ARCHIVE 2019 - 2021 STORIES
December 2021
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND THANK YOU
UNISON staff have made a film, sending a festive message to all of our brilliant members.
December 2021
VOTE YES
Ballot Papers have started to arrive, have you had yours yet?
#EnoughIsEnough #VoteYES
November 2021
RADICAL HISTORY - 3D SCAN WALKTHROUGH
First look at the photos from our exhibition launch yesterday - UNISON and the Welsh labour movement. #RadicalHistory
3D Scan Walkthrough link to website
Photo credit: Natasha Hirst
November 2021
MARCH WITH US - COP26
March with UNISON on the Cardiff COP26 Day of Action: 6 Nov. Assemble 12pm in front of the City Hall (by Brodies Coffee, Gorsedd Gardens, Cardiff, CF10 3NP).
Bring flags, banners and friends on this family-friendly march #WeMakeTomorrow
Closing Date
November 2021
STARS IN OUR SCHOOLS 2021
Stars in Our Schools 2021 is fast approaching and we've just opened up our 'nominate a star' prize draw.
This is your chance to let a member of school support staff know how much you value the fantastic work they do. Anyone can nominate a school support staff worker for entry into a prize draw to win a £25 Marks and Spencer voucher. (And if your nominee wins, you'll receive a £25 Marks and Spencer voucher too).
October 2021
SHOW RACISM THE RED CARD
UNISON is proud supporter of Show Racism the Red Card and we are backing THIS FRIDAY'S awareness raising Wear Red Day. The need for all of us to actively challenge racism has never been greater with an increase in race hate crime during the pandemic.
Read more info here. Link to Wear Red Card October 21
October 2021
WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY
If we all do one thing, we can change everything.
#Mind #MindCymru
October 2021
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Wales will be first UK nation to make teaching of black histories compulsory #BlackHistoryMonth
A MONUMENT of Wales' first black headteacher and #BlackHistoryMonth campaigner was unveiled in Cardiff.
Betty Campbell, who died in 2017 at the age of 82, defied her doubters after being told as a child that her dream to become a head teacher was "insurmountable".
September 2021
BLACK LGBT+ NETWORK
Last chance to sign up for UNISON's Black LGBT+ network meeting on 17 September. 1:30am-2:00pm.
This meeting gives you the opportunity to find out about the work that UNISON does for LGBT+ equality for Black LGBT+ members in the workplace and wider community. You'll have the opportunity to talk to and question your reps on the national committee and also influence the work that UNISON does on LGBT+ equality. For more information please message us, or email out@unison.co.uk
September 2021
DISABLED LGBT+ NETWORK
Last chance to sign up for UNISON's Disabled LGBT+ network meeting on 17 September. 4:00pm-6:30pm.
This meeting gives you the opportunity to find out about the work that UNISON does for LGBT+ equality for Black LGBT+ members in the workplace and wider community. You'll have the opportunity to talk to and question your reps on the national committee and also influence UNISON LGBT+ policy. For more information please message us, or email out@unison.co.uk
September 2021
REJECT VOTE
Despite your courage and sacrifice throughout COVID-19, council and school workers have been offered 1.75%. With inflation at 3.8%, that's a real terms pay cut. UNISON is launching a consultation and strongly recommends members vote to reject such an unfair offer.
Read more info here. Link to Council and school pay reject vote
August 2021
CLAPPING DOESN'T PAY THE BILLS
Public service workers deserve a decent pay increase.
Staff in the NHS, in social care, in schools, in councils, in the police and elsewhere, have provided vital services to our communities during the pandemic.
Pay has been cut in real terms over a decade of being frozen or capped. Follow UNISON Cymru Wales campaign. Campaign details along with our consultation on unfair pay offers
August 2021
TIME TO UPDATE YOUR DETAILS
Where do you work now? You can change your details online at this link: Online membership update here.
To update your details via telephone, please ring your regional office and ask for the membership department. You can then let them know what needs changing.
July 2021
LET'S TALK - TALKING THERAPIES
UNISON Monmouthshire are launching a brand new service for its members! Any Monmouthshire member can now refer themselves to our online counselling support service. All you need to do is complete a short referral form.
Full details will be sent to all our members soon, or you can watch our short Facebook video here. This video is a short explanation of Talking Therapies for our members.
Referral forms can be requested by email at unisonmon@btconnect.com or by calling 01291 675502.
Remember- it's always good to talk #itsokaytonotbeokay Apply for Talking Therapies.
July 2021
Read the PDF report link here:
RACE EQUALITY FIRST - REPORT FOR WALES
UNISON Cymru/Wales Black Members' Group has been working with Race Equality First on its report on the scale of racial inequality in Wales and how Westminster and Welsh governments must do a lot more to tackle racism. Chair of UNISON Black members, Kebba Manneh, said:
"This report is hard-hitting and the scale of the racism revealed may be shocking to some, but this is the reality for Black people every day. Our governments are failing to effectively tackle racism and address ethnic disparities in all areas of life. We want a Wales free of racial discrimination and Welsh government must take this report seriously and act on the recommendations. We need action! Well done to Race Equality First and UNISON Cymru Wales for all the work you have done on the report."
The report identifies: -
• Police-recorded hate crimes rising by a third since 2016/17
• Ethnic minorities disproportionately stop-searched by the police across all four of Wales' force areas
• Ethnic minorities remain substantially underrepresented in senior jobs in the public sector
• Ethnic minorities are more likely to live in poorer quality housing or work in precarious jobs, and face racial bullying in school and into their adult lives
The report has been submitted to the Committee of the UN International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.
June 2021
THERE FOR YOU - FINANCIAL SUPPORT
There for You School Uniform Grants 2021
There for You has once again set up a fund to help members on low incomes struggling with the cost of school uniforms. Grants of £50 per child are available, up to a maximum of £150 per family.
Applications are by downloadable form and will be available from Thursday 1 July at the link below. As always, this is a limited fund and once it's gone, it's gone.
Please ring 01495 355252 if you require a hard copy of the application form.
June 2021
UNISON WALES SCHOOL SUPPORT STAFF
Feedback on rapid COVID-19 testing using Lateral Flow Devices (LFD's) - your experience.
Welsh Government are keen to hear feedback from school staff and learners about their experience of the COVID rapid testing programme to help plan for the future, improve the service and understand the impact of testing in Wales.
You can take the survey via these links:
Survey link in English
Survey link in Welsh
June 2021
GREEN UNISON
Climate change: 'there will be no jobs on a dead planet'.
UNISON's special delegate conference gets serious about the scale of the climate challenge
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
RETURNING TO THE WORKPLACE
Now that lockdowns are easing and infection rates are falling, restrictions are slowly being lifted in Wales. However, we shouldn't get too comfortable or complacent in the workplace and risk slipping back into the 'old normal'.
UNISON is recruiting safety reps across Wales to help make work safe for our members. We have recruited and trained 70 reps since September, and we are looking to train more.
This short webinar will cover the principles behind Covid H&S risk assessments and the role of the H&S rep in making work safe again. Tuesday 25th May, 12:30pm - 1pm (30min).
Register here: You don't have to be a H&S rep to attend.
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.
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
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 - Click here to register
March 2021
ONE TEAM 2K
What is UNISON's pay claim?
UNISON submitted a pay claim to the UK government seeking an increase of least £2,000 by the end of this year for every NHS employee.
Any pay increase awarded in England would lead to an increase in funding to the Welsh government and we believe this money should be ring-fenced for pay in Wales.
Read more click here
1% is not acceptable and it's not a done deal. Help us get ready?
Read more click here
Join UNISON
Update your details
Ask your colleagues to join UNISON
Stand up - ask friends and family to support NHS workers Thursday 11 March at 8pm
March 2021
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY
UNISON proud to celebrate International Women's Day 2021
Read more click here
February 2021
HEALTH AND SAFETY ROLE?
Come to our 30 minute Health and Safety taster session.
Tuesday, February 23rd 6pm on Teams.
February 2021
HEART UNISON 2021
Heart UNISON is part of Heart Unions Week, the TUC's annual event to celebrate unions, to make sure everyone knows why we're vital at work, and to encourage everyone to join one. Read more click here
February 2021
HAPPY LGBT+
Here at Unison Blaenau Gwent, we're proud to be a welcoming, inclusive Union for all.
Happy LGBT+ History Month #LGBTHM21
February 2021
PAY FAIR FOR CARE
The coronavirus pandemic has shone a spotlight on the best and worst in our society. Nowhere more so than care.
COVID-19 has forced care workers into life-threatening working conditions and untold mental strain. Exhausted, dedicated; they have been applauded as national heroes.
Yet three out of four care workers do not earn a living wage. They cannot comfortably feed their families or pay the rent. Their pedestal is made of sand.
UNISON is leading the fight and asking all members to join care workers, celebrities, politicians, unions, charities and employers - show care workers the support they need, to win what is fair.
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
UNISON CENTRE PRESS RELEASE
Christina McAnea elected to lead UNISON, the UK's largest union. She replaces Dave Prentis, who is retiring after 20 years as general secretary.
Voting in the ballot was as follows (in alphabetical order):
Paul Holmes 45, 220 (33.76%)
Christina McAnea 63, 900 (47.7%)
Roger McKenzie 14, 450 (10.79%)
Hugo Pierre 10, 382 (7.75%)
January 2021
VACCINE INFORMATION
The following information has been released by Public Health Wales.
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.
December 2020
JOINING FORCES
Nine health unions issue plea in desperate bid to protect NHS.
With widespread community transmission of Covid-19 across Wales leading to there being more Covid-19 patients in hospital than at any other time this year, nine unions representing frontline healthcare workers have joined forces to highlight the impact the rise in cases is having on the staff providing care, and to urge the public to do all they can to protect the NHS.
December 2020
2021 UNISON DIARIES
We're all glad that 2020 is nearly over. So now it's time to start planning for a new, more hopeful year with UNISON's 2021 diaries.
10p from every purchase will go to our charity, There For You. You will be helping members who are experiencing financial and emotional difficulties.
There for You has been vital for so many people this year. So get your calendar today and support other UNISON members.
October - November 2020
THE BIG VOTE: GENERAL SECRETARY ELECTION 2020
The general secretary election is your chance to vote to elect the most senior person in the union. Being a member, or retired member, of UNISON entitles you to a vote if you were a member on 28 July 2020. Make sure you post your completed ballot in plenty of time to CES by 5pm on November 27. It will be freepost, so don't worry about a stamp.
Your election pack will include the ballot paper, and the pre-paid return envelope. There will also be information about the candidates who are standing to be general secretary.
If anything is missing from your election pack, or you lose your ballot paper please call our ballot helpline free on 0800 0 857 857 or on textphone 0800 0 967 968. The helpline opens on 10 November and closes on 20 November.
October 2020
PROTECT THE RIGHT TO STRIKE
Our right to strike is under attack.
Rishi Sunak has just detailed his anti-union legislation and plans to introduce new laws in the coming weeks.
It means that when workers democratically vote to strike, they could be forced to work and sacked if they don’t. That’s wrong, unworkable, and almost certainly illegal.
These new laws are a direct attack on working people’s fundamental right to strike to defend their pay, terms and conditions.
September 2020
NO GOING BACK TO NORMAL
Back to normal shouldn't mean back to underpaid.
Challenge the government to rebuild public services and show real support to the people who provide them by signing our open letter.
Read more click here #NoGoingBackToNormal
September 2020
KEEP WALES SAFE
- Only six people can neet indoors.
- Face coverings compulsory in indoor public places
- New powers for local authorities
- Work from home whenever possible
#KeepWalesSafe
September 2020
HOMEWORKING VERSUS OFFICE
When homeworking versus the office isn't a straightforward choice. Read more click here
August 2020
GIVE ALL NHS STAFF A WAGE RISE
UNISON - which is the UK's biggest union and represents NHS staff including healthcare assistants, radiographers, porters, midwives and paramedics - says this rise is the equivalent of around £1 an hour for all staff. Read more click here
August 2020
SCHOOL UNIFORM GRANT UPDATE
Due to the overwhelming number of applications for school uniform grants, the fund is now closed. Latest update can be found here Read more .....
July 2020
MEMBERS SUPPORT LINKS
Mental health challenges beyond COVID-19. Looking after your mental health as we come out of lockdown will be as difficult as it was looking after it during the lockdown period. As we found ways of trying to cope during the lockdown, we also expect that it will take time to find ways of coping coming out. Read more click here
April 2020
A HUGE THANK YOU
UNISON big thank you 'Public Service Champions' message. Read more click here
April 2020
FREE ONLINE COURSES
UNISON Cymru Wales to deliver free online Covid-19 training across Wales Read more click here
March 2020
IMPORTANT NOTICE: COVID-19 UPDATE
NJC Circ Coronavirus and Critical Workers Update
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
IMPORTANT NOTICE: COVID-19 UPDATE
Coronavirus: your rights at work. As the COVID-19 virus spreads, find out what your rights at work are if taking sick leave or self-isolating.
Read more click here
February 2020
HELP FOR FLOOD VICTIMS FROM UNISONS CHARITY "THERE FOR YOU"
Advice for UNISON members affected by or worried about flooding. UNISON Welfare has issued the following guidance for members and to assist branch officers who are advising them.
February 2020
INITIAL LOCAL GOVERNMENT PAY OFFER REJECTED - TALKS CONTINUE
The National Joint Council (NJC) Executive met today, for the employers to respond to the trade unions' local government pay claim for 2020.
WALES UNISON LEARNING FUND
Dear Colleague,
- Do you work in schools, health or social care?
- Do you want to learn something new?
- Or are you keen to develop your career?
Please find attached information and application forms for the Wales Union Learning Fund (WULF) £200 Qualification Grant.
Please can you distribute this information as widely as possible to ensure exposure?
If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact us at cymruwaleswulf@unison.co.uk.
We look forward to hearing from you.
December 2019
FREE NEURODIVERSITY COURSE FOR UNISON MEMBERS
This introductory session is aimed at all staff with an interest in Neurodiversity - an umbrella term for autism, dyslexia, ADHD and dyspraxia.
October 2019
UNISON IS GOING FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH
"UNISON is going from strength to strength," the union's national executive council heard at its meeting in London today. "We are continuing to grow, with membership increasing by 8,413 so far this year," general secretary Dave Prentis told the meeting. He noted that the biggest growth occurred during the week of the Labour Party conference - Read more click here
September 2019
IN PICTURES: UNISON BACKING THE SCHOOL CLIMATE STRIKE
As part of Green UNISON Week, members across the regions supported the school climate strikes and took action themselves - Read more click here
September 2019
BLOG: CLIMATE CHANGE IS THE GREATEST SINGLE THREAT HUMANITY FACES
The NEC declared this week Green UNISON Week and up and down the country our branches have responded. From canteen stalls, solidarity selfies, new volunteers for branch green reps, tree planting and using lunch hours to join climate strike rallies - Read more click here
August 2019
LEGAL ADVICE AND SUPPORT
If you have been injured at work or a loved one has been injured outside of work you can claim with confidence using the UNISON legal service. UNISON Cymru Wales' lawyers, Thompsons, won £169,800 for members in personal injury settlements in July 2019 alone. Legal support didn't cost these UNISON members a penny. Advice, support and help when you need it - Read more click here
July 2019
MEMBER LEARNING PROGRAMME - NEW COURSES AND DATES
Please find attached the current Member Learning Programme for 2019. We have added 4 new courses and dates until the end of the year.
July 2019
COLLECTIVES BARGAINING WILL TRANSFORM LIVES OF THOUSANDS
UNISON Cymru Wales has warmly welcomed the First Minister's pledge to legislate to make the country a 'fair work nation' in his statement to the Senedd - Read more click here
June 2019
UNISON LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN TO CELEBRATE LOCAL GOVERNMENT WORKERS
A new campaign highlighting the contribution council staff make to public life is being launched at UNISON's local government conference in Liverpool.
New film will kickstart recognition of overlooked council staff - Click here to view
June 2019
UNISON FREE WILLS SERVICE
UNISON offers a free standard wills service for members and their partners (if doing a mirror will). We also offer reduced rates for members' complex wills.
The simplest way to obtain your will is to use our bespoke on-line wills service. This, and other legal support for members on non-work related issues can be accessed by clicking the link below:
UNISON's online wills service is very straightforward to use, just complete the online questionnaire. The questionnaire with its online guidance will carefully take you through the process.
We have also negotiated a low-cost wills service for members and their families.
SCHOOL SUPPORT STAFF SURVEY - SHOW RACISM THE RED CARD
Calling all school support staff - please find English / Welsh survey for you to complete from Show Racism The Red Card on tackling racism in schools.
April 2019
ONE WAGES FOR ALL AGES
UNISON launches #OneWageAnyWage campaign is it celebrates 20 years of the national minimum wage. Read more click here
April 2019
CUTS INCREASE RISK TO PUBLIC IN ENGLAND AND WALES
UNISON report shows how austerity is damaging the environmental health service provided by councils - Read more click here
April 2019
UNISON CELEBRATES THE "UNSUNG HEROES" OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT
A new campaign will raise the profile of the union's 600,000 local government members - Read more click here
February 2019
DISABILITY AND REASONABLE ADJUSTMENTS
Overview of Equality Act / Definition of Disability / Reasonable Adjustment / Disability-related sickness absence / Creating a supportive environment / Tribunal Claim / The Public Sector Equality Duty / Communication and Language / Directory of Impairments
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
