Branch Secretary News: Equalities update

Women members  The Employment Rights Act 2025 introduces significant improvements for all workers but particularly women. However, UNISON members deserve more. UNISON submitted responses to the government consultation on bereavement leave (including pregnancy loss). UNISON’s response was based extensively on surveying members. Read our survey Read our article: ‘Grief is not one size fits all’ […]

Andrea Egan at Community Conference

Community conference: anti-racist, feminist, organised

From defending employment rights and pensions to advancing racial justice, climate action and a National Care Service, collective organising is shifting the balance of power – and delivering real change for community workers

Helen Astley, Library Assistant, Hereford Library, Hereford.

The impact of library closures goes far beyond book-lending

‘Our libraries are the NHS for the soul – free at the point of use, there when we need them most’

female cleaner in a hospital

Teesside NHS staff win campaign to end two‑tier workforce, says UNISON

A new agreement, negotiated by UNISON, ensures they will receive the same pay and benefits as people they work alongside.

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Supporting Muslim staff during Ramadan

As Ramadan begins, thoughtful workplace adjustments and open conversations can help Muslim employees balance faith, wellbeing and work

Andrea Egan addresses UNISON national higher education conference

Education is a public good, not a private profit

Debates at UNISON’s 2026 higher education conference included threats to jobs, chronic underpay and workplace injustice

‘Grief is not one size fits all’

UNISON members call for greater flexibility and support for bereavement and pregnancy loss

Call centre staff

The unseen stars supporting members

Whether it’s an urgent workplace issue, a welfare concern, or simply reassurance in a difficult moment, the staff of UNISONdirect are listening, guiding and supporting

Andrea Egan

Andrea Egan begins 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’

Members on strike with UNISON banners in Yorkshire and Humberside.

Appeal for striking members at the National Coal Mining Museum

40 members have been on strike since 20 August 2025 over a pay rise which was offered, then retracted by their employer

WASPI women at UNISON conference

Time is running out for the WASPI women

UNISON is urging members to support women affected by pension inequality and to write to their MP now

Year of green activity green banner

UNISON conferences are going greener

To mark the UNISON Year of Green Activity, the union is introducing two important changes to its conference experience

UNISON Centre sign

UNISON condemns the US military attack on Venezuela

Union condemns ‘a serious breach of international law and an attack on national sovereignty’, and calls for diplomacy, peace and respect for democracy

Unison president, Catherine McKenna, and award recipients of the 2025 Eric Roberts Award, standing in front of conference.

Young members are a force to be reckoned with

UNISON’s annual national young members conference showcased the growing confidence, diversity and activism of members aged 18–30

Local service champions awards 2026 – nominations now open

Local government workers rarely seek recognition – but they deserve it. Nominate someone you know who goes above and beyond to help their community thrive