UNISON statement regarding about paid student nurse placements ending

We’re aware of concerns amongst student nurses in England about funding being withdrawn for paid placements. We have been reassured that funding will remain available to allow those who have taken up paid placements to continue until these placements are completed. Those in your final year will be supported at the end of your placements, […]

Government must act immediately on second PHE BAME report

Words and promises won’t cut it any longer

Maria Alberts tells the awful story of how her black son was attacked by five men

Maria Albert’s family was almost torn apart after a racist attack on her son nearly resulted in him ending up in prison rather than the perpetrators

Extend free scheme to all frontline care and NHS staff, says UNISON

A government scheme exempting overseas workers from visa fees for one year should be extended to all care staff and NHS employees, says UNISON today (Monday) The union is backing an amendment brought by MP Yvette Cooper to the Immigration Bill ​that would ensure many more staff – such as social care workers, hospital cleaners, healthcare assistants and […]

Care worker pay deductions must be tackled to stop hardship and control virus spread

Some workers going unpaid while following safety guidance

A cancer survivor and long standing UNISON member has raised money for The James Cook Holistic Centre

Liz Lillie beat cancer of the oesophagus two years ago thanks to the care she received from James Cook Hospital. During that time she began treatment for her pain at the hospitals Holistic Centre, which helps cancer patients deal with pain through a selection of wellness treatments including massage, acupuncture, reflexology as well as emotional […]

Lessons to be learned by government after limited schools’ reopening, says UNISON

Rushed government reopening plans have led to guidelines on ‘safe’ class sizes being ignored by ​some schools, according to a survey published by UNISON today (Friday). More than one in five (22%) ​support staff say primary schools have operated class sizes bigger than the 15 pupils per group maximum recommended to maintain social distancing. Nursery school ‘bubbles’ – where infants remain in small protected […]

Council must think again about axed payments to leisure staff in Middlesbrough, says UNISON

Low-paid leisure staff have been left on the financial brink after Middlesbrough Borough Council axed top-up payments for workers who have been furloughed, says UNISON today (Thursday). Around 60 staff, including pool attendants, receptionists and cleaners, will lose out after the withdrawal of the financial support. UNISON says the local authority must think again over […]

Blog: Higher education matters – Guest post by Professor Thom Brooks

We will need our universities to thrive more than ever. Their scientists are at the forefront of finding a vaccine against the coronavirus

Greater clarity needed from PM on plans to scrap immigration health surcharge

Government must remove charge for all healthcare settings