In the last two years in particular, pay awards have not been approved and implemented until later in the year due to struggles over pay. Therefore, months of backpay has been paid in one lump sum. For many part-time staff, this means that for that one month only, they hit the threshold to pay tax […]
Conference motions
Conference, stress caused by OFSTED has featured frequently in the news over the past few years, with reports on how the pressure of OFSTED has detrimentally impacted the health and wellbeing of headteachers and teachers in schools. But sadly, the impact a visit from OFSTED has on support staff is often overlooked. When a school […]
Conference, local councils, have a legal duty and responsibility to manage their finances in a prudent manner. Bankruptcy of a council can have severe implications for the economic stability and well-being of its employees, particularly those from marginalised communities such as Black workers; As we know, from various reports Black workers often face disproportionate challenges […]
In 2016 Energy conference agreed to look at increasing Black member participation in the service group. When looking at measurements of engagement such as representation on branch and national committees and attendance at service group and Black members’ conferences the activism levels of Black members in Energy remains an area of concern. At its conference […]
Almost 14 years of austerity measures and continuing starvation of funds for public service have now taken its toll on all services which has left them with very few resources to provide the vital support all service users require and very much need. One of these services is Education. Since 2010 we have had a […]
Women face low pay at work and low pension in retirement and the gap just doesn’t seem to decrease. The Financial Times reported in September 2023 that hundreds of councils face equal pay claims. Many of the biggest unitary authorities are facing equal pay claims. Women workers are lodging claims because their employers are failing […]
Many social work students, felt greater discrimination on placements, stereotyped and told by supervisors their accents, attitudes and mannerism would hinder their progression. This all starts at the point that they become students. When you realise that the training is based on white middle class British population, you can understand why they feel so invisible […]
Conference notes that many of our members in the Energy service group are seeing the result of the cost of living crisis in an increase in customers who are experiencing financial issues. Our members are often the first to speak to customers with financial concerns, many displaying signs of significant mental distress, with some expressing […]
Conference notes that there is increasing anecdotal evidence from branches and stewards in the Energy service group of disabled and older workers being “managed out” of organisations. This can include Energy employers using capability procedures to push disabled workers out of their jobs without fully exploring reasonable adjustments that could be made in order to […]
Conference is proud that UNISON is one of the founding members of the Disability Employment Charter which now has over 160 organisations signed up to it, including trade unions, disabled people’s organisations, public service employers, charitable organisations and private sector employers. However, conference notes that there are still far too few local authorities signed up […]
Conference notes that the cost of living crisis across the UK continues. While the rate of inflation has begun to fall, the prices of food, energy and housing continue to increase. Because the prices of essentials are rising faster than other goods, it is the lowest paid who are affected the most by continued inflation. […]
Conference notes the Labour Party’s announcement that it will introduce a distinct negotiating body for school support staff if it wins the 2024 general election. The last Labour Government had begun the process of introducing such a body, but it was abolished by the Coalition Government before it had been established. Conference strongly welcomes this […]
Conference recognises the importance of recruiting and organising young workers within the local government service group. Sustainable recruitment of young workers is essential if UNISON is to maintain a strong and relevant presence within local government. Focusing on recruiting young workers will help UNISON to grow in strength in the coming years. As a trade […]
Conference believes that all public services are best delivered in public sector institutions by workers who are well-paid and respected for the jobs that they do. We know, however, that a combination of cost-cutting and marketisation in the Further Education sector has led to a proliferation of services in colleges being delivered by private contractors. […]
Domestic abuse affects women of all classes, ages, races and religions as well as lesbian, bisexual and transgender women. Domestic violence can be a particular concern for disabled women. According to researchers, more than one in four women in the UK will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime. Abuse can occur in many forms, it […]