This Conference is appalled by the rising number of services for young people which are either closing or being cut back at a time when they are needed more than ever to support young people in finding employment and to support them in their personal development. This Conference believes that young people are being targeted […]
Conference motions
UNISON has an excellent record in supporting Self Organised Groups (SOGs). This can not only be a good way of encouraging people from under-represented groups from joining and becoming active in the union. One of the many ways that UNISON reaches out to publicise the benefits in our union is to attend festivals such as […]
Conference is dismayed at the continuing difficulty faced by many trans people in finding and keeping paid employment. Conference notes that while it is not easy to challenge discrimination while you are in a job, it is even more difficult to challenge discrimination in recruitment. High levels of unemployment amongst trans people are rising higher […]
As biphobia is still rife in most workplaces, Conference calls on the National Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Committee, in liaison with the Bisexual Members’ Caucus, to develop UNISON’s materials on tackling biphobia, promoting bi equality and the need for bi awareness training in workplaces. Conference further calls on branch and regional LGBT groups […]
Conference welcomes the introduction of the Equality Act 2010 under the Labour government but notes with heavy heart that the specific public sector equality duties were delayed and reviewed by the conservative-led coalition government. Conference notes that there is unlikely to be any further legislative gains under this government. Conference notes that – for now […]
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 […]
The European Parliament has designated 2012 as the European year for Active Aging and Solidarity between Generations. (European year 2012) MEPs believe that more should be done to enable older people to realise their potential for well-being and participation in society, while providing them with adequate protection, security and care when they need it. Conference […]
Conference believes that any reform of the NHS must take into account the needs of older people – the NHS’ largest patient group. Conference notes that the Health and Social Care Bill will alter fundamentally the NHS as we know it and undermine the basic principles on which it was founded in 1948. Conference is […]
Brains for Dementia Research is a partnership between Alzheimer’s Research Trust and Alzheimer’s Society which aims to promote brain donation and to develop a network of brain tissue banks for dementia research. The project is being run in association with the Medical Research Council. Alzheimer’s disease is probably the best known cause of dementia but […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 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 […]
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 […]