Conference notes that the UK is suffering from an acute housing crisis, with rents soaring and house building grinding to a halt as a direct result of the recession, whilst the number of new households is increasing faster than the number of new builds. Against a background of mounting debt across the country, huge numbers […]
Conference motions
Conference notes with concern the growing existence of pay day loan companies, particularly targeting the low paid who are struggling financially. Research by the insurance company Aviva found that where a woman is the main breadwinner, families were more than twice as likely to have taken out a payday loan in the last year. Further, […]
Conference notes that in 2012, the national women’s committee brought a motion to conference highlighting the resurgence of food banks across the UK. At that time, it was reported that in September 2011, 130 food banks were feeding up to 100,000 people. It is shocking to note that the Trussell Trust now has 400 food […]
Women are bearing the brunt of cuts from both the UK Government and our locally elected devolved institutions. In Northern Ireland alone, changes in welfare benefits may result in the loss of £500 million from our budget over the next four years. It is clear that women will again suffer disproportionally from these changes. Women […]
This conference notes The cuts across the public services are having a detrimental effect on women lives and the lives of their families. The UK is the sixth richest economy in the world and yet more than one in five people live below the poverty line. Women whether single or in relationships are more likely […]
Yorkshire and Humberside Regional Women’s group welcomes UNISON’s Guide to Influencing the NHS (Stronger Together – A UNISON Guide to influencing the NHS) As women trade unionists, we are used to being involved in workplace negotiations and have an honourable tradition of arguing our case. Getting involved in public sector bodies – for example the […]
In these austere times women often bear the brunt of stretching finances in the home. It is well known that when it comes to prioritising essential things such as food and bills against personal items, food, bills, kids and home always come first, and women’s dignity and health issues go out of the window. One […]
Conference is proud of Unison’s commitment to lifelong learning and education for all. It is particularly proud of the selection of Unison course which provides women with an opportunity to learn in a safe and supportive environment; allowing women to return to the classroom where this opportunity may not otherwise have been afforded and increasing […]
Conference notes that at national delegate conference 2013, an amendment to the national women’s committee motion on UNISON women, active, campaigning, leading, was debated and lost. That amendment stated: “We believe that our trade union has the potential to transform society for the better. Therefore we have a particular responsibility to confront and challenge male […]
The Cymru/Wales Regional Women’s Committee recognises the ever present need of support, advice and guidance required for those experiencing domestic abuse. Despite the rise in demand for domestic abuse support, austerity measures have slashed charity funding leaving sufferers vulnerable and isolated. Employers have a duty of care to their employees. For those experiencing domestic abuse, […]
Maternity and its impact on Women’s careers Conference notes that for many women, returning from maternity leave can attribute to future stressful periods in their working life. It’s not just the thought of leaving baby behind, but the thought of what lies ahead in regard to their future working life and opportunities within the workplace. […]
Conference notes the rise in domestic violence; a staggering 1 million females were victims of domestic violence last year accounting for 1 in 5 of all assaults. It has long been understood that domestic violence tends to increase during difficult periods for society, such as recession, and in these austere times with cuts to police […]
Conference condemns the continual sexualisation of women in the media and finds it unacceptable the way in which women are presented to the public often posing partially clothed in a sexual or passive way. The presence of these imagines on the covers of magazines and newspapers can encourage and reinforce outdated stereotypical views of women. […]
Conference notes that women make up 51% of the population and are a major contributor to shaping and enriching our communities. The current Coalition Government cuts have had a huge impact on the public sector, where the majority of the workforce are women. As a result women members have been disproportionally hit on a number […]
Conference remains alarmed at the continuing attacks by the Coalition Government on Health and Safety legislation by claiming that these important regulations amount to a burden on business without any credible evidence base. The 33% budget cut to the Health and Safety executive (HSE), and additional cuts to local authorities pose serious risk to enforcement […]