Welcome to UNISON Torfaen
Branch latest news, campaigns and UNISON member offers.
The area has a population of around 91,000.
UNISON Office, Civic Centre
Pontypool, NP4 6YB
Telephone: 01495 766356
LATEST
STORIES:
ACTION
NOW:
Much of the southern part of the county borough around the Cwmbran new town conurbation is now urbanised. The north of the county borough is greener and retains extensive areas of countryside, especially on the route to Blaenavon.
The administrative centre is Pontypool in the centre of the county borough. Most of the administration of Torfaen County Borough Council is conducted from the Civic Centre here.
UNISON USEFUL LINKS TO SAVE YOU MONEY
Please inform us if you see an outdated link, thank you.
UPDATE YOUR DETAILS
This is why it is so important that we have your up to date details to ensure we are able to reach you .
Calling all UNISON local government members! Please take a moment to check we have your current address. As you know, UNISON local government members rejected the pay offer and work has begun on preparing for an industrial ballot. It’s important to make your voice heard and for you to receive your paper ballot. You can check your address here via My UNISON, or speak to your local UNISON branch.
VIEW OUR FACEBOOK VIDEO
A little reminder why you should choose UNISON Torfaen. Here is a short Facebook video why you should become part of the UNISON family today.
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
AUTISM AWARENESS DAY
World Autism Awareness Day is observed annually on April 2nd to increase understanding, acceptance, and inclusion of people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) worldwide.
More information 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
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.
Fantastic news for teaching assistants across Wales. This is a huge step forward and a direct result of the hard work, determination and voices of our members. For too long, level one roles have been used to undervalue the skilled, demanding work that teaching assistants do every single day. From supporting learning and planning, to managing behaviour in the classroom — this work deserves proper recognition and fair pay. The announcement to end the use of level one teaching assistant roles is an important first step. But we know there is still more to do.
- Fair job evaluations
- Action on excessive workloads
- Clear and meaningful career progression
A massive well done to all activists and staff who have campaigned, shared their experiences and stood up for change — this win belongs to you. Torfaen UNISON will continue to stand with our members every step of the way.
#UNISON #TeachingAssistants #Wales #WorthMore 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 celebrate the strength, resilience, and achievements of women everywhere in our workplaces, our communities, and our homes. For generations, women have been at the forefront of change, challenging inequality, breaking barriers, and demanding a fairer future. But the fight isn’t over. Women continue to face pay gaps, workplace discrimination, and the burden of unpaid care. Too often, women’s voices are overlooked or silenced. Domestic violence, harassment, and abuse remain devastatingly prevalent. As a UNISON branch, we are proud to stand with our women members, fighting for equal pay, safe workplaces, and fair treatment. We know that when women thrive, our whole society benefits. We remember the courageous women who paved the way, and we commit ourselves to supporting those who continue the fight.
#InternationalWomensDay #UNISONWomen #IWD26
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: Registration link click here
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
TORFAEN BRANCH AGM
Date: Tuesday 3rd February 2026. Time: 4:45pm - Online.
Link: Email jack.johnson@torfaen.gov.uk
The session will be relaxed and informal, and members are welcome to join in whatever way they feel comfortable.
Members will receive £10 gift voucher towards lunch.
The AGM is an opportunity to:
• Hear what the branch has been doing over the last year
• Receive an update on pay
• Agree the branch budget and spending
• Share your views on what you’d like the branch to focus on next year.
Date: Thursday 5th February 2026. Time: 12:30pm – Committee Room 1, Civic Centre, Pontypool.
Date: Wednesday 11th February 2026. Time: 1:30pm – The Mount Pleasant Inn, Cwmbran, NP44 3LX.
Even if you simply listen in, your attendance really matters, and we hope you can join us.
This is your chance to have your say, vote for branch officers, and hear what UNISON is doing for you.
Three dates available – online or in person.
- £10 gift card for online attendees
- Lunch provided at in-person meetings
- Email Jack.johnson@torfaen.gov.uk for the online link or speak to your in-school UNISON representative.
Your union. Your voice. Your say.
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
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
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 Torfaen Branch
CARE SERVICES 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