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 […]
Conference motions
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
This Conference notes the publication of the recent Government White Paper – Prosperous Communities. This Conference notes that for prosperous communities to exist, it requires there to be people in well paid jobs including the public sector. This conference further notes that the movement away from the provision of services by well funded public sector […]
Conference notes and supports the important historical role the community and voluntary sector has provided in shaping public services – not as an alternative for directly-employed public sector workers, but as an innovator, working with local authorities and campaigning for new ideas and ways of working. Conference also notes the Code of Practice on Workforce […]
Conference notes the increase in provision of public services by the community and voluntary sector in recent years, and the government’s determination to increase the scope and speed of transfers to the sector. The Treasury’s Third Sector Review Interim Report and the Cabinet Office’s Third Sector Action Plan (both December 2006) set out a range […]
Conference notes that the Government’s policy of marketisation of public services extends to childcare. The Childcare Bill 2006 states that “English local authorities may not provide childcare for a particular child or group of children unless the local authority are satisfied: 1.no other person is willing to provide the childcare (whether in pursuance of arrangements […]
Conference notes that a significant number of UNISON health members in learning disability services have been transferred out of the NHS. These members undertake similar roles to before their transfer, often working with the same service users. Staff transferred in this way normally had TUPE protection of their existing terms and conditions, but have generally […]
This Conference believes that a safe working environment is a right for everyone. There is a requirement under “Health & Safety at Work Act 1974” and “The Health & Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981” for employers to provide equipment and facilities which are adequate and appropriate in the circumstances for administering first-aid to employees (Regulation 3(1)). […]
The last five years have witnessed a significant and welcome expansion in the commissioning of student nurse training places at UK universities to sustain the NHS nursing workforce. We are now beginning to see, however, a reduction in the availability of monies available to purchase training courses this year and the potential for reductions in […]
Conference notes that a significant number of UNISON health members have not yet had the opportunity to access the Agenda for Change system, particularly those employed in the voluntary sector. Many of these members transferred out of the NHS in areas such as learning disability services on TUPE protected Whitley scales. Some of the staff […]
Conference is appalled that the NHS is still suffering unprecedented devastating attacks from the government in terms of cuts and marketisation. In view of this, Conference censures the Health Service Group Executive for failing to carry out 2006 Health Conference Policy, as resolved in Motion 11, to organise a national demonstration on the issue of […]