Divided we fall – invest in Agenda for Change, don’t destroy it

Conference notes that on 11th January 2024 the Department for Health and Social Care published a consultation “to consider the benefits and challenges of a separate pay spine for nursing staff, and to explore other potential approaches to supporting the career progression and professional development of nurses.” The consultation, which covers England only, put forward […]

Put NHS pay right 2024-25– building to win

Conference notes that on 20th December 2023, the Westminster Health Secretary wrote to the NHS Pay Review Body to formally commence the 2024-5 pay round – asking it to make recommendations on pay for the Agenda for Change (AfC) workforce in England. On 10th January 2024 the Northern Ireland Department of Health followed suit and […]

Standing up for PA and AA members

Conference is concerned by the heated and at times unpleasant debate that has been growing around the roles of physician associates (PAs) and anaesthesia associates (AAs) in the NHS. Conference notes that several issues have caused the debate to intensify in recent weeks – the laying of the Anaesthesia Associates and Physician Associates Order (AAPAO) […]

Energy policy fit for net zero.

Conference notes that to reach net zero we need a clear energy policy that is fit for purpose. We have seen too many times Governments moving the goalposts when it comes to a clear vision of what we need to achieve net zero. We have seen the roll back on the current Tory Governments’ timelines […]

Review of the Energy Service Group Executive Constitution

Conference notes the significant changes that have taken place across the Energy Sector in the last decade. Conference instructs the Energy Service Group Executive to undertake a review of the Service Group Executive constitution and bring any proposals changes to the current terms of reference to Energy Conference 2025.

The importance of self-organisation in energy

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 energy service group as they have knowledge and experience of how our workplaces […]

Year of LGBT+ Workers – Embedding LGBT+ Equality in Energy

Conference notes that 2024 is UNISON’s Year of LGBT+ Workers and welcomes the opportunity that this provides to promote UNISON as the union for LGBT+ workers in the energy sector, raise awareness of LGBT+ rights, challenge discrimination, negotiate LGBT+ inclusive policies and recruit and activate LGBT+ members in the energy industry. The year highlights the […]

Delivering a Just Transition for the Energy workforce

This conference recognises the urgent need to commence negotiations across the energy sector for a just transition for the energy workforce supporting the crucial role that unions play in ensuring workers are protected and empowered throughout this transition. We believe that by promoting union-led just transition initiatives, we can create a sustainable and equitable future […]

Work Life Balance and the right to Disconnect

There have been significant changes to working patterns and practices that have happened since the pandemic, including a large rise in remote and hybrid working, including in Energy sector employers. Greater flexibility should be welcomed where this works for staff. Some disabled women and women with caring responsibilities may find more home working a useful […]

Long term Impact of Working from Home and Hybrid Working on Energy Workers

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of remote work and hybrid work models, challenging traditional notions of the workplace. As we transition into a post-pandemic world, it is crucial to examine the benefits and challenges associated with these new ways of working. Since 2020 the role of working from home and hybrid working has […]

Organising to Win in the Energy Sector – Empowering Workers and Strengthening Collective Voice

This conference recognises the critical importance of UNISON’s “Organising to Win’ national strategy that provides a vision of a stronger UNISON with a plan to increase member participation, build a bigger and more representative activist base, and achieve sustainable membership growth. In the Energy Sector we need to strengthen the collective voice to protect the […]

Car allowance rates as part of our national pay negotiations

Unison and other unions were told in 2022 that the local government employers would not negotiate on car allowance rates. The employers told us this was now a local issue despite the rates being part of the Green Book. Mileage rates have not changed since 2011 and have been significantly eroded by inflation. UNISON estimate […]

Neurodiversity and Women Members

This motion aims to further address the issue of neurodiverse women in the workplace, especially women working in the Energy sector workplaces and how they can be appropriately supported in careers. More women are being diagnosed as neurodiverse, yet many women are still waiting for tests and a diagnosis of Autism and ADHD. As a […]

Maternity pay in Local Government

A survey conducted in 2023 by Censuswide found that many young people in the UK were considering delaying or deciding not to have children. More than half cited financial reasons as the number one reason for this. Conference notes that statutory maternity leave in the United Kingdom is issued for up to 52 weeks. Local […]

Stop charging disabled members to go to work

Conference is concerned that disabled members in local government are being penalised for using their cars to travel to and from work and for work purposes. Disabled workers often have no option but to use their cars for work as public transport is either inaccessible or inappropriate for their needs. Current NJC mileage rates for […]