 2022
COST OF LIVING CRISIS
The Cost of Living Crisis is a political choice. Yet again the Tories are trying to make ordinary people pay.
Join People's Assembly nationwide protests on April 2nd to demand change.
#CostOfLivingCrisis #WeCantPay
March - 2022
UNION SUPPORT
Christina McAnea statement. Solidarity from @unisontheunion with @nautilusint and @RMTunion. UNISON will stand shoulder to shoulder with you. Shameful behaviour by @POferriesupdate - your reputation will not recover from this.
Nautilus International Statement
Nautilus International general secretary Mark Dickinson
The news that P&O Ferries is sacking the crew across its centre UK fleet is a betrayal of British workers. It is nothing short of scandalous given that this Dubai owned company received millions of pounds of British taxpayer's money during the pandemic.
There was no consultation and no notice given by P&O. Be assured the full resources of Nautilus International stand ready to act in defence of our members. We believe it is in our members' best interest to stay onboard until further notice.
March - 2022
MARCH AGAINST RACISM
Join us for a #MarchAgainstRacism on Sunday March 20 at City Hall in #Cardiff
#AllRefugeesWelcome
#Unions4Unity
#UnionsAgainstRacism
Trades Union Congress (TUC)
Wales TUC Cymru
Stand Up To Racism Wales
March - 2022
WORLD SOCIAL WORK DAY
Today is #WorldSocialWorkDay #WSWD2022
As the biggest union for social workers in the UK, representing over 40,000 people working in the sector, UNISON is recognising the day by launching a Social Work Manifesto.
March - 2022
UKRAINE SUPPORT
UNISON is working with the international trade union movement to mobilise support for those affected by the war in Ukraine – and branches and members can help too.
No one can fail to be moved by the scenes of terrified civilians taking shelter underground or of the hundreds of thousands of women and children desperately trying to cross the border to safety, to an uncertain future as a refugee.
March - 2022
INTERNATIONAL WOMENS DAY
Happy #InternationalWomensDay2022
“I stand
on the sacrifices
of a million women before me
thinking
what can I do
to make this mountain taller
so the women after me
can see farther"
Taken from the poem, Legacy by Rupi Kaur.
March - 2022
SAINT DAVID'S DAY
Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Hapus
Happy St David's Day
February - 2022
UKRAINE SOLIDARITY
As we witness shocking reports today of more suffering in Ukraine, we think of the public service workers - the first responders to devastating scenes, doing all they can to save lives.
We stand in solidarity with our sister trade unions and all workers across Ukraine - Christina McAnea, general secretary of UNISON, UK’s largest trade union for public service workers.
February - 2022
COST OF LIVING CRISIS
Join us on Saturday (19/2) for The People's Assembly Against Austerity march against the #costoflivingcrisis in the centre of Cardiff.
Energy bills are rising. Food prices are rising. Rent is rising....We Must Rise.
Meet at 2pm by the Betty Campbell Statue on Wood Street.
February - 2022
March - 2022
UNISON WALES UNION LEARNING
The UNISON Wales Union Learning Fund team are offering a range of webinars that are free and open to all schools staff. Be quick to sign up as places go fast! Book your free place on the Using Film in the Classroom (28th Feb 10am-12pm) here.
Heart UNISON link here
The UNISON Wales Union Learning Fund team are offering a range of webinars that are free and open to all schools staff. Be quick to sign up as places go fast! Book your free place on the Supporting Children’s Mental Health – Primary & Young Children Practitioner (16th March, 4-5pm) here.
Heart UNISON link here
February - 2022
to
HEART UNISON
Heart Union week is a chance to celebrate unions and show the difference unions make in the workplace and in the community. Find out more about what a union can do for you.
February - 2022
LOCAL SERVICES CHAMPIONS
This is your last chance: nominations for UNISON’s Local Service Champions Awards close today! Make sure to get your nomination in before 4pm. #LocalServiceChampions
February - 2022
WORLD CANCER DAY
We are remembering all those we have lost to this awful disease and to wish the absolute best to those who have beaten it.
At UNISON, we are keeping you all in our hearts on this day.
World Cancer Day - 4th February 2022.
February - 2022
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR MEMBERS
If you are a member and you are experiencing financial difficulties, whether due to coronavirus or other circumstances, There for You can offer you support, including one-off grants.
WINTER FUEL GRANT UPDATE
Important information.
For 2022 we will be processing our Winter Fuel Grants using an on-line application form*. Before applying, please read the following important information which should answer all your questions and explains the supporting documents you’ll need to include on applying.
January - 2022
UNISON MEMBERS WINTER FUEL FUND
This year’s UNISON winter fuel fund opens on 31 January.
The fund will offer grants of up to £200 and is designed to help the union’s most vulnerable low-income members.
It was announced today that inflation rose to 5.4% in the 12 months to December. With the cost of living rising at the fastest rate for 30 years, UNISON understands the financial hardship many members face whether it be due to rising living costs, the removal of universal credit uplift or other inflationary pressures.
In addition, the possibility of added pressure on low-income households looms as gas and electricity costs look set to increase even further in the near future.
January - 2022
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH
Thank you to all UNISON local government members who completed and returned their ballots over the last few weeks.
The ballot closes today, and we will provide an update as soon as we have the results.
#enoughisenough
January - 2022
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH
Vote yes for action on pay. Last date 14th January 2022.
#enoughisenough
January - December 2021/22
UNISON MEMBERS THANK YOU
A big thank you to all Unison Members working over the Christmas and New Year period.
December 2021
VOTE YES! THIS CHRISTMAS
Please get your ballot papers in or contact your branch if you have not received them. Thank you.
December 2021
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND THANK YOU
UNISON staff have made a film, sending a festive message to all of our brilliant members.
December 2021
VOTE YES
Ballot Papers have started to arrive, have you had yours yet?
#EnoughIsEnough #VoteYES
November 2021
RADICAL HISTORY - 3D SCAN WALKTHROUGH
First look at the photos from our exhibition launch yesterday - UNISON and the Welsh labour movement #RadicalHistory
3D Scan Walkthrough link to website
Photo credit: Natasha Hirst
November 2021
November 2021
MARCH WITH US - COP26
March with UNISON on the Cardiff COP26 Day of Action: 6 Nov. Assemble 12pm in front of the City Hall (by Brodies Coffee, Gorsedd Gardens, Cardiff, CF10 3NP).
Bring flags, banners and friends on this family-friendly march #wemaketomorrow
Closing Date
November 2021
STARS IN OUR SCHOOLS 2021
Stars in Our Schools 2021 is fast approaching and we've just opened up our 'nominate a star' prize draw.
This is your chance to let a member of school support staff know how much you value the fantastic work they do. Anyone can nominate a school support staff worker for entry into a prize draw to win a £25 Marks and Spencer voucher. (And if your nominee wins, you'll receive a £25 Marks and Spencer voucher too!)
Entries close on 30 November 2021.
Just know, that even in these difficult and unprecedented times, there is help and support. Link to nominate a Star in Your School
October 2021
SHOW RACISM THE RED CARD
UNISON is proud supporter of Show Racism the Red Card and we are backing THIS FRIDAY’S awareness raising Wear Red Day. The need for all of us to actively challenge racism has never been greater with an increase in race hate crime during the pandemic.
Read more info here. Link to Wear Red Card October 21
October 2021
WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY
October 2021
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
October 2021
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Wales will be first UK nation to make teaching of black histories compulsory #BlackHistoryMonth
A MONUMENT of Wales’ first black headteacher and #BlackHistoryMonth campaigner was unveiled in Cardiff.
Betty Campbell, who died in 2017 at the age of 82, defied her doubters after being told as a child that her dream to become a head teacher was “insurmountable”.
September 2021
BLACK LGBT+ NETWORK
Last chance to sign up for UNISON's Black LGBT+ network meeting on 17 September. 1:30am–2:00pm.
This meeting gives you the opportunity to find out about the work that UNISON does for LGBT+ equality for Black LGBT+ members in the workplace and wider community. You'll have the opportunity to talk to and question your reps on the national committee and also influence the work that UNISON does on LGBT+ equality. For more information please message us, or email out@unison.co.uk
September 2021
DISABLED LGBT+ NETWORK
Last chance to sign up for UNISON's Disabled LGBT+ network meeting on 17 September. 4:00pm–6:30pm.
This meeting gives you the opportunity to find out about the work that UNISON does for LGBT+ equality for Black LGBT+ members in the workplace and wider community. You'll have the opportunity to talk to and question your reps on the national committee and also influence UNISON LGBT+ policy. For more information please message us, or email out@unison.co.uk
September 2021
REJECT VOTE
Despite your courage and sacrifice throughout COVID-19, council and school workers have been offered 1.75%. With inflation at 3.8%, that’s a real terms pay cut. UNISON is launching a consultation and strongly recommends members vote to reject such an unfair offer.
Read more info here. Link to Council and school pay reject vote
August 2021
CLAPPING DOESN'T PAY THE BILLS
Public service workers deserve a decent pay increase.
Staff in the NHS, in social care, in schools, in councils, in the police and elsewhere, have provided vital services to our communities during the pandemic.
Pay has been cut in real terms over a decade of being frozen or capped. Follow UNISON Cymru Wales campaign. Campaign details along with our consultation on unfair pay offers
August 2021
TIME TO UPDATE YOUR DETAILS
Where do you work now? You can change your details online at this link: Online membership update here.
To update your details via telephone, please ring your regional office and ask for the membership department. You can then let them know what needs changing: Call us to update your details here.
July 2021
LET'S TALK - TALKING THERAPIES
UNISON Monmouthshire are launching a brand new service for its members! Any Monmouthshire member can now refer themselves to our online counselling support service. All you need to do is complete a short referral form.
Full details will be sent to all our members soon, or you can watch our short Facebook video here. This video is a short explanation of Talking Therapies for our members.
Referral forms can be requested by email at unisonmon@btconnect.com or by calling 01291 675502.
Remember- it’s always good to talk #itsokaytonotbeokay Apply for Talking Therapies.
July 2021
Read the PDF report link here:
RACE EQUALITY FIRST - REPORT FOR WALES
UNISON Cymru/Wales Black Members’ Group has been working with Race Equality First on its report on the scale of racial inequality in Wales and how Westminster and Welsh governments must do a lot more to tackle racism. Chair of UNISON Black members, Kebba Manneh, said:
“This report is hard-hitting and the scale of the racism revealed may be shocking to some, but this is the reality for Black people every day. Our governments are failing to effectively tackle racism and address ethnic disparities in all areas of life. We want a Wales free of racial discrimination and Welsh government must take this report seriously and act on the recommendations. We need action! Well done to Race Equality First and UNISON Cymru Wales for all the work you have done on the report.”
The report identifies: -
• Police-recorded hate crimes rising by a third since 2016/17
• Ethnic minorities disproportionately stop-searched by the police across all four of Wales’ force areas
• Ethnic minorities remain substantially underrepresented in senior jobs in the public sector
• Ethnic minorities are more likely to live in poorer quality housing or work in precarious jobs, and face racial bullying in school and into their adult lives
The report has been submitted to the Committee of the UN International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.
July 2021
THERE FOR YOU - FINANCIAL SUPPORT
There for You School Uniform Grants 2021
There for You has once again set up a fund to help members on low incomes struggling with the cost of school uniforms. Grants of £50 per child are available, up to a maximum of £150 per family.
Applications are by downloadable form and will be available from Thursday 1 July at the link below. As always, this is a limited fund and once it’s gone, it’s gone.
Please ring 01495 355252 if you require a hard copy of the application form.
July 2021
UNISON WALES SCHOOL SUPPORT STAFF
Feedback on rapid COVID-19 testing using Lateral Flow Devices (LFD’s) – your experience.
Welsh Government are keen to hear feedback from school staff and learners about their experience of the COVID rapid testing programme to help plan for the future, improve the service and understand the impact of testing in Wales.
You can take the survey via these links:
Survey link in English
Survey link in Welsh
July 2021
GREEN UNISON
Climate change: ‘there will be no jobs on a dead planet’.
UNISON’s special delegate conference gets serious about the scale of the climate challenge
June 2021
MANDATORY COVID VACCINATION
The Westminster Government has today confirmed that they will make it mandatory for care workers to be vaccinated against covid, which is a huge disappointment to UNISON.
UNISON supports and encourages members in health and social care to take up the offer of a vaccine. But we have resisted moves from some employers to introduce changes to contracts to allow them to dismiss workers for failing to have be vaccinated and we have also opposed the Tory Government in Westminster’s suggestions that they may make it mandatory. We have argued that it is counterproductive and may reinforce some in their reluctance to have the jab. We have added again today that, in a low paid, high turnover sector, the impact of making vaccination mandatory could be a flight of workers from the sector, placing our most vulnerable at risk in a new recruitment crisis.
Cymru Wales members should be reassured that Welsh Government has consistently stated that they have no intention of following the Westminster route and that there is no need to consider it in Wales because of the high take up of vaccination amongst health and social care staff. Also, in the Social Care Fair Work Forum, the Social Care Wales representative confirmed that they do not see the failure to be vaccinated as a fitness to practice issue. We are not expecting this stance to change, though obviously, if there are any new developments, we will share this information with Branches. I’m sure that we will also be seeking fresh commitments following today’s troubling England only announcement.
Mark Turner
Regional Organiser
Lead for Social Care
UNISON Cymru Wales
June 2021
WORKPLACE DISPUTES
Employers can no longer mistreat staff who take part in industrial action, says UNISON. Christina McAnea hails important victory for staff involved in strikes or disputes
Employers will no longer be able to get away with mistreating any employees who take part in union-organised workplace disputes following an important legal decision, says UNISON.
Contact Your Local UNISON IN GWENT Branch
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
