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 […]
Conference motions
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.
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 […]
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 […]
This conference notes the actions taken to date by the Executive regarding the review of the Energy, Transport and Water and Environment service group structures at national level. Conference notes the outcome of the consultation exercise with all three service groups. Conference further notes that the majority of Water and Environment branches who responded have […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Conference notes with concern the lack of guidance and advice for branches relating to health and safety issues for police staff. More and more of our members are becoming ‘front-line staff’ yet information on health and safety for police specific issues is rare. The police service is going through many changes and branch resources are […]
Conference notes the continued short-term funding for police staff for initiatives such as PSCOs and Custody Officers. Conference also notes that the short- term funding for Volume Crime Investigators is soon to run out. The reluctance of the Home Office to recognise that successful initiatives should be permanently funded is unacceptable. Continuance of this stance […]
Conference understands that the Home Office wishes to engage with UNISON and other stakeholders over a police pay and workforce strategy for England and Wales. Conference notes that this engagement may now take place in the context of the PSC Pay and Reward Review. Conference confirms that it wishes to see the following problems being […]