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Please inform us if you see an outdated link, thank you.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.
September 2025
ANTHONY HUNT
Thank you UNISON Labour Link for your nomination for the Monmouthshire And Torfaen selection. Alongside other Unions, we’ve worked together in partnership during my time as a council leader - so your support shows I walk the walk as well as talking the talk. Together we can build a fairer, greener, more equal Wales,
September 2025
Closing date 
ARTIST CALL OUT
Allech chi greu dyluniad poster beiddgar sy'n cipio ysbryd UNISON Cymru?
Could you create a bold poster design which captures the spirit of UNISON Cymru?
UNISON invites artists in Wales to design commemorative artwork for landmark change. Now Welsh-based artists, or those with a connection to Wales, are being offered the chance to create a work celebrating the new devolved identity. The final choice of best design will be left to a poll of the 90,000-strong membership. The winning artwork will be turned into a poster to be displayed at the union’s 50-plus branch offices across Wales and on social media.
There is also a £450 prize. The deadline for artists to submit designs is noon on Friday 26 September 2025. The union is not seeking a new or redesigned logo #ArtPrize #ArtAndDesign #Artists More information link click here
September 2025
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START PLANNING FOR UNISON GREEN WEEK
Green UNISON Week, in September, is an ideal opportunity to lay the seeds for the union’s 2026 Year of Green Activity. UNISON is urging its members, particularly its environmental activists, to start planning for the union’s green week, which takes place on 19-26 September. More information link click here
UNISON Green Week, in September, is an ideal opportunity to lay the seeds for the union’s 2026 Year of Green Activity #GreenWeek #UNISONGreenWeek More information link click here
September 2025
WORLD SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY
A time to raise awareness, break stigma, and remind everyone that help is always available. In Wales, 350 people died by suspected suicide between April 2023 and March 2024, a rate of 12.4 per 100,000 people. Men accounted for 76% of these deaths, with the highest rates among those aged 35–44. Suicide is preventable, and talking about it can save lives. Let’s check in with each other and share support.
Key Support Numbers in Wales include:
NHS Mental Health 111 (Option 2): 24/7 urgent mental health support – Call 111 and press 2
Samaritans: Free, confidential, 24/7 – Call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org
C.A.L.L. Mental Health Helpline: Emotional support and signposting – 0800 132 737 or text ‘help’ to 81066
HOPELINE247 (Papyrus): For those under 35 or concerned about a young person – 0800 068 4141, text 88247, or email pat@papyrus-uk.org
Shout: 24/7 text support – Text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258
August 2025
WARM HOME DISCOUNT
In England and Wales, households receiving Housing Benefit, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, Pension Credit, or Universal Credit will qualify. #Winter #WinterBills #WinterDiscount More information link click here
August 2025
UPDATE YOUR DETAILS
It’s so important that UNISON has the correct contact information for you so that vital things like ballot papers can reach you without delay - check your MyUNISON account now to see if you’re up to date #Unison #UnisonMembers #UnisonUpdate Update your details now link click here
August 2025
SUMMER LEARNING FOR MEMBERS
UNISON College’s learning and training programmes continue through the summer. Here are some highlights for both members and activists: More information link click here
July 2025
NJC IMPORTANT UPDATE
Yesterday a joint Trade Union position was reached to settle the NJC pay for 2025. The NJC has written to the National Employers this morning informing them of this.
When writing to the Employers, the trade unions made it clear that we remained disappointed by the offer, and we also stressed that we will be working on the 2026 pay claim very soon and we will want to engage in full and meaningful negotiations on 2026/27 pay, and the pay spine review, as soon as possible.
Once all the formalities have been undertaken, which shouldn’t take too long, the 3.2% pay increase will be applied to all pay points and backpay from April 1st 2025 paid as soon as possible.
July 2025
CALENDAR OF FESTIVALS IN WALES
A wide range of annual events and festivals take place around Wales. Here are some key highlights including music, arts, culture, sport, food and drink suitable to include in client itineraries. More information link click here
July 2025
SUMMER TRAINING AND EVENTS
July, August and September upcoming training and events for members. A list of course types can be found here #Activists #BranchOfficers #HealthAndSafety More information link click here
July 2025
GET INVOLVED
Your online hub for activities, support and volunteering across Torfaen #TorfaenConnect #FunActivities #ThingsToDo #CalendarOfEvents #Volunteers More information link click here
July 2025
CROYDE BAY
Great discounts for all members this summer in the beautiful Croyde Bay Resort in North Devon #CroydeBay #SummerHolidays #FamilyHolidays #MembersDiscounts #ThingsToDo #OutAndAbout Full details link click here
June / July 2025
HEATWAVE WARNINGS
Extreme Heat at Work: A Critical Health and Safety Issue. Climate change is significantly impacting worker safety and health, exposing them to higher daily temperatures and more frequent, severe heatwaves. #Heatwave #WeatherWarning #HighTemperatures #WorkingEnvironment More information link click here
June 2025
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LIVERPOOL CONFERENCE
Another jam packed day of debates at Local Government Conference in Liverpool. Motions on the Disability Employment Charter, Artificial Intelligence and its impact on Local Government Workers, NJC Bargaining, and Severe Weather Events.
June 2025
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CARERS WEEK
Carers Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK. It also helps people who don't think of themselves as having caring responsibilities to identify as carers and access much-needed support. More information please click here
June 2025
PRIDE MONTH
The Pride events are grass-root community-led events that celebrate inclusivity, equality and diversity, allowing everyone to be their authentic self. Click the link to find Pride events in Torfaen.
Torfaen Pride link please click here.
May 2025
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK - SIGHT CYMRU
What do you need today? Is it comfort? Hope? Peace? Whatever it is, take it. You deserve it.
Our "Take What You Need" graphic is a gentle reminder that you're not alone, and support comes in many forms. We understand the impact sight loss can have on mental health, and we offer a wide range of wellbeing services. To have a chat about them:
Phone: 01495 763650
Email: becs.harris@sightcymru.org.uk
Sight Cymru Facebook please click here.
#MentalHealthFoundation #MentalHealthMatters #SightCymru #Wellbeing #YouAreNotAlone
![[PD: A yellow background with colourful purple and pink flowers in the corners. In the centre is a white sheet of paper with the large black text heading, "Take What You Need." Along the bottom of the paper, there are vertical tear-off tabs with the words, "Comfort, Hope, Inspiration, Forgiveness, Motivation, and Peace." One of the tabs, labelled "Peace," is slightly torn away to suggest it’s being taken. At the bottom is the logo of Sight Cymru. This is an eye with a heart in the centre and the words "Sight Cymru" underneath.]](https://www.unisoningwent.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/monmouthshire/jpg/Take-What-You-Need.jpg "Take-What-You-Need")
May 2025
NEC ELECTIONS 2025
You decide! No ballot pack?
Call 0800 0857 857
“The NEC make decisions about how the union uses your subscriptions to protect jobs and pay, so please vote.” UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea urges all members to vote in the ballot for the union’s National Executive Council. #NEC NECElections #PleaseVote #UNISON
May 2025
FAIR PAY
Schools and council workers have been offered a pay increase of 3.2% from 1 April 2025 by the NJC employers. The offer also includes a proposal to delete the bottom pay point (SCP2) from the national pay spine on 1st April 2026. UNISON’s head of local government, Mike Short, said: ‘With household bills still rising, council and school staff need a decent pay award after years of below-inflation deals and deep cuts to local government services.
‘It's vital central government also plays its part through sustained investment in local authorities. UNISON will meet to discuss the employers’ offer in early May and decide next steps.’ Keep an eye on your inboxes for more information. Read the full offer please click here
April 2025
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SAVE OUR SERVICES
We're organising a week of collective campaigning on council funding. From Tuesday 22 April to Friday 25 April, we will be piling the pressure onto the Government to urgently address the funding crisis in local government. We are asking members, branches and activists to generate as much noise as possible, pressuring ministers to pay attention and fund local government properly. #SaveOurServices
Hit this link to see how you can help.
April 2025
CALLING ALL CARE WORKERS
You should be paid a minimum of £12.60 an hour, the Real Living Wage, from 1st April this year. If you are paid below this rate, let us know as soon as possible so we can work to correct it. Send the UNISON Cymru care team an email careworkcymru@unison.co.uk
April 2025
NOMINATE A CHAMPION
As part of this year’s Champions in Our Colleges celebration day (taking place on Friday 2 May 2025) – we are running a prize draw called Nominate a Champion. This prize draw is all about recognising the fantastic contributions of support staff in colleges. These staff members work so hard to keep colleges running smoothly and support learners with their education. More information link click here
April 2025
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU ON WELFARE REFORM
A message from your Cymru Convenor, Jan Tomlinson, and Cymru Secretary, Jess Turner:
“This afternoon, there will be an emergency debate in the Senedd on the impact of the Chancellor’s welfare reform in Wales. So far, Welsh Government has said the impact of the cuts in Wales is unknown. “UNISON Cymru wants to build a picture explaining the impact of these cuts on public sector workers in Wales and how our members who are reliant on the benefits system feel about their future financial security.
We are asking UNISON members in Wales who may be impacted by the reforms to help us understand your reality. “If you have any feedback you would like to share, please follow the link to complete a short form. Your personal details will be kept in confidence.”
More information link click here
March 2025
NEW DEAL
There's still time to register for tomorrow's webinar. Join us on 27 March at 4pm this to find out what the new School Support Staff Negotiating Body means for you and how you can make a difference to the issues you are facing at work. Register click here
March 2025
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CELEBRATING NEURODIVERSITY WEEK
Let's take a moment to recognise and embrace the incredible diversity of human minds. Neurodiversity acknowledges that neurological differences are to be respected and valued just like any other form of human diversity. Join us in celebrating the unique strengths, perspectives, and talents of neurodiverse individuals. Together, we can foster a more inclusive and understanding world.
Let's break stereotypes, raise awareness, and show support.
#NeurodiversityWeek #EmbraceDifference #InclusionMatters
More information link click here
March 2025
ATTITUDES MUST CHANGE
Women not safe from violence and misogyny, including at work. Attitudes must change, Christina McAnea says on International Women’s Day.
More information link click here
March 2025
WOMEN'S CELEBRATORY DAY
International Women’s Day is on the 8th March. Providing information on issues affecting women including health, fitness and well-being amongst others #AccelerateAction #InternationalWomensDay
More information link click here
March 2025
DYDD GWYL DEWI HAPUS
Happy Saint David's Day. Saint David's Day, or the Feast of Saint David, is the feast day of Saint David, the patron saint of Wales, and falls on 1 March, the date of Saint David's death in 589 AD.
February 2025
VOTING CLOSES
Unison Wales School Support Staff. Voting closes 14th February 5pm.
#YourVoiceYourFuture #WalesSchoolSupportStaff
Torfaen Facebook link click here
Unison Wales School Support Staff Full article link please click here
February 2025
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HEART UNISON
Heart Unions Week is all about building a stronger union movement – telling positive stories of change and sharing the many benefits of union membership. This year, as well as celebrating local wins and putting members at the heart of our communications, a great focus for UNISON is our campaign around the Employment Rights Bill. We’ve branded it ‘A better life at work’ and you can find all the latest news here #JoinUNISON #UnisonCymruWales #HeartUNISON More information link click here
February 2025
UNISON COLLEGE IN CYMRU / WALES
All UNISON Members across the UK can access exclusive courses, bursaries, financial support, special events and e-learning platforms from UNISON College.
Find out what you can do today!
Full courses click here
January / February 2025
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HAVE YOUR SAY
Have your say on how your pay is negotiated. The way school support staff’s pay and employment conditions are negotiated in England is changing. We are asking members in Wales how they would prefer their pay is negotiated in future and that will become UNISON Cymru’s lobbying position with government. Hearing your opinion is really important. We are holding a three-week consultation process and an electronic vote on your preferred way forward between Monday 27 January and 5pm on Friday 14 February. We are asking you to rank the three options in order of preference, 1 being your top preferred option.
Have Your Say click here
January 2025
Nominations close at 16:00 on Friday 17 January 2025
LOCAL SERVICE CHAMPIONS
UNISON celebrates and defends local government workers for the everyday heroes they are.
Without great people running our local services, our communities would suffer. Nominations for the 2025 awards are now open – take 5 minutes to nominate someone that has gone above and beyond this year.
To nominate click here
January 2025
SCHOOL BUDGETS
School budgets need protecting, says UNISON in response to Institute of Fiscal Studies funding report. Delivering the education all children and young people deserve cannot be achieved without proper funding.
Full article 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