Christina McAnea has been promoted to assistant general secretary, and Sara Gorton takes over as head of health, UNISON announced today (Friday).
Christina will be responsible for bargaining and negotiations across health, local government and education. She will also be responsible for the unions’ equalities work.
Christina was previously head of health, a job she held for six years, and before that covered roles in the education, local government and police sectors.
Sara Gorton has taken over from Christina as head of health. Previously Christina’s deputy, Sara had responsibility for NHS pay and health campaigning work. Sara will now succeed Christina as lead negotiator for the 14 unions across the NHS.
Commenting on her appointment, Christina McAnea said: “I’m proud to move to this pivotal role, working on behalf of those who provide our public services.
“The big challenge is to end the public sector pay cap and ensure proper funding for both the services we rely on, and the workforce that are essential to provide them.
“They do a fantastic job and should be properly rewarded for their often difficult and stressful work.”
Sara Gorton said: “The NHS is facing huge challenges. A re-think on funding and pay is essential. Pay restraint must be lifted and any changes to the health service must not be driven by cost.
“Securing the right to stay for EU nationals is a key concern, as is how the NHS can hold onto its experienced staff, and recruit the next generation.
“NHS employees have the right to be safe at work but many are not. More must be done to understand the reasons why persistently high numbers of NHS staff experience violence at work, and stop these attacks from happening in the first place.”
Notes for editors:
– Images of Christina and Sara are available on request from the press office.
Media contacts:
Sophie Goodchild T: 0207 121 5546 M: 07767 325595 E: s.goodchild@unison.co.uk
Alan Weaver T: 0207 121 5555 M: 07939 143310 E: a.weaver@unison.co.uk