Welcome to UNISON Caerphilly
We are the largest Trade Union in Caerphilly, supporting public service employees
"You're strong and we're standing strong with you."
Caerphilly UNISON, Tredomen Business and Technology Centre
Tredomen Park, Ystrad Mynach, CF82 7FN
Telephone: 01443 863279
LATEST STORIES:
ACTION
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We recognise that unity is our strength and work tirelessly to promote truth, justice and equality. Our purpose is not just to be a voice for the voiceless but to give them a voice of their own.
UNISON USEFUL LINKS TO SAVE YOU MONEY
Please inform us if you see an outdated link, thank you.
June 2026
TEMPERATURE WARNING
With the current heatwave, more young people are likely to be heading to water to cool off - and this brings a sharp increase in risk of drowning incidents. While the air temperature is very warm, water temperatures are still cold, so cold water shock remains a very real risk More information click here The RNLI celebrate 25 years of saving people's lives More information click here
June 2026
COUNCIL AND SCHOOL PAY CALCULATOR
Being worse off is not a pay rise. Since 2010, local government pay has fallen by an average of 26% in real terms. This year’s offer falls far short of what you need and deserve. Check what it means for you click here #CouncilAndSchoolPay #SchoolSupportStaff #UNISON #ThePublicServicesUnion
June 2026
COUNCIL AND SCHOOL PAY
Latest news – pay offer rejected and upcoming industrial action ballot. In April 2026, UNISON’s NJC Committee rejected the Employers’ pay offer of a 3.3% increase. The decision was made to proceed with an industrial action ballot running from 9 July to 6 August in England and Cymru. UNISON strongly recommends that you VOTE YES in the ballot to get the pay you need and deserve.
Become an active member in this pay campaign. Be part of the pledge to fight for a better pay offer. Get involved click here
Please check and update your details:
It’s important that your membership details are always kept up to date – if any information is incorrect you may miss out on vital updates. The quickest way to check and update your details is online via My UNISON. If you don't have access to your account, you can also update your details by calling UNISON Direct 08000 857857.
June 2026
to 
NATIONAL DELEGATE CONFERENCE
Members can now request to be registered to attend the 2026 national delegate conference. The online conference system (OCS) is open to allow branches to register delegates and submit motions in line with the rule-book requirements. Brighton Centre, Kings Road, Brighton and Hove, Brighton, UK, 16 - 19 June. More information click here #uNDC26 #UNISONNationalDelegateConference #NationalDelegateConference
June 2026
to 
LOCAL GOVERNMENT CONFERENCE
Branch delegation ready for Day 2 of Unison Local Government Conference in Brighton. Some fantastic debates so far on Local Government funding and getting ballot ready for the local government targeted industrial action ballot.
Brighton Centre, Kings Road, Brighton and Hove, Brighton, UK, 14 - 15 June 2026 #uLGC26 #LocalGovernmentConference
June 2026
CAERPHILLY COUNCIL LIBRARIES PROTEST
From outside Cardiff Civil Justice Court ahead of the judicial review to try and save 10 Caerphilly Council libraires from closure. Thank you to Jenni, Charlie and everyone there for braving the awful conditions. The fight continues...
UNISON Cymru joined campaigners outside Cardiff’s courts today as the High Court heard a judicial review challenging Caerphilly County Borough Council’s plans to close ten local libraries. Library workers keep these services running. Communities rely on them for books, learning, computers, advice, safe spaces and support. We stand with our members working in libraries and with everyone fighting to protect these vital public services. The Islwyn Voice Facebook Page click here and follow #SaveOurLibraries #UNISONCymru
June / July 2026
SAVE THE DATE
School Support Staff Seminars 2026. We’re bringing school support staff together across Wales this summer and registration is now open. Seminars will start at 9am and will finish around 3:30pm.
Book your place below
17 June – Denbighshire
To join, register here
30 June – Carmarthenshire
To join, register here
7 July – Caerphilly
To join, register here
June 2026
WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY
In UNISON's Year of Green Activity we are encouraging everyone to take a step that will bring people together to make a difference. Get involved click here
May 2026
SCHOOL UNIFORM GRANT
The UNISON School Uniform Grant opens at 12 noon on Wednesday 27 May for 24 hours only. Save the date and check your eligibility.
May 2026
DO YOU WORK IN SCHOOLS?
Join us for our next Year of Green Activity webinar looking at the Impact of Climate Change on Schools on 20th May from 4-5pm. Schools are already feeling the effects of climate change, with support staff often at the forefront of dealing with the impact. Whether it’s site staff dealing with the fallout of storms and floods, teaching and classroom assistants supporting students manage the additional burdens of extreme weather in the classroom, or kitchen staff trying to work in hot kitchens through severe heatwaves, climate change is making work in schools increasingly challenging.
May 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
May 2026
INTERNATIONAL NURSES DAY
Today we are celebrating International Nurses' Day. Nurses keep the system going, but recognition has to go beyond words. It needs to be backed by fair pay, safe staffing and real support.
May 2026
BETTER PUBLIC SERVICES
This election is about the services we rely on every day and the people who keep them running. When we come together and speak as one, we can shape what happens next. We know things are stretched. Pay has not kept up with rising costs. Services are under pressure. But there is a clear choice about the future of Wales. We need a Welsh Government that backs public service workers with fair pay, invests in our NHS, councils and care, and keeps services focused on people, not profit. More information click here
April 2026
NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION
Caerphilly Unison supports the National Day of Action on Friday April 24th for the Fair Visa Campaign. Find out how YOU can help support migrant workers and the vital role they play.
You can email your MP to support the campaign in the article here: Email your MP click here
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. More information click here
April 2026
ANOTHER WINNER!
Branch secretary Lianne Dallimore presenting the Caerphilly Unison AGM attendee prize draw tablet to a very pleased (and surprised!) Samantha Watkins from the Contact Centre.
Well done Samantha!
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
HUGE TURNOUT
Caerphilly Unison was at the biggest EVER demonstration against the far-right this country has seen in London on Saturday. 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 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 To Join 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.
March 2026
CAERPHILLY AGM
UNISON Caerphilly Branch Annual General Meetings will begin. As members, please make every effort to attend one of the sessions. There are a range of dates, times, and locations detailed in the poster (both online and face to face). These meetings are a crucial part of UNISON’s business. Without a quorate level of member attendance (that’s you!), we cannot continue to operate as an effective and functioning Branch this year. Please contact the branch to have the links sent to you for the online meetings. Thank you.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
HEALTH SESSIONS
Menopause, Nutrition and Lifestyle sessions across Caerphilly borough in 2026. Spaces are limited so book your space early to avoid disappointment! Email: heather.r.manson@wales.nhs.uk
Tuesday 20th January 2026 (6-8pm) - Snug Coffee Shop, 92 Thistle Way, Ty Sign, Risca, NP11 6HJ
Wednesday 4th February 2026 (6-8pm) - Rhymney Library, Victoria Road, Rhymney, NP22 5NU
Wednesday 11th February 2026 (6-8pm) - White Rose Resource Centre, Cross Street, Elliots Town, New Tredegar, NP24 6EF
Tuesday 17th March 2026 (6-8pm) - Barged Library, Hanbury Chapel, Hanbury Road, Bargoed, CF81 8QR
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 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 Caerphilly Branch