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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
April 2026
Senedd Election May 
SENEDD ELECTIONS 2026
The Senedd elections on 7 May are about public services in Wales. The parties that control the Welsh Parliament will decide the future of your job and those of your colleagues. If you’re uncertain about what the Welsh Government does, what the election is actually about or how it will work, it can stop you from making your voice heard. And when you don’t vote, decisions about public services are made without you. That’s why UNISON Cymru is running regular lunchtime and early evening online ‘Use your vote in Wales’ sessions in the run-up to the election. They are designed to be non-partisan and factual, and to help you understand more about devolution and the new electoral system. Book a place now click here
April 2026
JOIN UNISON NOW
7 reasons to join UNISON. Each of our 1.4 million members has their own reasons for joining UNISON. But every one receives our help and support. Join UNISON click here #JoinUNISON #UNISON
April 2026
MEMBERSHIP GROWTH
NEC hears of mileage win and membership growth. On Wednesday 8 April, UNISON’s national executive committee (NEC) met for the second time this year. President Catherine McKenna chaired the session. The meeting opened with UNISON general secretary Andrea Egan giving her report, in which she explained that she has spent the beginning of her term, which began in January, meeting with members and staff across the union. This included a visit to UNISON’s most remote branches in Shetland and Orkney. More information click here
March 2026
MAJOR VICTORY
Teaching assistants across Wales have won a major victory. The Welsh government is scrapping level one roles after sustained campaigning by staff and UNISON. There’s more to do on pay, workload and career progression but this is real progress. More information click here
March 2026
MANIFESTO LAUNCH
The future of our public services is at stake. UNISON Cymru is launching our manifesto for the 2026 Senedd election. Public services across Wales are under real strain. The next Welsh Government must deliver properly funded, publicly delivered services built around communities, not private profit. We are calling for a £15 minimum hourly wage across all public services, including social care, fair pay and direct bargaining in the Welsh NHS, keeping profit out of care, a Wales School Support Staff Negotiating Body, more council housing and better public transport, and strong social partnership so workers have a real voice. Better public services for a fairer Wales. More information click here
March 2026
CLIMATE CHANGE AND WOMEN
Climate Change and Women - 10th March, 12.30-13.30pm - Climate change is not gender-neutral. Around the world, and here in the UK, women are disproportionately affected by its impacts – whether through increased economic insecurity, health risks, or the burden of care during environmental crisis. This webinar will explore how climate change intersects with gender inequality and what can be done to create fairer, more resilient communities. Join us for an insightful discussion with expert speakers as we examine the challenges and opportunities for action. To book a place click here
March 2026
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY
On International Women’s Day, we stand together for a society that uplifts the rights and dignity of all women. With over a million women working in public services, our union is driven by their strength and leadership. We are committed to real action on gender equality. #IWD2026 #GiveToGain #InternationalWomensDay
March 2026
SAINT DAVID'S DAY
UNISON, the UK's largest trade union, actively celebrates St David’s Day (Dydd Gŵyl Dewi) on March 1st, marking the national day of Wales and the patron saint. We thank all our members for the celebration messages promoting Welsh culture, language, and community. The BBC this year provides ten things to know about the patron saint of Wales. More information click here
February 2026
EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS ACT
The latest raft of changes to workers’ rights that have been created by the new Employment Rights Act (ERA) become active this month. Passed in December last year, the ERA was the culmination of years of campaigning and negotiation by UNISON, which hailed the legislation as a ‘gamechanger’ for workers in Britain, both as individuals and collectively. From April, further changes will introduce new day one rights to paternity leave and unpaid parental leave. More information click here
February 2026
ERA PREPARATIONS
How you can prepare for the Employment Rights Act
Maggi Ferncombe, UNISON’s assistant general secretary for regions & governance, talks through what activists and branches need to do – starting now. More information click here
February 2026
RAMADAN MONTH
Supporting Muslim staff during Ramadan As Ramadan begins, thoughtful workplace adjustments and open conversations can help Muslim employees balance faith, wellbeing and work. More information click here
February 2026
ANNUAL WOMEN’S CONFERENCE
Lucy Powell, the deputy leader of the Labour party and MP for Manchester Central addressed hundreds of union delegates in Liverpool at UNISON’s annual women’s conference. “It’s really great to be here today in a fantastic room full of women. It’s not very often that I am in a room full of women,” she began. More information click here
February 2026
LGBT+ MONTH
LGBT+ History Month, observed in February each year, is a chance to end invisibility and celebrate the lives and achievements of the diverse LGBT+ community.
UNISON looks back on our own LGBT+ history to see how far we have come, remind us of what we have achieved and recommit to the campaigns ahead.
February 2026
THE CAMPAIGN
Cancer touches millions of lives in countless ways but it doesn't define who we are. We are more than a disease, more than a statistic. The World Cancer Day campaign 2025-27 “United by Unique” places people at the centre of care and explores new ways of making a difference. More information click here
January 2026
SENEDD ELECTIONS
With the crucial Senedd Election on 7 May approaching, UNISON Cymru is working on lots of ways that you can get active in the campaign through your union. I would also like to invite you to join us for a pilot of the “Use your vote in Wales” citizenship webinar on Friday 6 February, 12.00-13.00 (Register at link here.
This short non-partisan session for members and non-members will run on lunchtimes and early evenings throughout March, April and early May.
January 2026
NEW GENERAL SECRETARY
Andrea Egan begins her five-year term as UNISON general secretary. ‘We will put faith in members’ decisions and stand up to any employer, politician or cabinet minister who acts against our interests’ 'We can be an incredible force for change' - UNISON general secretary Andrea Egan. Watch video click here
January 2026
HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL DAY
Bridging generations this Holocaust Memorial Day. UNISON marks Holocaust Memorial Day on Tuesday 27 January with a reminder that the responsibility of remembrance does not end with the survivors.
More information link click here
January 2026
COUNCIL CHARTER
Cardiff first council to back charter protecting migrant care workers, says UNISON. Cardiff Council is set to become the first local authority in Wales to sign a charter aimed at stopping the exploitation of migrant care workers and improving standards in adult social care, says UNISON. More information link click here
January 2026
FIGHT FOR FAIRNESS
Healthcare support workers across Wales have won a major victory after years of being underpaid for the vital clinical work they do. Together, members put pressure on their health boards and the Welsh government to fix an injustice that saw thousands of staff stuck on Band 2 pay while regularly carrying out Band 3 duties. More information link click here
January 2026
2026 UNISON YEAR OF GREEN ACTIVITY
Welcome to our 2026 Year of Green Activity hub! The direct impacts on public finances, on public health, the cost-of-living crisis (food and energy costs) and all other areas of public policy are plain to see. All experts now agree that the costs – both financial and ecological – of doing nothing far outweigh the costs of action. More information link click here
UNISON POD CAST
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
