Welcome to UNISON Monmouthshire
Branch latest news, archive news, updates, stories, information and branch representatives
UNISON Office, 1st Floor Community Education Centre
18 Maryport Street, Usk, Monmouthshire, NP15 8AE
Telephone: 01291 675502
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The largest town is Abergavenny. Other towns and large villages are Caldicot, Chepstow, Monmouth, Magor and Usk. The region boosts more castles per square mile than anywhere else in the UK. Nestled between the Brecon Beacons National Park and the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It’s not just the stunning landscape that’ll take your breath away for it is known for its mountain walks, public houses, restaurants, fabulous food and company.
UNISON USEFUL LINKS TO SAVE YOU MONEY
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April 2026
REPAIR CAFÉ
Repair Cafe this Saturday 18th April 11.00am – 2.00pm, last repair accepted at 1.20pm, at Abergavenny Community Centre, carpark off Merthyr Road NP7 5BY. Enquires to repaircafeabergavenny@gmail.com
We have sewing, jewellery, bicycle repairers plus the usual household/electrical repairers. 3D printing available – please pay him for the materials. Refreshments. Cash donations to cover expenses appreciated. We are still looking for electrical repairers.
April 2026
Senedd Election May 
SENEDD ELECTIONS 2026 POSTAL VOTE
- Get ready for the elections on 7 May
- Register to vote by 20 April
- Apply for a postal vote by 20 April
- Apply for Voter ID by 28 April - if you don't have a passport or driving licence (England only)
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
EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS ACT 2025
Stronger rights for workers and trade unions are introduced as further provisions of the Employment Rights Act 2025 come into force on 6 April 2026. These long awaited rights will mean low paid workers become entitled to sick pay which will also be payable to other workers from day one.
These changes are explained in a new blog from our Professional Support Lawyer, Jo Seery, breaking down what the Employment Rights Act 2025 means in practice for workers and trade unions. Read the full article click here
Follow along for updates and key insights on the Employment Rights Act by visiting our ERA Hub: Read the full article click here #ERA2025 #ThompsonsSolicitors #TradeUnions #WorkplaceRights #EmploymentRights #UKEmploymentLaw
THE NEW LAWS
The latest raft of changes to workers’ rights, created by the Employment Rights Act, come into force in Great Britain. The New Laws click here
April 2026
NATIONAL LIVING WAGE
National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage from 1st April 2026.
Age: 21 and over - was £12.21 per hour now £12.71 per hour
Age: 18-20 - was £10.00 per hour now £10.85 per hour
Age: 16-17 and apprentices - was £7.55 per hour now £8.00 per hour.
#NationalLivingWage #NationalMinimumWage #Wages
March 2026
MARCH TOGETHER
UNISON Local Government SGE members standing #Together to support the march for love, hope and unity, in London on 28 March. Together Alliance UNISON in Local Government More information click here
Half a million people marched for love, hope, unity and against ALL forms of discrimination - together we're stronger and hate will not win #Together #TogetherAlliance
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
STEP INTO SPRING GRANT
UNISON’s Step into Spring grant opens at 12 noon on Thursday 19 March and is available for 24 hours. Eligible members can get a £30 voucher towards the cost of essentials. Find out how to apply
More information click here
March 2026
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.
February 2026
HEALTH AND CLIMATE ACTION
Do you work in health? Have you thought about how climate change affects both physical and mental health? Come along to this webinar as part of Unison's Year of Green Activity and find out more. Year of Green Activity – the link between the health sector and climate action.
17 February 2026
12:30pm–1:30pm
Online via Teams: More Information link click here
February 2026
PDF AGM Document:
PDF Final Accounts:
MONMOUTHSHIRE UNISON AGM 2026
Monmouthshire UNISON will be hosting AGMs across three dates and times to share officer reports, approve the accounts, and to undertake the election of branch officers and stewards. This is your opportunity to hear about the work undertaken across the year, and plans for UNISON’s Year of Green Activism for 2026.
Tuesday 10th February at 10:00 to 11:00 GMT.
Wednesday 11th February at 12:30 to 13:30 GMT.
Thursday 12th February at 17.00 to 18:00 GMT.
All an online event. Links to each event will be provided in due course.
February 2026
UNIONS AT THE HEART
Heart Unions week is about what unions mean for workers today. At work, people face pressure on pay, workloads and conditions, with decisions often made without workers’ voices being heard. On your own, it can feel hard to challenge that. A trade union brings workers together so they can support each other, raise concerns collectively and negotiate for better pay, safer workplaces and fair treatment.Unions work because they are made up of ordinary workers choosing to stand together and take action when something needs to change. If you want a stronger voice at work, joining a union is the first step. Find your union and join today: #CaruUndebau #HeartUnions More Information link click here
February 2026
FIX IT FEB
Have you heard of Fix it February? We have four fantastic Repair Cafes in Monmouthshire - Abergavenny, Chepstow, Goytre and Monmouth. Why not make February your month for getting something fixed rather than throwing away. Fix it Feb is back and bigger than ever! All month we’re shining a spotlight on repair & reuse, and how they have a positive impact on mental health, saving money, the environment, and the community #RepairCafe #Repairs #Repair #Volunteering #CommunitySupport #RepairCafeWales #Reuse #ReuseReduceReCycle #FixItFeb #Recycle 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.
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.
The aim is to raise awareness of the issues at stake in the election, build knowledge of how the new voting system works, and encourage workers to register to vote and get involved in the campaign. You can help shape final version by attending the pilot, asking questions in the comments, and giving feedback on what could be improved before it is rolled out more widely.
We look forward to seeing you there. More information click here
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
BREW MONDAY
On #BrewMonday 19 Jan, we’re encouraging everyone to take a moment to connect.
Hold a get-together in your workplace – coffee, tea, whatever works!
When someone’s carrying worries, it can feel lonely – but a brew, a biscuit, and a chat can go a long way.
#Samaritans #MentalHealth Find out more about #BrewMonday from the Samaritans
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
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 Monmouthshire Branch
SOCIAL CARE CRISIS
Millions of people depend on social care to live independently. But years of neglect have left the sector in crisis, with tens of thousands of posts unfilled. Staff need fair pay and proper funding now. It’s time for a national care service that puts people before profit.
More information click here