Welcome to UNISON Torfaen
Branch latest news, campaigns and UNISON member offers.
The area has a population of around 91,000.
UNISON Office, Civic Centre
Pontypool, NP4 6YB
Telephone: 01495 766356
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Much of the southern part of the county borough around the Cwmbran new town conurbation is now urbanised. The north of the county borough is greener and retains extensive areas of countryside, especially on the route to Blaenavon.
The administrative centre is Pontypool in the centre of the county borough. Most of the administration of Torfaen County Borough Council is conducted from the Civic Centre here.
UNISON USEFUL LINKS TO SAVE YOU MONEY
Please inform us if you see an outdated link, thank you.
UPDATE YOUR DETAILS
This is why it is so important that we have your up to date details to ensure we are able to reach you .
Calling all UNISON local government members! Please take a moment to check we have your current address. As you know, UNISON local government members rejected the pay offer and work has begun on preparing for an industrial ballot. It’s important to make your voice heard and for you to receive your paper ballot. You can check your address here via My UNISON, or speak to your local UNISON branch.
VIEW OUR FACEBOOK VIDEO
A little reminder why you should choose UNISON Torfaen. Here is a short Facebook video why you should become part of the UNISON family today.
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
FIGHT FOR FAIRNESS
Healthcare support workers across Wales have won a major victory after years of being underpaid for the vital clinical work they do. Together, members put pressure on their health boards and the Welsh government to fix an injustice that saw thousands of staff stuck on Band 2 pay while regularly carrying out Band 3 duties. More information link click here
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
VOTING RESULTS
UNISON members have elected Andrea Egan as the union’s next general secretary in the 2025 general secretary election.
Voting in the ballot was as follows:
Andrea Egan 58,579 (59.82%)
Christina McAnea 39,353 (40.18%)
Report of Voting click link here
December 2025
STARS IN OUR SCHOOLS WINNER
Torfaen school support worker wins Cymru Stars in Our Schools award, says UNISON. A family liaison officer from Torfaen has been named the Cymru winner of UNISON’s Stars in Our Schools award. More information link click here
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. More 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
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
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
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
MASSIVE WIN
More than 6,000 healthcare support workers across Wales will now receive pay rises and back pay after an all-Wales agreement was reached between UNISON Cymru, NHS employers and the Welsh government.
This is the culmination of years of organising. Encouraged and supported by UNISON, healthcare support workers in every health board submitted collective grievances and took action together.
A resounding vote for strike action in Swansea Bay led to an early settlement there. Today’s national agreement finally recognises the clinical duties healthcare support workers have carried out above their banding for years.
Band 2 staff will now move to Band 3, with a recognition payment for the work already done. This is what happens when healthcare support workers stand together.
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.
October 2025
Opens on 
VOTE FOR GENERAL SECRETARY
Every five years, UNISON members choose who will lead our union.
The general secretary represents UNISON to employers, Parliament and the public, the voice of over 1.3 million members. The ballot opens on 28 October.
October 2025
RATE OF PAY
This sets a clear benchmark for the rate of pay needed to keep workers out of poverty.
“Low-paid staff working for fair employers are the ones who’ll see the benefits of this rise. But for most workers in public services, it’s the government’s responsibility to make sure they’re on a decent rate.
October 2025
Event is on November
NOMINATE A STAR
UNISON members can now nominate a fellow school support staff colleague for Stars in Our Schools 2025. Let’s celebrate the unsung heroes of education.
This year the event will take place on Friday 28 November 2025
#StarsInOurSchools #UNISONCymru Nominate form link click here or More information link click here
October 2025
HOPE NOT HATE
UNISON is proud to support Hope not Hate’s weekend of action, taking place on 18-19 October, which aims to bring people together in a show of unity and solidarity #HopeNotHate More information link click here
October 2025
WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY
At UNISON, we know that mental health matters in every workplace, every union branch and every conversation.
Here's four ways we're supporting mental health across the UK.
#WorldMentalHealthDay #UNISON
1. Quality social care - older people face greater risk of depression and anxiety if living in care or alone. UNISON campaigns for properly funded, quality social care.
2. Resources in schools - depression and anxiety are among the leading causes of illness for younger people. UNISON fights for better mental health resources in schools, and support pupils and staff.
3. A fairer workplace - tackling poor working environments, low pay, insecure jobs, and discrimination. UNISON stands up for fair wages, safe conditions, and respect at work. Good jobs mean good mental health.
4. Emergency services - when disaster strikes, workers step up - pandemics, floods, accidents. But who supports them? UNISON campaigns for proper mental health support for emergency and health workers.
October 2025
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
October is the start of Black History Month with the theme “Standing Firm in Power and Pride.”
This year we honour resilience, strength and legacy. We recognise the Black trade unionists and community leaders who stood firm in the fight for fairness, equality and justice. It is time to celebrate our heroes, amplify our voices and continue building a future rooted in power and pride #BHM25 #BlackHistoryMonth More information link click here
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 Torfaen Branch