Unions dismayed by delays on pay rise decision for council and school workers

The three main local government unions have ​today (Friday)​ called on employers to speed up the pay offer process, so council and school staff don’t have to wait months for the wage rise due in the spring. UNISON, GMB and Unite​ – which between them represent 1.4 million council and school employees – have called for a […]

NHS staff ​across the North East urge the chancellor to do the right thing and fund a pay rise, says UNISON 

NHS workers ​in the North East have asked the chancellor to recognise the work they’ve done to protect lives and fund a decent pay rise in next week’s Budget, says UNISON today (Monday). More than 60,000 health care assistants, porters, operating theatre staff, nurses, caterers, ambulance staff, cleaners and members of the public across the UK have signed a letter to Rishi […]

A ‘big bang’ reopening of schools is ‘unnecessary and reckless’, says UNISON

Union says a phased return of all schools and colleges in England from 8 March will protect pupils and staff

Unions call for a ​’substantial​’ pay rise for ​council and school workers

Unions call for a ​’substantial​’ pay rise for ​council and school workers Three local government unions ​have today (Monday)​ submitted a pay claim ​for 2021/22, which they say begin​s to redress a decade of cuts and recognise​s the key role ​played in the pandemic ​by school and council staff.  They want to see a ‘substantial’ pay increase from this April with […]

Heart unions: Get Active and Get a Lift with UNISON in 2021

UNISON Northern has revolutionised its delivery of New Steward training in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. New UNISON Stewards can work through the training materials on computer while at home or in the office. Support is only a phone call away via our Regional Organising Staff and further support is available in plenary video-conferencing sessions […]

Heart Unions: UNISON wins new uniforms for Ambulance staff

UNISON North East Ambulance branch wins new uniforms for North East Ambulance staff. Paramedics, Patient Transport Service crews, Ambulance Care Assistants, Technicians and Advanced Practitioners – all of our members in these job are required to be outside in bad weather. Following contact from members raising concerns that uniforms for front line staff were not […]

Government must step in to prevent vaccine strong-arm tactics towards care staff

If the vaccine programme is to work properly and maximum take-up across the social care secured, individuals​ should be encouraged, not intimidated, into receiving a jab.

Covid pressures triggering mental health issues among health staff

Some have experienced suicidal thoughts, suffered PTSD symptoms and panic attacks, felt helpless when supporting patients – or quit their jobs altogether.

Government must use the time schools are closed to make them safer

The government mustn’t squander the time between now and early March to improve the safety of schools

Covid deaths show those with caring jobs are still at highest risk

Statistics show that death rates continue to be highest among those who deliver the most hands-on care.