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
ARCHIVE 2024 STORIES
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
Full article click here
December 2024
YOUNG MEMBERS MENTAL HEALTH
UNISON believes mental health is a trade union issue.
We all have difficult times, and sometimes that’s because of work. Our leaflet for our Young Members Mental Health Matters campaign outlines how we look after our young members.
Full article click here
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
December 2024
THANK YOU
Thank you to everyone who got involved with the #starsinourschools and #earlyyearsstars celebrations. We appreciate everything that you do!
Don’t forget we still have two fantastic competitions running:
Nominate a star Full article click here
Croyde Bay competition: Full article click here
December 2024
FREE ABSENCE GUIDANCE
NEW - revised sickness absence guidance gives step-by-step advice to improve terms at work. Advice on understanding norms, making a case for a review, policies to pre-empt absence, rate and duration of sick pay, procedures and model survey and agreement.
Free PDF click here
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
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
November 2024
WINTER ESSENTIALS GRANT
Winter is tough enough. UNISON's Winter Essentials Grant is here to help members with £200 food shopping vouchers. Open 24 hours on 11 December.
Check eligibility here
October / November 2024
NJC PAY AWARD LATEST NEWS
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 out more click here
October 2024
WORLD MENOPAUSE DAY
On #WorldMenopauseDay UNISON calls for meaningful workplace support for anyone experiencing the menopause.
The menopause is an issue for everyone who cares about fairness in the workplace, not only those who experience it directly.
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
to
RENTER'S RIGHTS AWARENESS WEEK
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 - MONMOUTHSHIRE
Monmouthshire (Sir Fynwy) - Wales
£12,300,000 funding gap.
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
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
September 2024
VOTING BALLOT REMINDER
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
MONMOUTHSHIRE UNISON IN SUPPORT
See Caerphilly Unison for full details.
August 2024
UNITY IS OUR STRENGTH
Opinion: 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
BEVAN DAY
Health workers in Wales and across the UK will be honoured at the birthplace of NHS founder Nye Bevan this weekend. The annual Bevan Day event in Tredegar will take place on Sunday July 7 and mark 76 years of the national health service.
- 10:30 assemble at Charles Street, Tredegar
- 11:00 march to Bedwellty Park, Tredegar
- 12:00 speeches at Bedwellty Park
The event featured speakers including UNISON Cymru/Wales regional secretary Jess Turner, Wales TUC general secretary Shavanah Taj, TUC general secretary Paul Nowak, Unite lead health officer in Wales Richard Munn and Alun Davies MS.
June 2024
CLEAN AIR DAY
It's #CleanAirDay and Feargal Sharkey is helping us promote the benefits of a cleaner environment.
Our members are at the frontline of the crisis emergency and understand how we can work to improve our planet for now and for the future.
Sign the Global Action Plan petition now to help make every day #CleanAirDay
More information link here
June 2024
to
2024 NATIONAL DELEGATE CONFERENCE
18 – 21 June 2024
The Brighton Centre Kings Road Brighton East Sussex BN1 2GR
We have now opened the Online Conference System (OCS) to allow branches to register delegates and submit motions in line with the rule-book requirements. Please note the deadline to submit motions on OCS is 12.00 noon on Tuesday 27th February 2024.
More information link here
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
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.”
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
May 2024
CYMRU WALES TUC
Everyone at Wales TUC Cymru is taking part in our engagement board. Every pound spent on social care should go towards those receiving help and the workforce providing it.
#TUCCymru50 #CymruTUC #WalesTUC #CymruTradesUnionCongress
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
to 
NATIONAL LEARNING WEEK
Explore the power of learning! All sessions free of charge and open to all. Unison College, National Learning at Work Week.
13-17 May #LearningAtWorkWeek #LearningPower2024
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.
April / May 2024
SOLIDARITY WITH TATA STEEL WORKERS
Caerphilly Trades Council is with Swansea Trades Council.
May Day march and rally organised by Cardiff Trades Council
Assemble 12 noon, top of Churchill Way at Queen Street CF10 2GR. Bring your banners!
Speakers include Unite Port Talbot Tata; Shavanah Taj, Wales TUC, Solidarity with Gaza #TUC #TUCWales #MayDay #Gaza
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
REGIONAL COUNCIL
Today we're at Venue Cymru in Llandudno for the start of our Unison Wales regional council.
#WalesTUCCymru #UNISON #UNISONWales
March 2024
UNISON 2024 YEAR OF THE LGBT+
Thanks to all who attended the launch of the UNISON 2024 Year of the LGBT+ Worker at the Golden Cross in Cardiff.
#WalesTUCCymru #TradesUnionCongress #TUC
March 2024
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY
On International Women’s Day we celebrate women's achievement and all global activism committed to forging equality.
We are a union of over a million women members in the UK, through our collective efforts we aim to support and #InspireInclusion.
Read More #IWD24
March 2024
HAPPY ST DAVID'S DAY / DYDD GWYL DEWI HAPUS
Happy Saint David's Day
February 2024
AGM 2024
Our final AGM event, which will be held online via Microsoft Teams. Online joining instructions and papers/reports will be circulated by email in due course. Please download our Word document for details.
February 2024
APPRENTICE MEMBERS
Apprentices can join UNISON from £10 a year which gives you the support of a union - our reps, legal team, a helpline and more.
UNISON organises, protects and campaigns for apprentices #Unison #NationalApprenticeshipWeek #NAW2024
February 2024
Deadline: 
THE OPEN UNIVERSITY COURSES
We have teamed up with The Open University to offer members free access to university-level Microcredential courses & CPD Short Courses. Deadline for March start date is 9 Feb so get your applications in.
February 2024
SELF CATERING COTTAGE DEALS
DON’T MISS OUT ON OUR MOST POPULAR OFFER TO DATE!
Enjoy a discounted break in Croyde this year. Our 2 Bedroom self-catering cottages are the perfect base for family and friends sleeping up to 6 people.
#UnisonHolidayResort #CroydeBay #UnisonHolidayVillage #Holiday
January 2024
CHAMPIONS IN OUR COLLEGES
Support staff are the unsung heroes in further education, helping to keep colleges running smoothly everyday. Why not give them the recognition they deserve by entering the Nominate a Champion prize draw. #ChampionsInOurColleges
January 2024
KEEP WARM THIS WINTER
The new Unison Wales "Saving Energy in the Kitchen" webinar will now run on the evening of Wednesday 24 January.
Learners already booked on the original date have been informed, and we still have a few places remaining.
All other sessions in the "Good For Your Pocket, Good For the Planet" series are now fully booked, but waiting lists are open.
January 2024
GET HELP
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
HELP BORROWING AND BUDGETING
Unison College webinars can help you to deal with the financial strains of the cost of living crisis this New Year. Your union has organised free lunchtime sessions on Borrowing and Budgeting.
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