Driving and Prescription Drugs

Following a survey undertaken by Aston University and commissioned by the Department of Transport earlier this year, it was found that many elderly drivers were driving under the influence of drugs, in the form of strong medications issued legitimately, and prescribed by doctors who were not aware that the patient was intending to or in […]

Concessionary Fares

Conference is conscious that pensioners in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and some areas of England currently enjoy schemes which allow them free use of public transport. It is also aware that there are schemes where reduced rates are available subject to local authority boundary limitations. This appears to be a post code lottery and […]

Restoration of the Value of the State Pension

The pension credits scheme was introduced in October 2003 but many pensioners have still not applied for this means-tested benefit. John Denham, Labour MP for Southampton Itchen, has confirmed that the surplus in the national insurance fund this year amounts to £30 billion. The government actuary has ruled that £5 billion has to be retained […]

Free Travel Pass

Progress has been slow towards achieving a free travel pass on all public transport for those reaching the accepted national retirement age and over. At present discrimination exists as 20 per cent of the country have a free travel pass and 80 per cent do not. Conference instructs UNISON National Retired Members’ Committee, and calls […]

NHS Dentistry

Conference calls upon the National Executive Council to take appropriate steps to ensure the government addresses the problem of lack of National Health Service dental provision. The shortage of such dental practices is discriminating against older people on low incomes who are unable to afford private treatment.

Packaging Standards

Conference calls upon the National Executive Council to make representation to the appropriate organisation responsible for packaging standards, with a view to easing the opening of packages, jars and bottles for older people. Considerable difficulties are experienced in opening packages, jars and bottles, especially when suffering with fingers and hands crippled with arthritis/rheumatism and so […]

Domestic Violence

Conference recognises that domestic violence is an issue that affects police staff members both as workers and as citizens. It is an issue that is relevant to both policing and trade unions. Conference welcomes the recent moves by Government to raise awareness of domestic violence and to improve the provision of services to victims, particularly […]

Public Holidays at Weekends

Conference notes that this year Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day fall on a weekend. On these occasions Police Officers working shifts receive paid compensation additional to the Saturday and Sunday, i.e. Monday 26 December, Tuesday 27 December and Monday 2 January are effectively Bank and Public Holidays, for which Police Officers are […]

Salary Cards

Conference notes last year’s motion (No 23 and amendment 23.1) on salary cards was carried as amended. The motion instructed the Service Group Executive to produce salary cards each year with revised salary scales. Conference notes that such a card was produced but was inadequate as it did not contain the spinal column points. Conference […]

Police Reform

Conference is disappointed that again the Home Office are issuing guidance and statistics under the banner of ‘Police Reform’ which is excluding police staff in a number of areas. The Home Office is either not aware of, or are choosing to ignore, the wide range of roles that police staff perform. Conference instructs the Service […]

Independent Police Complaints Commission

This Conference has grave concerns that some forces are insisting on the implementation of the IPCC without a formal agreed national protocol covering the application of IPCC procedures to police staff. This Conference instructs the Service Group Executive to: 1)ensure a national protocol is correctly negotiated and passes through our governing body, the PSC; 2)work […]

Union Facilities

This Conference is concerned about the lack of consistency shown by the Home Office in the provision of funds for secondments to police associations and trade unions. Funding is provided at a national level for police federation secondments at all ranks and the National Black Police Association (NPBA). Conference recognises that the Service Group Executive […]

Council for the Registration of Forensic Practitioners

Conference is appalled at the pressure being put by scientific support managers on our members to become members of this Register. Conference is further concerned that some UNISON members/branches may not be aware of who the Executive Body is and what qualifications they hold to assess, investigate and sanction our members. Conference notes with disappointment […]

Highways Agency

Conference is dismayed at the lack of progress by the Service Group Executive on this issue. Police branches received a circular in October 2003 which outlined the following agreements: 1)establish a National Consultative forum, including UNISON and the Civil Service Unions who are recognised by the Highways Agency; 2)regularly exchange information; 3)agree a national strategy […]

Removal of Intolerant Sickness Absence Sanctions

Conference condemns the introduction of intolerant and mandatory sickness absence sanctions such as the Bradford Score, when used as part of managing attendance policies. The Bradford Score can be set at any trigger point, whereby after a number of days off or a number of spells of absence a management action occurs. This crude approach […]