Welcome to UNISON Caerphilly
"You're strong and we're standing strong with you."
Caerphilly UNISON, Tredomen Business & Technology Centre,
Tredomen Park, Ystrad Mynach, CF82 7FN
Telephone: 01443 863279
IMPORTANT COVID19 UPDATES BELOW,
NEWS AND INFORMATION. PLEASE READ
We are the largest Trade Union in Caerphilly, supporting public service employees.
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.
July 2021
NOMINATE YOUR SOCIAL WORKERS OF THE YEAR
Do you know a social work team whose contribution deserves national recognition? Entries for the 2021 Social Worker of the Year Awards are currently open.
Nominations close at midnight on Friday 23 July.
July 2021
FAIR PAY
UNISON believe that council and school workers deserve a decent pay rise. Read more about the ongoing campaign below and look out for these images on Caerphilly buses soon!
July 2021
NHS WORKERS SUPPORT
Come and join NHS Workers, Caerphilly Trades Council and other TUs outside Cardiff Central Station at Midday on July 3rd.
Remember: Clapping doesn't pay the bills.
July 2021
WALES SURVEY - DECLINE IN HEALTH
Wales survey shows health declined for third of home workers
The mental and physical health of a third of people working from home in Wales has deteriorated because of the new ways of working.
There is also a comment from Lianne Dallimore - Branch Secretary and Cymru/Wales LG Committee Chair.
June 2021
LET'S TALK
Caerphilly UNISON are now able to offer members a new Talking Therapies initiative, which is accessed by completing a simple referral form. We can then put you in touch with a counsellor who can offer online or telephone support for issues such as work-related stress, anxiety and depression.
Sessions can be accessed quickly and arranged at a time to suit you. This support is offered free to all Blaenau Gwent UNISON members.
This initiative is being administered by Monmouthshire Branch, therefore if you would like to take up this opportunity, please email unisonmon@btconnect.com and a referral form will be sent to you. If you would like then to complete the form for you over the phone, please call 01291 675502 leaving your name, number and best time to call, and they will call you back to go through this with you. You can now apply online by clicking the link below.
Remember- it’s always good to talk #itsokaytonotbeokay Apply for Talking Therapies.
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.
May 2021
NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL ELECTIONS
UNISON's National Executive Council elections close on 27 May. Make sure you don't miss out on having a say in how your union is run.
May 2021
INTERNATIONAL NURSES DAY 2021
Happy #InternationalNursesDay2021 #NursingTheNation21
It's incredible to think of what you've all achieved over the last year. Stuart Tuckwood, UNISON's National Officer for nursing has recorded the message below to mark this year's event.
Why not join Stuart and other leaders at tonight's live event to celebrate IND and discuss the challenges ahead and how we can empower nurses to lead us through them.
Join us at 7pm on youtube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AD1ZWVj4kzw
May 2021
UNISON NEC Elections
UNISON NEC Elections – The ballot is now open! Click on PDF for more details. Thank you.
April 2021
MINIMUM WAGE LAWS AFFECTING CARE WORKERS
UNISON Centre press release: Government must act over minimum wage laws affecting care workers, say UNISON and Mencap.
April 2021
April 2021
SENEDD ELECTIONS 2021
Senedd elections 2021 #UNISONmanifesto
Covid is the greatest challenge for generations and public services have never been more important. May’s Senedd elections will shape how our society looks for years to come, so what are the policies UNISON’s promoting?
April 2021
NHS PAY DAY
NHS Pay Day: Show us your windows!
Instead of the pay rise they’re due, our fantastic NHS staff are being rewarded with delays and a potential real-terms pay cut.
We’re asking people to put a poster in their window to support a proper NHS pay rise. Let’s brighten up our streets and show NHS staff they are valued.
Download one of our designs below to colour in, or get creative and make your own. Then share a picture of your window on social media using hashtags #NHSPayDay and #WithNHSStaff.
March 2021
SUPREME COURT JUDGEMENT
Supreme Court judgement means Welsh government must act to protect care workers
A public services trade union has described today’s Supreme Court ruling that social care staff are not entitled to the national minimum wage for every hour they work, including sleep-in shifts, as a major blow and it has called for the Welsh government to step in and protect care workers. - Read more .....
March 2021
CAERPHILLY UNISON AGM 2021 – There’s Still Time!
Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent restrictions the Caerphilly UNISON Annual General Meeting (AGM) for 2021 will be held virtually using GoTo Meetings.
Our intention is to hold 5 virtual meeting which will be held on:
Monday 15th March 2021 - 5.30pm
Tuesday 16th March 2021 - 12.30pm
Wednesday 17th March 2021 - 1.30pm
Thursday 18th March 2021 - 7.00pm
Friday 19th March 2021 - 10.00am
Joining details and links will be sent via email all this week.
March 2021
HEALTH AND SAFETY HAS NEVER BEEN SO IMPORTANT
Want to know more about becoming a rep? Come to our taster session to find out more. - Register here
March 2021
CALLING ALL UNISON CYMRU WALES MEMBERS!
Join us for the virtual launch of the UNISON Senedd elections manifesto 2021 and hear about the priorities we want for public service workers. Monday 15 March, 2.45pm - 3.15pm - Register here
March 2021
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY
UNISON Caerphilly is proud to celebrate International Women's Day 2021. Here are the Branches very own strong women pictured in 2019 (pre-Covid of course).
#ChoosetoChallenge
#IWD2021
Lianne Dallimore / Emma Chalk Was Adams / Ros Roberts / Michaela Hawkins
February 2021
CAERPHILLY COUNCIL BUDGET 2021
Caerphilly Unison are deeply concerned by the suggestion from the Plaid group to reduce the budget set aside for a staff pay award. The different between 2.4% and 3.9% equates to 34p per week on a Band D property. Caerphilly UNISON Branch Secretary Lianne Dallimore said “Personally, as a resident of this county borough, I would gladly pay 34p if it meant putting this money into the pay packet of a Teaching Assistant, who has been supporting key worker and vulnerable children throughout this pandemic; or to the carer who has just finished an exhausting week providing care and support to some of the most vulnerable in our community.”
The local government workforce has not only borne the brunt of Austerity but now COVID19. UNISON will be actively campaigning for much more than the 1% that has been set aside by CCBC and therefore any suggestion that 1% is too much we believe is quite frankly staggering, and any political party who advocates taking even one penny out of the back pockets of our dedicated local government workforce should take a long hard look at itself.
Kind Regards,
Lianne Dallimore
Branch Secretary
February 2021
HEART UNISON
Next week is Heart Unions, celebrating everything trade unions have achieved. Find all the resources and information you need here to champion UNISON to your work mates next week. Read more ...
February 2021
PAY FAIR FOR CARE
On Wednesday 3 February at 12:30pm, UNISON is hosting a carers' rally as part of the Pay Fair for Care national day of action.
Join the event to hear from care workers, celebrities and politicians. Wednesday, 3 February 2021 from 12:30-14:00 UTC, online with Facebook Live.
January 2021
SCHOOL MEMBERS MEETING
Following our very successful and well-attended meeting for schools' members last week, we are repeating the meeting this Wednesday 20th January at 5pm for those who were unable to attend or could not join the previous meeting as it was full - apologies to all of you for any inconvenience.
So that we can accommodate everybody who'd like to attend, you will need to register to attend the meeting using this link - Register here
This meeting is an opportunity for us to receive information from you about how schools are operating in your area and to answer any questions you may have.
January 2021
SCHOOL MEMBERS MEETING
We would like to invite you to a meeting of school members Thursday 14th Jan. This is an opportunity for us to receive information from you about how schools are operating in your area and to answer any questions you may have.
Please see the joining details below.
Schools members meeting
Thursday, Jan 14, 2021 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM (GMT)
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/229348309
You can also dial in using your phone.
United Kingdom (Toll Free): 0 800 031 4727
United Kingdom: +44 20 3713 5011
Access Code: 229-348-309
January 2021
SCHOOL SUPPORT MEMBERS
UNISON Cymru Wales has written to school support members today (7.1.21). UNISON believes schools should not reopen for face-to-face lessons until after the half-term break and we are calling for a series of measures to be in place before schools return to face-to-face lessons. Read the letter via the attachment.
January 2021
SCHOOL UPDATE
Dear member,
‘Happy new year’ from all of us at the Caerphilly Branch. We hope you had a restful and enjoyable festive season.
On the turn of midnight we were all glad to see 2020 finally leave but unfortunately 2021 doesn’t appear (so far anyway) to be looking any better right now. We’re still in the grips of the COVID19 pandemic but all we can do is try to keep our spirits high, support and look out for one another and keep pushing through.
For full information and links click on our PDF files with explanation and model letter for UNISON members in schools, nurseries and early years in Wales.
October - December 2020
CAERPHILLY UNISON AGM 2021 - UPDATE
AGM letters done! Members, if you haven't had either an email with the AGM notification pack attached or a letter through the post by the end of next week then please let the Branch office know.
Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent restrictions the Caerphilly UNISON Annual General Meeting (AGM) for 2021 will be held virtually using GoTo Meetings.
Our intention is to hold 5 virtual meeting which will be held on:
Monday 15th March 2021 - 5.30pm
Tuesday 16th March 2021 - 12.30pm
Wednesday 17th March 2021 - 1.30pm
Thursday 18th March 2021 - 7.00pm
Friday 19th March 2021 - 10.00am
The agenda, associated paperwork and links to the virtual meetings will be circulated to you before Christmas 2020. If you haven’t received this information by the beginning of January 2021 please get in touch with the branch on Tel: 01443 863279 or email caerphillyunison@caerphilly.gov.uk.
2021 will no doubt bring about changes for us all and we need your input at our AGM’s to keep our union strong and active. Your attendance would be greatly appreciated (virtually of course).
In the meantime stay safe and have a very Merry Christmas and New Year.
December 2020
COMPETITION WINNER
Our App competition winner Kelly Rossiter enjoying her prize of M & S gift vouchers and UNISON freebies! Keep checking the App and our social media pages for more great competitions next year!
November - December 2020
STARS IN OUR SCHOOLS
Great pictures from Trinity Fields School from support staff there celebrating 'Stars in our Schools' day on Friday! Proudly displaying their ' You're ALL Stars' certificates UNISON Caerphilly sent out to all schools.
#starsinourschools
Unison Cymru-Wales
UNISON in Schools
November 2020
UK LOCAL GOVERNMENT PAY CLAIM UPDATE 2020/21
As you will be aware we recently asked for your views on the proposed options for the pay claim for 2021/22. The results of this consultation are now available and in Caerphilly 47.8% of respondents said that we should be asking for 10%. These results have been fed back to UNISON and we will let you know the national picture as soon as it’s available.
Thanks to all those who took part in the consultation.
November 2020
UK DISABILITY HISTORY MONTH
UK Disability History Month 2020 will take place from Wednesday 18th November until Friday 18th December.
The theme for 2020 is Access: How far have we come? How far have we to go?
With this very much in mind, please find attached a report from UNISON Caerphilly’s Disabled Members Officer Caroline Jones, who speaks of the struggles she has faced and what needs to change.
November 2020
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FROM YOUR
TRADE UNION
Dear member, the attachment contains important information from UNISON.
Please take some time to read it and get in touch with the branch should you have any questions or queries.
Caerphilly CBC Joint Letter Read more .....
October 2020
BECOME A REP
Any union member can do it.
If you're interested in hearing more about the role of a safety rep click here.
#BeOnTheSafeSide #HealthAndSafety #UNISON
October 2020
CAERPHILLY UNISON APP
To celebrate the launch of the new Caerphilly Unison App, we are giving members the chance to win £150 of Marks & Spencer gift vouchers.
Simply download our App onto your mobile or smart device and visit 'Prize Draw'. Only Caerphilly Unison members are eligible to enter. The closing date for entries is November 27th.
Link here .... Good luck!
October 2020
WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY 2020
October 10th marks World Mental Health Day, Unison and its TU partners have joined together with CCBC to create a dedicated newsletter centred around mental health during the pandemic including an interview from the Branch’s Disabled Members Officer, Caroline Jones.
October 2020
NEW LG PAY SCALES 2020 / 2021
Updated NJC Pay scales are now available, outlining the agreed 2020/21 scales for staff working in local government. It shows current pay scales with annual and equivalent hourly rates:
September 2020
LOST IN LOCKDOWN
UNISON’s Caerphilly branch secretary reflects on what it means to go ‘back to square one’ as the county is put into local lockdown.
Read more...
September 2020
TO
DON'T MISS THE BUS!
If you need advice or support at work, join UNISON today. Keep a lookout as our new Stagecoach campaign goes live throughout the borough this week.
September 2020
URGENT MESSAGE TO CAERPHILLY RESIDENTS FROM YOUR PUBLIC SERVICE WORKERS
Unions UNISON, GMB and UNITE who represent Caerphilly council staff are calling on all Caerphilly residents to respect the new lockdown rules.
The only way to defeat this virus is by solidarity from all generations.
We stand shoulder to shoulder - two metres apart- with everyone in lockdown, but this must be a collective effort.
Hundreds of your council workers have fought tirelessly throughout the pandemic to keep services running for the benefit of the community.
School support staff, care workers, refuse workers and others continue to put themselves on the front line for the sake of residents and their family members. The very least we can do is abide by the rules that will make them, and us, safer.
Whilst we’d all love to get back to normal, we do not want to see more lives lost in Caerphilly when this loss is so easily prevented by following the new guidelines.
The availability and turnaround of testing will be key to keeping track of new cases. If residents do their bit, then so must government by prioritising test, track and trace.
Let's work together Caerphilly!
Yours in hope and solidarity, UNISON, GMB and UNITE trade unions
August 2020
KEEPING CAERPHILLY SCHOOLCHILDREN
FED DURING COVID
UNISON members across the county borough council helped in an ambitious scheme to fill the gap left by free school meals. Read more .....
August 2020
SOCIAL CARE WORKFORCE SPECIAL PAYMENT SCHEME
The Welsh Government has now published its final guidelines on the £500 supplement for Social Care Workers.
The scheme has been introduced to recognise and reward the hard work and commitment of social care staff, who have provided essential care to our most vulnerable citizens at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
It is aimed at staff who have worked within registered care homes and domiciliary care services during the period from 15 March to 31 May 2020.
To be eligible for this payment, staff must be either:
- a paid employee of a registered care home or domiciliary care service;
- an agency care worker;
- an agency nurse who has worked in the same setting for 12 weeks or more; or
- a personal assistant paid through direct payments
Some employees may prefer to spread the payment over time to better suit their personal circumstances. There is an option to receive the payment in five equal instalments of £100 per month spread over five successive months.
Further details and FAQs can be found in the link here
Read more .....
June 2020
CORONAVIRUS ADVICE - FOR SCHOOL SUPPORT STAFF IN CYMRU WALES
We want to do all we can to support school support workers during the coronavirus pandemic.
Read more .....
June 2020
PAY UP NOW FOR COUNCIL AND SCHOOL WORKERS
If you’re a local government member, it’s time for you to decide. Make sure you have your say on your pay.
UNISON has launched a consultation, to allow members’ to decide whether to accept or reject a payrise of 2.75% and a one day increase in annual leave allowance. Read more .....
April 2020
SCHOOL CLOSURE WALES FAQS
Will schools be opening over Easter holidays and weekends? If so, do I have to come in and will I be paid? School closure Wales FAQs, published 7th April Read more .....
April 2020
FREE ONLINE COURSES
UNISON Cymru Wales to deliver free online Covid-19 training across Wales Read more .....
March 2020
IMPORTANT NOTICE: COVID19 UPDATE
As the COVID-19 virus spreads, find out what your rights at work are. Read more .....
March 2020
School FAQ guidance coronvirus download file
FAQs for school staff download file
IMPORTANT NOTICE: COVID19 UPDATE
Statement by Kirsty Williams Minister for Education
I’d like to thank parents for listening to the advice and keeping most children at home. I’d be grateful if tomorrow morning you only use schools or childcare as a last resort.
The advice has not changed as a result of tonight’s decision to further restrict movement, which our First Minister, along with other UK leaders took with the sole aim of slowing the spread of coronavirus.
Children should be at home wherever possible, critical workers will still need to have safe care arrangements for their children. Our schools and childcare settings are providing a vital service to support critical workers and our most vulnerable children.
Those involved in the current arrangements looking after children should continue. Many thanks to our amazing teaching and childcare professionals for their commitment in this time of national need.
This situation will continue for the immediate term but we will be reviewing with healthcare professionals, local authorities and our teaching unions.
March 2020
AGM 2020 IMPORTANT UPDATE
Following advice, due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation, we have decided to postpone the AGM’s that were due to take place over the next 2 weeks. We hope to reschedule them at some point and are waiting for further guidance from our Regional team as to how this can be done within our UNISON rule book.
PLEASE READ - AGM Cancellation
Dates of Aggregated AGMs 2020
You are warmly invited to attend one of Unison's aggregated Annual General Meetings (AGM) to be held on the dates shown below. This year NINE meetings have been arranged to give every member a choice of day, time and venue.
May 2020
Details of exciting Spring UNISON quiz for members
Come and join us this fun members event. Unison Quiz – Friday May 1st. Penallta Rugby Club – 7:30pm
March 2020
Members Learning Programme Spring 2020
Gain a better understanding of the terms, causes and symptoms of anxiety and stress. Looking at how anxiety and stress can affect the individual as well as family and friends. With the overall aim of improving your management of both.
March 2020
7 Reasons to join UNISON this Easter
Legal Help, Financial Assistance, Compensation, Discounts, Helpline, Training and Support - we’ll be with you when you need it most.
March 2020
Latest Local Government Pay Campaign News
After ten years of real terms pay cuts, you deserve a decent pay rise. If you’re a council or
school worker, make sure you have your say on pay. Click on PDF link or image for more information.
February 2020
Violence at Work Survey Results
The report is now ready for you to read the results.
Closes 14th February
Winter Fuel Grant for Members
There for You has set up a limited fund to help UNISON members. If your net income is £18,000 or less you may be eligible to receive a grant of £40.
November / December 2019
'Stars In Our School' at Trinity Fields
Caerphilly Unison staff attended Trinity Fields Special School Christmas Fayre today to celebrate Stars in Our Schools Day .
November / December 2019
Caerphilly Unison Christmas Market Trips
Details of 2 fantastic Christmas Trips to Gloucester and Birmingham this year. Places going fast!
November 2019
International Mens Day Newsletter
International Men’s Day in the UK is on November 19th every year – it is celebrated around the world in at least 60 countries.
November 2019
Caerphilly Unison - Cleaning up at Wales Regional Ceremony 2019
At the recent Wales Regional Awards Ceremony 3 Branch Officers of Caerphilly Unison were commended and won awards in their respective categories for their work in 2019.
Lianne Dallimore – Wales Representative of the Year
Juan-Antonio Garcia – Billy Liddon Health & Safety Award
Steve Gardiner – Highly commended for his work as Communications Officer
Unison is very proud of these achievements of their officers and the branch will strive to reach the same heights in 2020 in their continued support of its members!
October 2019
Black Members in Unison Newsletter
Please find the link to our Black Members in Unison Newsletter to coincide with Black History Month in October. Inside is a fantastic members competition! Click here for Newsletter
September 2019
A Woman's Work - Unison Women's Newsletter
Please find the link to our latest Caerphilly Women’s Newsletter from our Branch Secretary including a fantastic Members competition open to all.
September 2019
Health & Safety Newsletter
Health & Safety Newsletter for Autumn 2019.
July 2019
Branch Newsletter
July edition of Caermunicator – including details of a fantastic music-themed competition!
UNISON Caerphilly
July 2019
UNISON Team Cup
Please find attached exciting Team Golf event sponsored by Caerphilly Unison.
This is a team event run by Caerphilly Golf Society - for other details please contact Dave Lucas
on x6744.
June 2019
Caerphilly UNISON Pensions Update
Do you have a Caerphilly Council Pension?
Is your state Pension age 65+?
Are you aged 58+?
Do you have 25+ years Pensionable service with the local authority?
Were you expecting your entire pension fund to be reduced if you retire before your state pension age?
Newsletter
Spring Health & Safety Newsletter
Please see latest Branch Health And Safety Newsletter from Juan-Antonio Garcia.
March 2019
Caerphilly Unison AGM
Colleagues, Please find attached dates for Unison's aggregated AGMs in March.
For a full Agenda and information please contact the Branch.
Trips And Meetings 2019
Retired Members Trips And Speakers 2019
Unison retired Members Branch are running a full program of trips throughout 2019. They also have a range of speakers at their Monthly meetings. Take a look at the attached to find out the full program.
Winter 2019
Health and Safety Matters - Winter Newsletter
Please find Winter Newsletter from Juan-Antonio Garcia. This contains topical (and seasonal) health and safety information.
Contact Caerphilly Branch