Nearly half a million UNISON members work in the NHS and for organisations providing NHS services in all four countries of the UK.
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.
We recognise and defend the rights of all workers in the health service. By working together within UNISON, health sector workers are better able to fight for change.
Pay in the NHS
NHS staff have their pay and terms and conditions set by a national scheme known as Agenda for Change.
Sustainability and transformation plans
NHS organisations across England are currently working together to produce sustainability and transformation plans (STPs). What are sustainability and transformation plans? Sustainability and transformation plans (STPs) are five-year local plans for health and care services. They are being developed by 44 geographical areas, or ‘footprints’, covering England. NHS organisations, local authorities and other health and […]
Hospital parking – a charge too far
Staff who drive to work in hospitals in England probably have to pay when they get there. Over two thirds of NHS trusts in England charge their staff to use the hospital car park – and most do not guarantee a parking place, even though people buy an annual pass. If the staff spaces are […]
NHS 70th anniversary
Birthdays are special. This year the NHS is 70 years old and we think that’s something worth celebrating. But it’s also important to defend and protect what we love about the NHS.
Wholly owned subsidiaries in the NHS
The NHS continues to face unprecedented financial pressures. Some trusts in England are seeking to save money by creating wholly owned subsidiary companies to deliver services, including facilities and estates. What are wholly owned subsidiaries? A wholly owned subsidiary is an organisation set up at arm’s length but still owned by the trust. It means […]
Fighting cuts and privatisation in the NHS
The NHS is facing serious threats. Services and jobs are threatened with some employers using the economy as an excuse to attack staff pay, terms and conditions. We believe patients come before money. Find out how UNISON is campaigning to make sure the NHS is safe for patients and staff.