ARCHIVE 2024 STORIES
December 2024
HAVE A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS
Our UNISON Branches wish you all a Happy Christmas and a Good New Year! All branches are here to inform, help and support all our members.
December 2024
A CHRISTMAS MESSAGE 2024
UNISON truly appreciates the vital work you all do. As we approach Christmas and the end of another year, I want to thank all of you who have worked tirelessly to keep our public services going. As we look forward to 2025, I know we will continue to work together successfully to campaign for better pay, conditions, workers’ rights, equality and world-class public services. We will also continue to be part of the global trade union movement, fighting for peace and justice. I wish you, your families and loved ones a happy Christmas and let’s hope for a kinder and peaceful new year.
Thank you all once again, Christina McAnea
Full article click here
December 2024
DISABILITY MEMBERS 2024
By Angela Hamilton, who represents disabled members on UNISON’s national executive council
UK Disability History Month runs from 14 November to 20 December. This year’s theme, Livelihood and Employment, recognises the valuable role disabled people play at work and in society.
The disability employment gap shows no sign of ending, with disabled people twice as likely as non‑disabled people to be unemployed.
Full article click here
December 2024
LGBT+ WORKERS 2024
A year ago, Jennifer Black, Lucy Power and Penny Smith, all members of UNISON’s national LGBT+ committee, discussed their hopes for the imminent Year of LGBT+ Workers in 2024.
They were particularly aware that the year would be taking place against a background of culture wars being pushed by the far right and members of the then Conservative government, not least in terms of anti-trans rhetoric. The committee was looking to make the group more visible, and to enhance education around LGBT+ identities.
Full article click here
December 2024
EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS BILL
The Employment Rights Bill: a better life at work. What is it? How will it change members’ working lives? How did we get here? And what happens next? An introduction to the ERB. #Employment #ERB
Full article click here
December 2024
WINTER GRANT OPENS
Great news for UNISON members! UNISON’s Winter Essentials Grant offers £200 vouchers for food shopping. Open on 11 December. Check eligibility now #ThereForYou #WinterEssentials #Grants
Full article click here
December 2024
A BASIC HUMAN RIGHT
Firm Foundations – housing: a basic human right. In the first of a series on the UK housing crisis, Simon Jackson explores the many issues involved, what the government intends to do about them, and what UNISON is doing.
‘Everyone has a basic human right to a decent and affordable home.’ #Housing #HousingShortage #HousingCrisis
December 2024
CHAMPIONS DAY
Champions Day is back on Thursday 5 December. In workplaces across the country, we’ll be celebrating the incredible contributions that local government workers make to our communities. Contact your branch today to find out about #ChampionsDay where you work.
Full article click here
YOUNG WORKERS CHARTER
Younger workers are more likely to experience low pay, precarious work and limited training. But UNISON’s young members are fighting to make work better, by asking employers to sign their Respect Your Youth Charter.
Find out about 'What matters to young people at work?' click here
UNISON POD CAST 2024
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
November / December 2024
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2024 NATIONAL YOUNG MEMBERS CONFERENCE
UNISON’s Young Members Forum has agreed to hold a National Young Members Conference on Friday 29th November at 4pm, finishing Sunday 1st December 2024 at 12:30pm.
We have now opened the Online Conferencing System (OCS) to allow submission of motions in line with the rule-book requirements. Information on when, how and who can submit it can be found in the NYMC bulletin.
Full article click here
November 2024
STORM BERT INFORMATION
All council resources are deployed across the borough as we work with partners to deal with river and surface flooding. As always, our priority is the safety of the public.
Advice on how to report flooding Full information click here
Gwent Police has advised people to only travel if necessary. By going through road closures or flooded areas, you're putting yourself and others at risk.
Thank you to members of our communities who are supporting each other.
November 2024
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN
UNISON Cymru Wales School Support Staff Seminar 2024 on 21st November 2024 - Radisson Blu Hotel, Cardiff.
Did you know that the training offered at this FREE seminar can count towards your continued professional development?
You are entitled to receive training within your working hours in school where possible in the same way other education professionals access training and development opportunities.
By being registered as a professional with the EWC there is an expectation that you have access to ongoing training to support your professional journey.
The day will comprise of a conference address from Lynne Neagle, Cabinet Secretary for Education in Wales. Along with speakers including Andrew Jenkins from the Traitors on his journey discussing mental health and wellbeing and Wales Restorative Approaches Partnership discussing managing challenging behaviour in schools.
There will also be CPD workshops to include, mindfulness, wellbeing and core numeracy skills.
UNISON is running this Seminar during the time that our members are employed to be at work in the same way Teachers and Head Teachers have opportunities for training and development during the term.
We feel that our members have the right to access training and engage with colleagues across Wales in the same way other educational professionals do.
We are sure that your Head Teacher will recognise the importance and benefits of you attending this FREE seminar. Please make the request to attend. Your branch will be able to support you if you have any difficulty in getting released to attend.
All delegates will receive attendance certificates for each workshop attended. We look forward to seeing you there!
The UNISON Cymru Wales Schools Team
Full article click here
November 2024
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UNISON COLLEGE FINANCIAL WELLBEING FORTNIGHT
It is designed to help increase confidence with money management, understand debt and improve financial literacy. UNISON College’s Financial Wellbeing Fortnight 2024 runs from Monday 11 November – Friday 22 November. It is a two-week series of sessions designed to help increase confidence with money management, understand debt and improve financial literacy. These are free online events for UNISON members. The sessions will help develop your financial management skills and knowledge, which can be applied to your personal and professional life.
You can sign up for as many sessions as you like by completing the online registration form. All sessions will be delivered online via MS Teams or Zoom #Finance #FinancialWellbeing #Money #UNISONCollege
November 2024
YOUNG WORKERS MONTH
November is Young Workers Month! Are you 30 or under and want to know more about being in a union? Get in touch today and find out what opportunities await you when you join UNISON!
Today marks the start of #YoungWorkersMonth! With UNISON, young members get more than just a voice – they get a community.
Explore how joining a union can boost your career, education, and personal journey. Ready to take that step?
Find out more click here
October / November 2024
NJC PAY AWARD LATEST NEWS
Dear Member,
As you will be aware, the NJC Pay Award for 2024/25 has now been agreed. The Local Authority has confirmed that they will be paying the backpay as follows:
End of month 002 payroll - Nov 2024
Mid-month 001 payroll - Dec 2024
The Foundation Living Wage rate has also now been agreed and will be processed as above.
October / November 2024
STARS IN OUR SCHOOLS
As part of #StarsInOurSchools and #EarlyYearsStars – we’ve just opened nominate a star. This prize draw is all about recognising the wonderful contribution of support staff in schools and early years settings.
Find our more click here
October 2024
BUDGET DAY
Opinion: A week from the budget, the country needs a new direction. The chancellor faces a tough task, but Rachel Reeves must show that Labour is serious about growth.
Full article click here
October 2024
WEAR RED DAY 2024
Show Racism the Red Card will be celebrating the 10th Anniversary of Wear Red Day on Friday 18 October. Be a proud anti-racist. Be the difference. Join us. #WRD24
Wear Red Day Fund Pack click here
October 2024
HEALTH WORKERS STRIKE ACTION
Health workers in Swansea Bay to vote on strike action over pay. A ballot of more than 700 healthcare support workers employed by the Swansea Bay University Health Board opens on today (Thursday 17 October) and closes on 14 November.
Full article click here
LATEST UPDATE
Swansea Bay hospital staff back strikes in row over pay, says UNISON
Update article click here
October 2024
EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS BILL
Employment Rights Bill gets the green light from MPs. In the days leading up to the vote, over 13,000 UNISON members emailed their MPs, asking them to back the bill at second reading.
Full article click here
October 2024
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FIGHT FOR YOUR RIGHTS - RENTER'S RIGHTS AWARENESS WEEK 2024
Your Guide to a Secure Home 7 – 11 October 2024.
Join us for a series of free webinars, hosted by Generation Rent @genrentuk and UNISON.
Renters: Know Your Rights! – 7th October 6:30pm-7:30pm
Student Renters’ Rights Webinar – 8th October 6pm-7pm
Migrant Renters’ Rights Webinar – 9th October 6pm-7pm
The Past and Future of Renting Webinar – 10th October 6pm-7:30pm
Older Renters’ Rights Webinar – 11th October 6pm-7pm
We hope to see you all there!
Full listing click here
October 2024
COUNCIL CUTS - WALES
That’s funding needed for refuse collection, local parks, recreation and public health facilities, care for the elderly, and so much more. Without funding, services you and your community rely on could soon disappear.
Full listing click here
September 2024
END OF AN ERA
Huge sense of loss in Port Talbot as Tata Steel Furnace 4 is closed today 30.09.24. The greener and low CO2 emission electric arc is due to replace traditional steel making by 2027 but many of the 2,000 workers are not clear on their future at the site #PortTalbot #Baglan #Steel #SteelMaking
September 2024
GREEN UNISON
This September is the beginning of Green UNISON Week, now an established part of the UNISON calendar and a mark of the importance we give this issue in UNISON.
Why climate change is so important for UNISON. As Green UNISON Week begins, the union is launching a new guide to support those who want to get more active on this agenda.
Full article click here
UNISON joins campaign to move away from fossil fuels. The union joins non-proliferation treaty as Christina McAnea says there ‘must be a fast, fair transition away from oil and gas’.
Full article click here
September 2024
VOTING BALLOT REMINDER
All Members,
Look out for a purple envelope containing your ballot paper and send it back in the freepost envelope provided ASAP! UNISON recommends you vote yes for Industrial Action to get the pay award YOU deserve!
Ballot closes on October 16th
#UnisonCymru #UnisonWales
Full article click here
September 2024
STAND TOGETHER
One week left to take part in the higher education consultation. This is your chance to make your voice heard and make a difference to the future of HE pay. Read more about the campaign.
August 2024
UNITY IS OUR STRENGTH
UNISON will stand up to the politics of hate.
Christina McAnea says: “We will work with other unions across the country to call for an end to violence, intimidation and discrimination. Unity is our strength”
August 2024
UNISON MEMBERS WIN SHOPPING VOUCHERS
We're excited to share an exclusive opportunity with you to 'Win £250 in Shopping Vouchers'. This is a Free Prize Draw exclusively available to UNISON members and their families in partnership with the UNISON NHS Dental Plan.
The draw is open to enter until 31st August 2024 and it's completely free, there are no strings attached and you don’t need to take out a plan to enter the draw.
July / August 2024
UNISON MEMBERS 20% OFF NOW
That's right, UNISON Members are entitled to 20% discount.
Only valid for direct bookings through Croyde Bay Resort at croydeunison.co.uk or 01271 890 890.
More information on the Croyde Bay holiday resort, click here
July 2024
PRESSING THE RESET BUTTON
A Labour government can now press the reset button for public services, says UNISON. Investment in communities, health and care must be at the heart of change.
More information link click here
June 2024
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NATIONAL DELEGATE CONFERENCE 2024
Wishing all those travelling to Brighton for Local Government and National Delegates Conference a fantastic week!! Debates, discussions, and decisions a-plenty, helping shape our Union.
June 2024
YOUR VOTE CAN
Voting by post is quick, easy and secure.
- Don’t miss out
- Vote in advance, when it suits you
- No queues, or bad weather to worry about
- Apply now More information link click here
Deadline for registering to vote in the General Election. Register by 11:59pm on 18 June 2024 to vote in the General Election on 4 July 2024.
If you live in England, Wales or Scotland. If you want to apply online for a postal vote, you must apply by 5pm on 19 June 2024.
If you want to apply by post for a postal vote, you must get your postal vote application to your local Electoral Registration Office by 5pm on 19 June 2024.
June 2024
KEY GENERAL ELECTION DATES
- Register to vote: 18 June
- Apply for a postal vote: 19 June
- Apply for Voter ID: 26 June
- Apply for a proxy vote: 26 June
ELECTION DATE: 4th July, 2024
June 2024
ELECTION CAN'T COME SOON ENOUGH
Commenting on the Prime Minister’s decision to call a general election on July 4, Christina McAnea Unison. “Election day can’t come soon enough. Working people and their families are crying out for a new government in Westminster. “One that values public services, can revitalise the economy and has a vision for the future. “Anyone who has struggled to make ends meet, tried to get an NHS appointment, seen council services savaged or wrangled with a social care sector that’s not fit for purpose will welcome this day.
“It’s been clear for months that this government is out of ideas, out of touch and should be out of office.”
May 2024
SCHOOL UNIFORM GRANT
Applications will be made online and a link to apply will be added to the bottom of this webpage when the grant is live.
The grant will open on 29 May 2024 for 750 applications at 8.30am and again for another 750 applications at 5pm. You will not be able to apply before these times.
May 2024
REAL LIVING WAGE
All Registered Care workers in Wales should receive the Real Living Wage of £12 per hour from 1 April 2024.
May 2024
BALLOT PAPERS - VOTE
The Service Group Executive Elections 2024 are just around the corner, have you received your ballot yet? If Not, please give our office a call on (01495 355252) so that we can ensure one is sent out to you.
To all those who have received a ballot, you can either return them via post or online.
Voting closes at 5PM on 17 May, 2024.
May 2024
SG ELECTIONS
What’s a service group (SG)?
Service groups are at the heart of UNISON. We’re the biggest union in the country, covering over a million members from a range of different sectors. Every single union member will belong to one of our seven service groups: health, local government, higher education, police and justice, community, water and environment, transport and energy.
What do they do?
April 2024
HOW TO VOTE - NEW ID REQUIREMENTS
This is a milestone year for democracy. Four billion people, more than half of the world’s population, will go to the polls in 2024. It is the first time so many have been able to exercise their vote in a single year.
More information link click here
April 2024
COUNCIL AND SCHOOL PAY
We've submitted our local government pay claim for 2024. We've asked for:
- £3,000 or 10%, whichever is greater
- Review of equality pay gaps
- Reduction of the working week
- Additional annual leave
More information link click here
March 2024
MARCH AGAINST RACISM
Workers from across Wales will be joining a march against racism in the centre of Cardiff.
UNISON, which represents thousands of public sector staff, is supporting the event in the Welsh capital on Sunday 17 March.
Read full article click here
March 2024
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY
There's an exciting online event coming up for International Women's Day.
To register your interest for this excellent event click the link below.
Read full article click here #IWD24
March 2024
DENIED FLEXIBLE WORKING REQUESTS
Three in ten (30%) women employed in schools, hospitals, care homes, town halls, police stations and other key public services across Wales have had their requests to work flexibly denied, according to a UNISON survey.
March 2024
HAPPY ST DAVID'S DAY / DYDD GWYL DEWI HAPUS
March 1st 2024 #UnisonWales
February 2024
EMPOWERING HUMANS IN AN AI WORLD
Andrew Law of the Open University talks to UNISON about the issues and opportunities posed by the AI revolution and how unions have a vital role to play in influencing its development and implementation.
February 2024
LGBT+ WORKERS
At UNISON’s LGBT+ conference in November, delegates welcomed the launch of the Year of LGBT+ Workers which will take place throughout 2024.
This campaign follows UNISON’s successful Year of Disabled Workers campaign in 2022 and the Year of Black Workers in 2023. It is an excellent opportunity to engage LGBT+ workers, grow the union’s LGBT+ membership and embed LGBT+ rights in its organising, campaigning and bargaining strategies.
February 2024
UNISON COLLEGE
There's still time to book on to our Borrowing: Dealing with Debt session on Tues 6 February 12.30 - 1.30pm. We know money is a tough subject, but it’s always good to get as much control as possible. Whatever you do for a living, this session is aimed at those with questions about borrowing money - past, present and future.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Feb 7 - UNISON Learning Cafe
Feb 14 - Introduction to Excel
Feb 14 - Budgeting in 2024
Feb 15 - Getting started with Mentoring Skills
Feb 28 - Disabled Members Branch Officer Training.
For more information and to register, please click the link
UNISON USEFUL LINKS TO SAVE YOU MONEY
Please inform us if you see an outdated link, thank you.
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.
January 2024
KEEP WARM THIS WINTER
UNISON's charity, There for You, is again helping members stay warm this winter with grants of up to £200 towards your fuel bills.
Set a reminder for Wednesday 24 January, as grants go live at 8.30am and 5pm and they go fast.
January 2024
2024 POD CAST
A new episode of the UNISON Local Government podcast is out now. Yesterday, an 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
January 2024
2024 LOCAL SERVICE CHAMPIONS AWARDS
Our annual Local Service Champions Awards celebrate the incredible work that local authority staff do and its impact on the lives of the people who depend on it. Without dedicated workers who make a difference so many invaluable services would disappear, so we owe our champions a huge debt.
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
