Without overseas staff, the NHS and social care would have colapsed a long time ago

Reacting to comments made by home secretary Yvette Cooper, regarding the publication of the government’s immigration white paper, UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said: “The NHS and the care sector would have collapsed long ago without the thousands of workers who’ve come to the UK from overseas. “Migrant health and care staff already here will now […]

Teaching assistants at St Luke’s Primary School to strike over cuts, says UNISON

Teaching assistants at St Luke’s Primary School to strike over cuts, says UNISON Staff at St Luke’s Primary School in Tower Hamlets are to take two days of strike action over proposals to cut teaching assistant jobs, says UNISON today (Friday). Workers at the school, represented by UNISON, will walk out on Tuesday 1 and Thursday 3 […]

Exciting times ahead: A message from your new Regional Secretary

I am thrilled to have been appointed as your Regional Secretary while Jo Galloway is on maternity leave. It’s an exciting opportunity for me to work alongside the lay leadership team and the region’s staff, all of whom share the same passion and commitment to delivering for our members across London. For those who don’t […]

Lewisham and Greenwich HCAs celebrate historic win

Earlier this month (4 & 5 March), hundreds of Healthcare Assistants from University Hospital Lewisham and Queen Elizabeth Hospital gathered to celebrate a historic victory. After taking part in two rounds of industrial action (totaling five days) they secured fair rebanding and a back pay agreement that compensated them for years of working above their […]

Regional Women’s Training Day sparks change in workplace policies

The Regional Women’s Committee recently hosted a successful Women’s Training Day, bringing together 47 women from branches across London to discuss key workplace issues affecting women and how union members can encourage their employers to implement new policies and amend existing policies to support women workers further in the workplace. The day featured insightful training […]

Lewisham Council signs UNISON’s charter to tackle racism

Lewisham Council today (Wednesday) became the latest local authority in London to sign up to UNISON’s anti-racism charter.  By signing the charter, the authority is making a commitment to delivering a programme of initiatives promoting a more diverse workforce, addressing the impact of racism on staff and better reflecting the communities it serves. Lewisham Council is […]

Strikes off as Lewisham and Greenwich hospital staff secure major pay increase, says UNISON

​The threat of further strikes at hospitals in Lewisham and Greenwich has been lifted after healthcare staff secured a salary increase and a deal on back pay, says UNISON today (Thursday). Hundreds of healthcare support workers employed by Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust will benefit after their campaign for fair compensation led to an improved […]

Tackling HIV Stigma: new model workplace policy launched with MPs to mark World AIDS Day

To mark World AIDS Day, the regional LGBT+ group hosted an inspiring parliamentary reception, with Deirdre Costigan MP, as part of the Year of LGBT+ Workers campaign. Members from across the region gathered, along with MPs and activists from leading HIV charities to discuss the critical issue of HIV stigma in the workplace and the […]

Havering and Barnet become the latest London Council’s to sign UNISON’s anti-racism charter

Pictured above, Havering Council anti-racism charter signing. Havering and Barnet have become the latest local authorities in the capital to sign up to UNISON’s anti-racism charter. The charter, which aims to tackle racism in the public sector, commits organisations and their leaders to having a clear and visible race equality policy, as well as programme […]

Celebrating School Support Staff: Newham and Havering branches’ Stars in Our Schools event

Pictured above; various photos from the Newham branch event at Plaistow Primary School. It takes a whole team to make a school a safe and happy place for children. School support staff help pupils learn, keep them safe, and ensure schools run smoothly. They are the caterers, admin staff, finance officers, teaching assistants, librarians, ICT […]