New public service structures and new providers
Public services are changing
Some services like cleaning and catering are being provided by private companies or the community and voluntary sector. Other services like probation and meat hygiene inspections are now provided by government agencies or quangos.Often these new employers do not fit easily into our current UNISON structures. For example, we now have voluntary sector members in local government and health branches, as well as in geographical and national branches.
Organising through change
The union is faced with a wide range of organisations with mixed backgrounds - some of which will work with trade unions, while others will not.Many branches, particularly in local government, are now organising across a large number of employers. In order to deliver more effectively, UNISON must be able to work with smaller employers as well as large national and international organisations.
The impact of devolution
Devolution to the nations and regions has already had an impact on the union, as the devolved administrations have restructured their services, and in some cases, their pay bargaining.No one can be certain about the exact nature of public services in 10 years' time, but it is likely that services will become more flexible, there will be greater use of technology and the boundaries between sectors and services are changing.
