DfE stats reveal high level of COVID infections among school staff

Estimates put 39% of teachers and school leaders and 51% of teaching assistants and other staff are working on-site in open settings in the current lockdown

Pay rise immediately would reassure undervalued staff to stay in NHS

A pay rise would provide reassurance and comfort to staff and help them feel more valued, the survey shows.

Ministers must give proper support to student nurses

Today the Nursing and Midwifery Council has announced the decision to allow final year nursing students again to work for the NHS during the pandemic.

Christina McAnea is the new general secretary of UNISON, the UK’s largest union 

Christina McAnea has today (Monday) been elected as the new general secretary of UNISON – the first woman to head the UK’s largest union. Christina replaces Dave Prentis, who is retiring after 20 years as general secretary. She takes up her post on 22 January. Commenting on her election to the top job in UNISON, […]

Christina McAnea elected to lead UNISON, the UK’s largest union 

Christina McAnea has today (Monday) been elected as the new general secretary of UNISON, the UK’s largest union. She replaces Dave Prentis, who is retiring after 20 years as general secretary. Voting in the ballot was as follows (in alphabetical order): Paul Holmes                         45, 220 (33.76%) Christina McAnea               63, […]

Nursing and midwifery student update – January 5th 2021

We are aware that the re-introduction of lockdowns across the UK is causing increased anxiety for students, particularly those struggling to learn online or juggling childcare needs – as well as those needing to shield or on placement this January and beyond. As students we are collectively mindful that nursing teams in many areas are […]

Restrictions tough but necessary for the sake of the NHS, says UNISON 

Commenting on the additional lockdown measures for England announced by the Prime Minister today (Monday), UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said: “The new restrictions are tough, but the virus has to be beaten. Otherwise, the NHS could be overwhelmed, with terrible consequences for those needing care. “While most of us will now be safe at […]

Care workers in the North East looking after sick and elderly still not getting regular Covid tests, says UNISON      

Care home staff in the North East are still not receiving weekly Covid tests despite government promises, according to a survey published today (Thursday) by UNISON. ​Almost one in ten (8%) ​of employees in residential care, who look after people aged over 65 and those with dementia, say they’ve not had regular swab checks. This fails to fulfil a government pledge that these staff would be tested every seven days for the […]

Pay ballot for National Probation Service members is now open

MAKE SURE YOU VOTE! UNISON’s ballot of members on the NPS 2020 pay offer is underway. The ballot opened on 4 December and will close at midday on 18 December. Your views on the pay offer are important and if you have not already done so, please ensure you vote before the ballot closes.Speak with […]

Blog: Pay – Public vs private?

Clare Williams blogs about why it shouldn’t be about public sector vs private sector and why key workers deserve a decent pay rise.