Welcome to UNISON Monmouthshire
Branch latest news, archive news, updates, stories, information and branch representatives
UNISON Office, 1st Floor Community Education Centre
18 Maryport Street, Usk, Monmouthshire, NP15 8AE
Telephone: 01291 675502
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The largest town is Abergavenny. Other towns and large villages are Caldicot, Chepstow, Monmouth, Magor and Usk. The region boosts more castles per square mile than anywhere else in the UK. Nestled between the Brecon Beacons National Park and the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It’s not just the stunning landscape that’ll take your breath away for it is known for its mountain walks, public houses, restaurants, fabulous food and company.
UNISON USEFUL LINKS TO SAVE YOU MONEY
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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
March 2026
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 More information click here
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 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. 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 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
PDF AGM Document:
PDF Final Accounts:
MONMOUTHSHIRE UNISON AGM 2026
Monmouthshire UNISON will be hosting AGMs across three dates and times to share officer reports, approve the accounts, and to undertake the election of branch officers and stewards. This is your opportunity to hear about the work undertaken across the year, and plans for UNISON’s Year of Green Activism for 2026.
Tuesday 10th February at 10:00 to 11:00 GMT.
Wednesday 11th February at 12:30 to 13:30 GMT.
Thursday 12th February at 17.00 to 18:00 GMT.
All an online event. Links to each event will be provided in due course.
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
FIX IT FEB
Have you heard of Fix it February? We have four fantastic Repair Cafes in Monmouthshire - Abergavenny, Chepstow, Goytre and Monmouth. Why not make February your month for getting something fixed rather than throwing away. Fix it Feb is back and bigger than ever! All month we’re shining a spotlight on repair & reuse, and how they have a positive impact on mental health, saving money, the environment, and the community #RepairCafe #Repairs #Repair #Volunteering #CommunitySupport #RepairCafeWales #Reuse #ReuseReduceReCycle #FixItFeb #Recycle More information 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
BREW MONDAY
On #BrewMonday 19 Jan, we’re encouraging everyone to take a moment to connect.
Hold a get-together in your workplace – coffee, tea, whatever works!
When someone’s carrying worries, it can feel lonely – but a brew, a biscuit, and a chat can go a long way.
#Samaritans #MentalHealth Find out more about #BrewMonday from the Samaritans
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
December 2025
LOCAL SERVICES CUT TO THE BONE
We launched our important new report today, examining the true cost of 15 years of cuts to local services in Wales. The message from every speaker was the same: councils have been cut to the bone.
Jan Davies, chair of the UNISON Cymru Local Government Committee, opened the event by setting out how far funding has fallen. Our head of local government. Darron Dupre, described the scale of the damage, with tens of thousands of jobs lost, services stretched to breaking point and women bearing the brunt of the cuts. Gwawr Eilian from Gwynedd spoke about staff who live and work in their communities. Lianne Dallimore from Caerphilly reflected on growing up with strong public services and how far things have changed. Award-winning campaigner Molly Fenton spoke about the growing mental health crisis facing young people and the lack of integrated health and local services to support them.
Report author Andy Mudd set the findings in a wider context, explaining how decades of austerity, outsourcing and a supply-side approach to the welfare state have failed. The event closed with UNISON Cymru regional secretary Jess Turner, who spoke about members’ lived experience of cuts and called on politicians to make insourcing a priority so public money stays in communities and services can be rebuilt.
Full Report click link here
December 2025
UNISON DIRECT
UNISON member and need help? Call UNISON Direct on 0800 0 857 857 #UNISONDirect
Christmas Hours:
Wednesday 24 December 7am-2pm
Thursday 25 December Closed
Friday 26 December Closed
Saturday 27 December Closed
Sunday 28 December Closed
Monday 29 December 7am-11pm
Tuesday 30 December 7am-11pm
Wednesday 31 December 7am-2pm
Thursday 1 January Closed
Friday 2 January 7am-11pm
Saturday 3 January 9am-4pm
December 2025
LOCAL SERVICE CHAMPIONS
The Local Service Champions Awards aim to recognise the outstanding contributions of local government staff who go above and beyond in their role. Those unsung heroes who always go the extra mile to give ongoing support to our communities. To take part you must be a UNISON member, and the person you are nominating must be a member too. Information link click here
December 2025
WINTER HELP
Winter is tough enough. UNISON's Winter Essentials Grant is here to help members with £200 food shopping vouchers. Open 24 hours on 10 December. Check Eligibility link click here
December 2025
WELFARE REFORM REPORT
On International Day of Persons with Disabilities, UNISON reaffirms its commitment to driving change and shaping welfare reform that helps our members stay well and thrive at work.
Read our Welfare Reform report and more from our members on this key issue: #IDPD #DisabilityEquality #Disability Welfare Reform Report link click here
December 2025
CHRISTMAS REWARDS
Christmas Rewards! As a UNISON member you can save £££’s on discounted gift vouchers and shopping cards and get cashback from top retailers such as Argos, Currys, M&S, IKEA, Boots, and more. More information link click here
December 2025
NEW: PLEASE SHARE
NEW: School support staff across Wales are being pushed into poverty because the current system for setting pay isn’t working. A major new Labour Research Department report, commissioned by UNISON Cymru, shows staff are routinely graded incorrectly, working above their contracted hours and rarely paid for the extra responsibilities they take on. The findings make a strong case for establishing a Wales School Support Staff Negotiating Body to end the postcode lottery in pay, address long-standing problems and ensure job roles reflect the work staff actually do. Please read and share the report today
December 2025
TIME TO VALUE
Today we launched Time to value school support staff: The case for a Wales School Support Staff Negotiating Body, our major new report produced with the Labour Research Department.
We heard powerful testimony from UNISON members about their lives in schools. They spoke about overwhelming workloads, low pay and the reality of being pushed into in-work poverty despite their essential role supporting children’s education.
We also heard from the Cabinet Secretary for Education, who spoke about her commitment to tackling this social justice issue and ensuring the contribution of school support staff is properly recognised.
The report authors from the Labour Research Department set out the evidence in detail. From widespread grade mismatch and unpaid responsibilities to the urgent need for a dedicated Wales School Support Staff Negotiating Body to deliver fair pay, clear progression and national consistency.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and to the members who shared their experiences. Today showed why change is needed and why Wales must take this opportunity to build a fairer system for school support staff.
December 2025
STARS IN OUR SCHOOLS SUPPORT
School support staff across Wales have been pushing for a fair way to decide their pay and conditions. Low wages and the injustice of term-time only pay cannot be fixed without a dedicated national system that works for Wales. UNISON has commissioned an independent report setting out how a Wales-only school support staff negotiating body could work in practice. The findings will be launched at the Senedd this December. Creating a Wales SSSNB is one of UNISON’s key priorities ahead of the 2026 Senedd elections.
It is time for a system that values the staff who make our schools work. Unison Cymru School Support Staff: Facebook link click here
November 2025
STORM CLAUDIA SUPPORT
If you have been affected by the recent flooding there is financial support available. Thanks to the generosity of Monmouth residents and businesses and people nationwide wanting to support the Monmouth community, the Mayor’s Fund has reached an amazing total of nearly £133,000. The fund is now open for applications and details of how to apply can be found on Monmouth Town Council’s dedicated "Storm Claudia Recovery Funding" webpage together with links to other financial assistance available. More information link click here
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The British Red Cross has a minimum of £100 in financial support available for people whose properties have been affected by the recent Storm Claudia flooding in Monmouthshire. Eligibility will be verified by Monmouthshire County Council. This support is only available to those who contact the British Red Cross before 12pm on Monday 24th November.
- Visit the Humanitarian Assistance Centre at Shire Hall in Monmouth
- Call the British Red British Red Cross National Support Line on 0808 196 3651
- Email supportline@redcross.org.uk
Information on financial support available from the Red Cross for any of our members who have been affected by Storm Claudia.
#StormClaudia #StormClaudiaFloodSupport #MonmouthshireFloodSupport #FloodSupport
Our Humanitarian Centre at the Shire Hall, Monmouth, is open and available 9am - 5pm every day. Please call in to speak with officers for support and to enquire about the supplies available to aid our response to Storm Claudia. We've also been overwhelmed with generous donations, for which we are incredibly grateful. If you need cleaning products, nappies, or toiletries, please call in to pick them up. More information link click here
November 2025
HEART WARMING
We receive lots of heart warming testimonials about school support staff each year. If you know a support staff member working in a school or early years who goes the extra mile, nominate them for a £50 voucher today #StarsInOurSchools #EarlyYearsStars #UNISONinSchools
More information link click here
November 2025
GENERAL SECRETARY
The election for the next general secretary of UNISON is now OPEN.
This is a paper ballot, and your vote must be returned via post. Election packs are now being posted and will start to arrive in the next few days. Don't worry if yours doesn't arrive straight away.
The general secretary is the public face of the union. They represent you in the media and on TV, in meetings with politicians and in discussions with employers. It’s a very important job and this is an important vote. Don’t miss out on your chance to choose your general secretary.
UNISON POD CAST 2025
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 Monmouthshire Branch
SOCIAL CARE 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