The effect of the changes proposed and ongoing by the government are having adverse effects for pensioners, which will increase as the changes are implemented and efficiency drives accelerated. Already cataract operations have been reduced as have operations for replacement hip and knee joints. These ailments are more prevalent amongst the elderly who will increasingly […]
Conference motions
This Conference is very concerned about the ongoing government cuts in services and instructs the National Retired Members Committee and calls on the National Executive Council to: i. Initiate a strategy which will encourage retired members to support working members in their Branches during this very difficult time; ii. Ensure the strategy is given the […]
This Conference recognises that there are some advantages of being retired. One of these is the freedom from the time constraints imposed by employment. For the first time since starting school we should have the freedom to act spontaneously with only the need to advise others of our intentions as a matter of courtesy. Due […]
Conference notes that the Branch Retired Members’ Handbook contains some advice on setting up retired members’ sections. Conference considers however that more detailed advice and information is needed than that which appears in the Handbook. Conference instructs the National Retired Members’ Committee, following consultation with branches and the regions, to produce such information as part […]
Conference deplores the continuing use of 084 nos by many organisations as the only means of contacting them by ‘phone. Despite claims that 0845 are ‘lo-call’ cost, they are rarely as cheap as a local call or indeed a geographic call and are used as a means of raking in extra money. Conference believes that […]
Conference notes that eligibility for initial payment of the Winter Fuel Allowance (WFA) is dependent upon the claimant reaching state retirement age by the last week in September each year (of particular benefit to those with birthdays between March and September) and that those who reach this milestone in subsequent winter months do not receive […]
The proposals for differentiation of retired members’ pensions proposed for 2015/16 is a form of discrimination affecting existing pensioners. The proposal if implemented will mean that the existing 14 million current British pensioners will lose approximately £53 per week. Conference therefore calls on the Retired Members’ National Committee to join with other organisations including the […]
This Conference notes that elder abuse is the only form of abuse that is not a Statutary Specific Criminal Offence. There is a “Memorandum of Understanding”, that requires the Courts to take into account the age of the victim when considering punishment. The Greater London Regional Retired Members Committee are campaigning against elder abuse to […]
Conference notes: 1)the movement for social and economic justice and political freedom that have swept across the Middle East and North Africa, following the revolutions in Tunisia and Egypt 2)and welcomes the success of the popular movement in Tunisia in bringing to an end the rule of dictatorship in that country; 3)the courage and determination […]
Conference believes there is an alternative to the ideologically driven economic programme of the Conservative led Coalition government in Westminster. The drastic cuts in spending fail to recognize the need of the country to grow our way out of recession and are devastating communities and forcing a new generation into unemployment whilst hitting the most […]
Conference notes that pensions represent the most important condition of employment after pay itself. Pension is deferred pay that enables workers to survive into old age and, hopefully, avoiding poverty. Conference believes that every worker in the UK deserves a decent income on reaching retirement. Public Sector pensions have consistently been under attack from employers […]
This Conference condemns the Coalition Government’s decision to abolish the School Support Staff Negotiating Body (SSSNB). This is happening at the same time as the government is encouraging all schools in England to move away from local authorities and the number of academies, trust and foundation schools is increasing and the Government’s encouragement of setting […]
This Conference condemns the Coalition government’s ongoing attacks on the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) and welcomes the Service Group Executive’s statement of its response to those attacks issued in November 2010. Conference condemns the: 1)3% increase in employee subscriptions by 2014/15 required in the 2010 Comprehensive Spending Review; 2)Switch from RPI to CPI for […]
Although UNISON has a National Agreement relating to casual and essential users and relevant mileage rates that accompany those categories of user, the outcome of Single Status negotiations together with the austere economic climate has led to more and more employers proposing to move away from the National Agreement towards the Approved Mileage Allowance Payment […]
Conference deplores current attacks on hard-won NJC pay and conditions across local authorities and Boards in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and a pay freeze for a second year, without the £250 compensation promised by the Chancellor in his 2010 Budget. Dorset County Council proposed that its entire staff should take 1 day each month […]