Dandy – But not as you know it

Conference notes that workers with a disability encounter significantly more hurdles than their non-disabled colleagues. We applaud the great work done both within our WET Sector and the Self Organised Groups (SOGs) structures. However, we know there is always room for improvement when it comes to inclusion. Conference is aware when someone meets the definition […]

The importance of self-organisation in WET

Conference acknowledges the importance of self-organisation within UNISON as it allows marginalised groups within the union to challenge discrimination in the workplace and to campaign in wider society. Conference also notes that members of self-organised groups are a valuable resource to the WET service group as they have knowledge and experience of how our workplaces […]

Gender Pay Justice for Women

Women face low pay at work and low pension in retirement and the gap just doesn’t seem to decrease. The Financial Times reported in September 2023 that hundreds of councils face equal pay claims. Many of the biggest unitary authorities are facing equal pay claims. Women workers are lodging claims because their employers are failing […]

Pay and funding in local government

Conference notes that the cost of living crisis across the UK continues. While the rate of inflation has begun to fall, the prices of food, energy and housing continue to increase. Because the prices of essentials are rising faster than other goods, it is the lowest paid who are affected the most by continued inflation. […]

A new negotiating body for school support staff

Conference notes the Labour Party’s announcement that it will introduce a distinct negotiating body for school support staff if it wins the 2024 general election. The last Labour Government had begun the process of introducing such a body, but it was abolished by the Coalition Government before it had been established. Conference strongly welcomes this […]

Supporting and developing young members and activists within the UNISON Local Government Service Group

Conference recognises the importance of recruiting and organising young workers within the local government service group. Sustainable recruitment of young workers is essential if UNISON is to maintain a strong and relevant presence within local government. Focusing on recruiting young workers will help UNISON to grow in strength in the coming years. As a trade […]

Cuts in domestic violence services

Domestic abuse affects women of all classes, ages, races and religions as well as lesbian, bisexual and transgender women. Domestic violence can be a particular concern for disabled women. According to researchers, more than one in four women in the UK will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime. Abuse can occur in many forms, it […]

Tackling the exploitation of migrant workers

Conference notes the findings of UNISON’s report “Expendable Labour” published in November 2023 that found widespread and distressing exploitation of migrant workers in the social care sector. The report found workers exploited by care employers and left exposed by a government that should be protecting them. Given inadequate training, living in poor conditions and threatened […]

Canal and River Trust Funding

This conference notes: The Canal and River Trust was formed in 2012 from British Waterways, and the organisation and its dedicated workforce has worked hard to remove people’s perception and image of run-down canals. The Trust’s 2000-mile network is close to many people. Canals are not just about boats and boating – the Trust’s strapline […]

Workplace Sexual Harrassment

Workplace Sexual Harassment Numerous surveys run over the course of the pandemic have demonstrated an increase in workplace sexual harassment, with most experiences being online. Homeworking has left women workers unsafe and unprotected from sexual harassment at work. Current protections are clearly not enough. Women have experienced harassment on various online platforms and felt unable […]

Impact of benefit cuts on disabled women

Conference is well aware that disabled workers are paid £3,700 less than non-disabled workers. But conference notes that disabled women are paid even less than disabled men. According to TUC analysis, disabled women face an even bigger pay gap of over £7,000 a year. The gap also increases as women age. Conference recognises that there […]

Baby Loss Policies – The bare minimum should be a floor not a ceiling

Please note, in this context, when we refer to Women, the term encompasses women and pregnant people. Conference notes that there is currently a disparity around attendance management policies for pregnancy losses of less than 24 weeks gestation when compared to pregnancy related illness in an ongoing pregnancy. Our members can unfairly fall through the […]

New Rights for Pregnant Workers and New Parents

Conference notes and welcomes the new protection from redundancy for pregnant workers and new parents. Conference thanks Dan Jarvis MP for working in support with UNISON on the new law – the Protection from Redundancy (Pregnancy and Family Leave) Bill – to prevent employers from laying off expectant mothers and new parents, by extending redundancy […]

Young Members: building on the legacy of the Year of Black workers

Conference notes that 2023 was designated UNISON’s year of Black workers, with the aim of ‘establishing legacy to generate change’. Conference welcomes all the work that has been put into marking the year of Black workers, but notes that there is still a long way to go, particularly in regards to young Black members in […]

Ensuring more Equitable Talent Management in our NHS workplaces

Conference is clear about the impact of HR processes can have in fairness and equality at work. One example is talent management strategies, which are often designed and implemented in a manner that can lead to a significant disparity in opportunities for Black employees across sectors. The Chartered Institute of People Development (CIPD) defines Talent […]