Nearly half a million UNISON members work in health care in the NHS and for organisations providing NHS services across the UK.
We promote and defend the rights of all workers in the health service.
Coronavirus: our advice for health workers
Why join UNISON?
UNISON campaigns to protect the NHS as a publicly funded, free service. We’re the biggest union in the NHS and we negotiate and campaign to get you better pay, terms and conditions.

Representing you
We’re the UK’s largest health union. We represent the whole NHS and health care team. Our members include: nurses, student nurses, midwives, health visitors, healthcare assistants, paramedics, cleaners, porters, catering staff, medical secretaries, clerical and admin staff and scientific and technical staff.

The big issues
This section is about the key issues affecting people employed by the NHS and organisations providing NHS services. Each key issue explains the facts behind the issue, what UNISON is doing and how you can get involved. You will also find news articles, useful resources and events.
Resources
-
Overseas nurses recruitment leaflet
31 March 2021
noneA leaflet to recruit overseas nurses into UNISON.
-
Step by step guide to the new NHS pay progression process
8 March 2021
noneStep by step guide to the new NHS pay progression process – including tips on how to get the best out of the process. Available as a PDF download.
-
The temporary register – guidance for overseas nurses. January 2021.
6 January 2021
noneThis information is for nurses from overseas who are considering joining the temporary NMC register in response to COVID-19.
Available as a download pdf only. -
It’s not part of the job – poster
4 December 2020
noneA4 poster highlighting NHS staff experiencing physical violence and aggression in the workplace.
-
Healthcare students – poster
3 December 2020
noneA4 poster advertising the benefits of student membership of UNISON.
-
Tax Claim form
19 May 2020
none -
Professional indemnity cover for health staff – UPDATED 2020
20 April 2020
noneUNISON indemnity insurance A5 leaflet outlining the comprehensive package of cover UNISON offers its healthcare members
-
Be Safe UNISON guidance on raising the issue of staffing levels and better standards of care in the NHS
9 March 2020
noneUNISON guidance on raising the issue of staffing levels and better standards of care in the NHS. PDF for download only.
-
Menstruation dignity for patients in mental health care A guide for UNISON health branches.
27 February 2020
noneA guide for UNISON branches that calls for menstruation dignity for inpatients in a mental health setting. Available as PDF download only.
-
UNISON – the union for assistant practitioners – leaflet
29 January 2020
noneA recruitment leaflet aimed at assistant practitioners in health.
-
NHS England pay scales (toblerone) Bands 8B-9
20 March 2019
noneNHS England pay scales 2018-2021. Bands 8B-9. A desktop toblerone outlining NHS pay rates for bands 8B-9 between 2018 and 2021
-
NHS England pay scales (toblerone) Bands 5-8A
20 March 2019
noneNHS England pay scales 2018-2021. Bands 5-8A. Desktop toblerone outlining NHS pay rates for bands 5-8A between 2018 and 2021.
-
NHS England pay scales (toblerone Bands 1-4)
20 March 2019
noneNHS England pay scales 2018-2021. Bands 1-4. Desktop toblerone outlining NHS pay rates for bands 1-4 between 2018 and 2021.
-
Apprenticeships in health – The experience of UNISON members.
25 February 2019
noneA short guide exploring the experiences of UNISON apprentice members working in various roles across the Health sector. Branches should use this tool to support open discussions with existing staff, about apprenticeship routes into roles. Available pdf download only.
-
Getting it right – are you being charged for your DBS check?
25 February 2019
none -
Poster for BAOT/UNISON training seminar
21 January 2019
noneA poster advertising the 2019 BAOT/UNISON stewards’ training seminar
-
UNISON – the union for paramedics. Leaflet
11 October 2018
noneAn A5 leaflet outlining why UNISON is the union for paramedics. Can be used to recruit paramedics.
-
UNISON – the union for all ambulance staff. Leaflet
11 October 2018
noneAn A5 leaflet outlining why UNISON is the union for all ambulance staff. Can be used for recruitment and at recruitment events.
-
Tax relief FAQs – Word version
30 August 2018
none -
10 reasons to support the proposed NHS pay deal joint union leaflet – Spanish version
19 April 2018
noneJoint unions leaflet outlining 10 reasons to accept the proposed NHS pay deal. Spanish version.
PDF only -
10 reasons to support the proposed NHS pay deal joint union leaflet – Polish version
19 April 2018
noneJoint unions leaflet outlining 10 reasons to accept the proposed NHS pay deal. Polish version.
-
UNISON – have your say on pay leaflet – Spanish version
19 April 2018
noneA5 leaflet in Spanish informing members about the consultation on health pay and telling them how they can take part
PDF only -
UNISON – have your say on pay leaflet – Polish version
19 April 2018
noneA5 leaflet in Polish informing members about the consultation on health pay and telling them how they can take part
-
Have your say on pay Poster advertising local meetings
16 April 2018
noneAn A4 poster that can be used to advertise local meetings on NHS pay. There is space to put meeting details.
-
Have your say on pay here today A3 poster
16 April 2018
noneA3 poster to use if holding events where members can take part in the online pay ballot
-
Have Your Say on Pay We missed you postcard
16 April 2018
noneA postcard for reps to use when doing walkabouts in workplaces to discuss the NHS pay offer. These are specifically designed to be left for colleagues you haven’t been able to speak to – not just put in staff rooms etc
-
10 reasons to support the proposed NHS pay deal – joint union leaflet
13 April 2018
none -
UNISON – improving NHS pay. Poster
22 March 2018
noneA UNISON Poster on pay offer for NHS staff in England.
-
Joint trade union leaflet on pay
21 March 2018
noneA joint trade union leaflet outlining the proposed three year pay deal for the NHS in England
-
UNISON, leading the campaign to improve your NHS pay – leaflet
21 March 2018
noneA UNISON leaflet with details of the proposed pay offer for NHS staff in England
-
No back door privatisation A5 leaflet
15 January 2018
noneA leaflet to use to campaign against trusts who plan to create private companies to provide estates and facilities services
-
UNISON Consultation Response to Mental Health Guidance
3 May 2017
none -
UNISON Consultation Response to District Nursing Guidance
3 May 2017
none -
Ratios not Rationing full report
28 April 2017
none -
Ratios Not Rationing summary
24 April 2017
none -
Mental Health Matters UNISON and Mind working together to support the mental health of emergency workers – booklet
5 April 2017
noneA guide for workers in the emergency services to help them deal with a mental health problems or support colleagues. It could also be useful to UNISON reps outside police and ambulance services.
-
We’re celebrating NHS support staff – leaflet
27 March 2017
noneUNISON health branches up and down the country are going to be celebrating NHS support staff by holding One Team For Patient Care events in June. Get involved!
-
Seven day services guidance for STAT reps
10 March 2017
noneUNISON has produced guidance for our science, therapies and technical (STAT) reps faced with extension of operating hours as part of government moves towards greater 24/7 working in the NHS. The guidance stresses the need for careful testing of the evidence base for extending hours, and warns that extending services requires additional funding and close involvement of staff and their union reps before any decisions are made.
-
STPs – UNISON briefing
24 October 2016
noneThis is UNISON’s briefing on the NHS sustainability and transformation plans that was sent to all MPs in England.
-
Agenda for fairness and quality: A negotiators’ guide to apprenticeships in the NHS
18 October 2016
noneUNISON has published a detailed new negotiators’ guide to apprenticeships in the NHS. It provides practical advice on getting apprenticeships on the agenda for partnership working, negotiating on pay and conditions, ensuring quality provision, and how to recruit and organise apprentice
-
Care on the Cheap
7 October 2016
noneFull report of a UNISON survey of clinical support workers
-
Care on the cheap. UNISON survey of clinical support workers Summary report
7 October 2016
noneThe summary of the survey of UNISON members working in health who are clinical support workers.
-
Don’t miss out! Leaflet for students in ambulance sector
31 August 2016
noneA5 leaflet aimed at recruiting student members in the ambulance sector. Should be used alongside the Essential Cover for students recruitment form.
-
Time to talk about pay – responding to the NHS pay award 2016-17
18 March 2016
noneGuidance for branches consulting members on 2016-17 pay award. Full resources have been emailed to branch secretaries and stewards
-
PSU Bulletin – May 2015
26 November 2015
none -
UNISON evidence to the NHS Pay Review Body 2016-17
25 November 2015
noneThis is UNISON’s evidence given to the NHS Pay Review Body for 2016-17.
-
Staff Side Evidence to the NHS Pay Review Body 2016-17
25 November 2015
noneThe NHS trade unions’ submission to the Pay Review Body for the 2016/17 pay round.
-
Undervalued, overwhelmed – UNISON NHS staff report
30 September 2015
noneSurvey of 10,589 members working in the NHS reveals a workforce struggling financially and in the face of chronic understaffing and mounting pressure
-
Introducing the Care Certificate: a UNISON guide
21 April 2015
noneNew branch guide on the Care Certificate. Contains information about the certificate, and bargaining, organising and recruitment advice
-
Partnership Pledge Action Plan
13 March 2015
noneHealth Education England Talent for Care: partnership pledge action plan March 2015
-
Use of surveillance in health and care settings: Guidance for UNISON representatives
2 March 2015
noneThis guidance covers what to do if cameras are installed by providers, or worried relatives, to monitor care
-
Signed joint statement in support of the Law Commission Bill
29 January 2015
noneA joint statement calling on political leaders to commit to bringing forward a bill reforming health care professional regulation
-
Nursing sector e-newsletter: January 2015
19 January 2015
noneKeep up to date with the latest information on nursing at UNISON
-
Nursing sector e-newsletter – December 2014
16 December 2014
noneKeep up to date with the latest information on nursing at UNISON.
-
Nursing sector e-newsletter – November 2014
18 November 2014
noneKeep up to date with the latest information on nursing at UNISON.
-
Ebola: what staff need to know
10 November 2014
noneGuidance to help branches in local discussions with employers. We must stress that the risk in the UK is low however, all NHS orgaisations, irrespective of their role, should have contingency plans in place.
-
UNISON members with the 999 call for the NHS banner
18 August 2014
none -
5 June 2014
noneUNISON members at St Thomas Hospital in London join in NHS Protest Day
-
UNISON staffing survey 2014 – NHS staff stretched to the limit
14 April 2014
noneA report which highlights the nursing staffing levels on our wards on one day in March 2014. This updates the previous version which covered 2013.
-
NHS pay key issue header
31 March 2014
none -
Science, Therapy and Technical Matters: Spring 2014
26 March 2014
noneAn A4 newsletter for health members in the science, technical and therapy occupational group
-
UNISON Submission to the NHS Pay Review Body 2014-15
24 September 2013
noneUNISON evidence submission to the NHS Pay Review Body 2014-15 for public website
-
Joint Staff Side Submission to the Working Longer Review
17 September 2013
noneThis submission to the Working Longer Review was submitted jointly by the NHS trade unions.
-
UNISON Submission to the Working Longer Review 2013
17 September 2013
noneUNISON’s submission to the Working Longer Review, Sept 2013.
-
Agenda for change incremental pay progression arrangements – a UNISON guide
24 July 2013
noneThis is a branch negotiators on the new incremental pay progression arrangements for staff on agenda for change terms and conditions. The intended audience is reps.
-
Ambulance trade unions working together
22 July 2013
noneAmbulance staff Annex E payments, a joint leaflet from UNISON, Unite and GMB.
-
Tell us what you think about changes to unsocial hours payments
22 July 2013
noneAmbulance consultative ballot UNISOn A4 poster.
-
Changes to unsocial hours payments
22 July 2013
noneAmbulance pay leaflet
-
NHS staff council proposed annex E changes
22 July 2013
noneThis report provides information on proposals to change Annex E of Agenda for Change
-
NHS staff council FAQs on annex E proposals
22 July 2013
noneThis report provides detailed information on how proposed changes to Annex E will effect ambulance staff
-
Megan Eccles who will be celebrating her 12th birthday on the same day as UNISONs 20th birthday on 1st July
26 June 2013
none -
Personalisation toolkit
6 June 2013
nonePersonalisation in social care and the expansion of
the social care workforce provide both challenges and
opportunities for UNISON. This toolkit aims to help branches deal with personalisation in social care. -
Duty of care handbook
6 June 2013
noneThe Duty of Care handbook is intended to help UNISON members working in health and social care settings to maintain the duty of care, particularly when there is pressure on services.
-
Care in the Balance (2012)
6 June 2013
noneUNISON safe staffing levels in nursing survey 2012 – final report.
-
Guidance for STAT stewards facing restructuring
6 June 2013
noneAdvice for Science, Therapy and Technical staff facing restructuring
-
UNISON Vision for the NHS
6 June 2013
noneFor publication on website
-
NHS Pay Review Body UNISON Evidence on Market Based Pay
6 June 2013
none -
Our NHS Our Future flyer updated Feb 2012
4 June 2013
noneThese changes will impact on NHS staff like you.
-
Needle-safety at work, poster/leaflet
4 June 2013
noneA4, full colour leaflet, which doubles up as a poster on one side, highlighting the injuries caused by needles and other sharp objects to those working in health The leaflet briefly touches on what are needlestick injuries, what are safer needles and what UNISON is calling for, and how you can help Available only as a pdf download
-
Ward nurses at Manor Hospital, Walsall
25 January 2013
noneMarcus Rose