Promote UNISON as the union for Higher Education Professional Support Staff

Higher Education professional support staff across the country provide a vital service to our universities and students by carrying out hugely varied roles across our Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), though too often this work is not given the recognition it deserves by employers. UNISON has a brilliant membership benefits package. There are opportunities to promote […]

One-off Payment for University Staff

The primary role of UNISON, or any Trade Union, is to use the collective power of its members to deliver lasting and significant improvements to pay, pension rights and working conditions. We cannot help but be mindful of, and worried for the health and wellbeing of our members in HE, facing as they have been […]

Conversion therapy – spread the word

Conversion therapy refers to the practise of attempting to change a person’s sexuality or gender identity. There are many different techniques, both physical and mental, that can include talking therapies and prayer, but more extreme forms can include exorcism, physical violence such as electric shocks and testosterone injections. There is no reliable scientific evidence that […]

Higher Education Role Analysis (HERA)

Conference notes that it has been some years since HERA was introduced as the tool for role analysis in the majority of UK universities as part of the National Framework Agreement. As part of that many UNISON activists were trained and accredited as HERA Role Analysts to support members wishing to have their roles evaluated, […]

Integrated Care Systems

This conference notes that the Government’s new Health and Care Act has introduced Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) into 42 areas of England, which became fully operational in July 2022. Under the Health and Care Act, the former Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) have been absorbed into the ICSs – specifically into their Boards (ICBs). Each ICB […]

Social Care

SOCIAL CARE Conference notes that from April 2022 National Insurance contributions have risen by 1.5% supposedly to help meet the cost of the NHS and also to provide additional funding for Social Care. Conference further notes that money is unlikely to be available for Social Care in the first instance. Prime Minister Johnson has always […]

Amendments to SO 10.1

Amendments to SO 10.1 Delete the whole of the first sentence and replace with: “If, at the end of the Conference the business of conference has not been concluded, all outstanding motions and amendments shall stand referred to the National Retired Members’ Committee. The National Retired Members’ Committee in turn shall report back to the […]

Retired Members’ representation on the National Executive Council

Retired Members’ representation on the National Executive Council Conference notes that, although retired members account for approximately 10% of UNISON membership, the only opportunity they have to vote for positions outside of the Retired Members’ Organisation is in the election of the General Secretary. Conference notes there is currently no provision in the UNISON Rulebook […]

Older People Shouldn’t Have to Choose Whether to Heat or Eat

Conference notes that the cost of living crisis is having a severe impact on our older population. Conference agrees that making difficult decisions whether to heat or eat is not what our older population should be doing in a life of retirement, after paying their taxes all their working life. Conference notes that, at the […]

Rule D – Structure of the union at national level

Conference wishes the following to be considered for one of the two motions and/or amendments to Rule to be submitted by the Retired Members’ Organisation to National Delegate Conference 2023 in accordance with Rule D.1.10.4.: Rule D – Structure of the union at national level In Rule D.2 – National Executive Council In D,2.1, insert […]

We may be gone, but don’t let us be forgotten – U magazine, Lack of coverage of Retired Member Issues

Conference notes with disappointment the general lack of recognition for retired members and their issues in the national U magazine. Conference calls on the National Retired Members Committee to make representation within the wider union organisation to secure an improvement in this sorry situation.

New Amendment – 12

Add a new standing order as follows: Add a new standing order as follows: 12. AMENDMENT OF STANDING ORDERS 12.1 These standing orders may be amended by a resolution passed at a retired members’ conference by a two-thirds majority of those delegates voting in favour or, in the case of a card vote, at least […]

Public Transpot

Public Transport Many retired members rely on public transport for their day to day living, such as hospital and doctors appointments, shopping, visiting relatives and friends, attending social groups that may help with isolation and loneliness. However, recently retired members have seen a cut in bus services and less frequent services. This can mean they […]

Campaign Communication

World War Two, the Coronavirus pandemic plus years of Conservative Government has had a devastating effect on Unison retired members. We receive one of the worst state pensions in Europe even though the UK is one of the richest countries in the world. When we reach the age of 80 we get an extra 25 […]

Now is the time – A Commissioner for Older People in England.

Conference is only too aware having a UNISON steward to advocate in the workplace during difficult times for our members can mean all the difference in the world for outcomes in disciplinaries, grievances and potential dismissals. Having a Commissioner to advocate for Older People has the very same potential to make substantial changes which can […]