Local Government Pay and Negotiating Structures

Local Government Pension Scheme

This Conference congratulates the Local Government Service Group Executive on the work it has undertaken to protect local government workers pensions. We especially applaud the work of the UNISON negotiating team for their diligence in ensuring, wherever possible, equality for all participants. Our pension’s campaign is also concerned with the rights of disabled people; disabled […]

Local Government Pension Scheme

This Special Conference believes that the current package of proposals for the new LGPS represents substantial improvements in benefits for all UNISON members and their families, namely: ·The retention of a final salary scheme ·1/60 accrual rate ·A more flexible definition for period for pensionable pay ·Improved early retirement factors ·Pensions for unmarried partners ·Increased […]

GUIDANCE TO MEMBERS ON SUPPORTING ASYLUM SEEKERS

Conference notes the continuing inhumane policies of the Government in relation to asylum seekers. Conference notes that UNISON members working in local government provide many services to asylum seekers and that many services are of a statutory basis. It is noted that legislation concerning asylum can contradict or in some cases over-ride other legislation in […]

Building Equality and Diversity in the National Offender Management Service

This conference notes that the probation service in England and Wales has a tradition of working proactively on equality issues and well established equality networks for the various diversity strands. Conference expresses concern that this is not being effectively carried forward in the National Offender Management Service (NOMS), particularly in the context of the mixed […]

THE DISABILITY EQUALITY DUTY: EQUALITY IMPACT ASSESSMENTS

This Conference congratulates the work undertaken by local government branches that have used the Disability Equality Duty to eliminate institutional discrimination in the workplace. We are however concerned with reports that employers may not be meeting their new duties with regard to: 1)Identifying positive as well as negative outcomes especially in the recruitment of disabled […]

WORKPLACE POLICIES ON DOMESTIC ABUSE

Conference notes that the Home Office has funded a three-year project for the Local Government Association to identify and promote good practice of councils and partner organisations in addressing domestic violence. In their guidance leaflet “Local Government’s Role in Tackling Domestic Violence”, one of the stated aims is to “develop domestic violence employment policies for […]

YOUNG MEMBERS DEMAND BETTER PENSIONS

Conference notes the results of the UNISON 2006 Young Members Survey, which demonstrated that the policy issue of greatest importance to our young members is improved pensions provision, which was rated as important or very important by 89% of UNISON young members. Conference therefore expresses our great concern at recent and current attacks upon pension […]

Local Government Service Group Executive Report

This Conference receives the report of the Local Government Service Group Executive.

MATERNITY AND CARERS RIGHTS

Conference welcomes the new rights for parents and carers to be introduced in the Work and Families Act, which will come into force in April 2007 It notes that parents and carers struggling to achieve work life balance will now be able to take advantage of the following improvements: 1.Statutory Maternity Pay, Maternity Allowance and […]

Equality of Opportunity – The Race Relations Amendment Act 2000

Conference we all know of the importance of the good work that has been achieved through various Black Members Group (BMG) across all regions. Without the input of such groups to challenge work place inequality and racism many employers would have never taken the issue of race discrimination seriously. However due to the recent duties […]

Equality Duties and Performance Indicators

Conference applauds the fact that the equality duties on race, disability and gender require local authorities to promote equality of opportunity and eliminate discrimination for service users and staff, rather than wait for individuals to complain. Existing practices and any changes to employment or service delivery must be assessed to examine their impact on equality […]

Training Support Staff in the Learning and Skills Sector

Delivering world class skills has become a national priority. It is predicted that the percentage of the working population needing recognised qualifications will rise dramatically by 2020. Colleges are being forced to focus on delivering employability for young people and Train to Gain and Learner Accounts are part of the Government’s strategy for workforce development. […]

Equality and Sexual Orientation: The Leadership Challenge for Further Education

Conference welcomes the positive initiative by the Centre for Excellence and Leadership (CEL) and its report on Equality and Sexual Orientation. It aims to support managers, staff, students and trade unions to effectively develop positive policies on sexual orientation. UNISON worked with CEL and other key stakeholders on this initiative. The findings revealed an alarming […]

FUTURE PAY CLAIMS

Conference welcomes the fact that at the end of the former three year pay deal and to prepare a pay claim for 2007 the National Local Government Service Group Executive consulted members with a view to submit a claim that had the widespread support of members. Conference also notes that the 2007 pay claim was […]