UNISON response to DfE guidance on SEND risk assessment

UNISON believes that the latest guidance provided by the DfE is insufficient and fails to deal with the practicalities of trying to apply social distancing in schools.

Government should mobilise volunteers to take testing to staff, says UNISON

Enlisting the help of some of the million plus people who’ve volunteered their services to the NHS during the pandemic could be key to increasing testing of health and care workers, says UNISON today (Wednesday). Health secretary Matt Hancock has admitted that drive-in centres are not ideal for everyone. and UNISON says this is particularly the case for […]

Support staff unions’ statement on the re-opening of schools

As the unions representing school support staff – UNISON, GMB and Unite – we represent over half the school workforce. Our members have been essential in keeping schools open during the Covid-19 crisis for vulnerable children and children of key workers. Our members include teaching & classroom assistants, administrative and site staff, cleaners, lunchtime supervisors, […]

Thank you to all the key workers who are delivering our public services

No matter how difficult the last few weeks have been and will likely continue to be I am in awe of how our members have stepped up and worked incredibly hard during the crisis

Recognition for care is welcome but government needs to deliver on PPE, says UNISON

Commenting on the health secretary Matt Hancock’s announcements at the Downing Street briefing today (Wednesday) about care workers, UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said: “It’s right that the care, compassion and selflessness of care workers should be given proper recognition. They’re putting their lives on the line. “But for all the warm words and promises about […]

End VAT for PPE to help combat “national emergency” in care homes during coronavirus crisis

Care providers, some of whom are struggling with the financial pressures of the outbreak, are being charged VAT for personal protective equipment

Government must up its game on PPE to protect health and care workers’ lives, demands UNISON

NHS, care and other frontline staff whose lives are on the line need immediate government action to fix inadequate personal protective equipment (PPE) supplies, UNISON is demanding today (Sunday). Government apologies and assurances the UK has all the PPE it needs are of no comfort to staff whose workplaces are running low, says UNISON. Over […]

Thousands of public service workers contact UNISON with ‘harrowing’ stories around protective kit as government asked to step up over Easter

Thousands of people working in the NHS, social care and local services have contacted a UNISON hotline in the last week expressing anxiety at the lack of gloves, masks, eye protectors and gowns where they work. Staff from across the UK’s public services say they’re scared that without the right protective equipment, they risk catching […]

UNISON challenges government’s claim that education staff don’t need PPE

Union raises strong concerns with Department for Education’s latest guidance

Government must not allow universities to fail during the coronavirus outbreak

Universities must be given extra protection during the Covid-19 pandemic to ensure their financial survival because of their vital contribution to the economy, local communities and crucial medical research