Unions urge immediate protection of Black probation workers from COVID-19

UNISON and sister probation unions tell National Probation Service there is no time to waste in safeguarding their Black/BAME members UNISON is calling on the National Probation Service and Community Rehabilitation Companies to proactively reduce risk for Black probation staff. NHS England confirmed on 7 May 2020 that members of Black communities are at a […]

Health unions publish blueprint for the safe opening up of the NHS

UNISON and other health unions say NHS must continue to operate a safety-first approach Fast, comprehensive and accessible testing, and the ongoing, ample supply of protective kit are among measures that must be in place for the NHS to be opened up safely as the UK begins to ease the lockdown, say health unions today […]

The return to work must be safe, says UNISON

PPE and testing must be properly in place before mass return Commenting on the Prime Minister’s address to the nation today (Sunday), UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said: “The return to work must be safe. There must be no cutting corners, no playing fast and loose with employees’ safety. The economy is important, but lives are too. […]

Action needed to address higher coronavirus death rates ​for Black people

Higher-risk job roles must be examined Commenting on figures released today (Thursday) by the Office for National Statistics showing disproportionately high Covid-19 death rates for Black people, UNISON assistant general secretary Christina McAnea said: “Time and again, we’ve seen how people from black and minority ethnic (BAME) communities suffer health problems caused by disadvantage and poverty, which […]

Health unions call on Matt Hancock to recognise student contribution and abolish tuition fees

Current students should also have fees reimbursed Four leading unions have called on the Health Secretary to recognise the significant contribution by – and disruption to – nursing, midwifery and allied healthcare students during the current crisis by abolishing tuition fees and reimbursing those already paid. The Royal College of Midwives, the Royal College of […]

International Nurses Day 2020

Next week, the union will be celebrating the work that nurses, midwives and nursing associates do every day to help the people of the UK and we need your help. Nurses and midwives make a very real and vital contribution to the health of our nation and now more than ever it’s important to celebrate! […]

Frightened workers self-isolating to protect vulnerable loved ones shouldn’t be punished, says UNISON

Wednesday 6 May 2020  For immediate release    Frightened workers self-isolating to protect vulnerable loved ones shouldn’t be punished, says UNISON      The government must do more to protect key workers threatened with dismissal or put on unpaid leave if they’re off work self-isolating because of vulnerable relatives, says UNISON today (Wednesday).      Anxious staff have […]

There for You launches COVID-19 support fund

New fund will help members facing particular need because of the pandemic There for You is UNISON’s unique charity, set up to help members in difficulties – and this year, the COVID-19 crisis is making life harder for many of our already-stretched members. Because more of you are struggling, There for You has set up […]

Joint support staff union statement: Speculation over increasing pupil numbers in schools (England)

5 May 2020   Support staff unions’ statement: Speculation over increasing pupil numbers in schools (England)   Over the last few days there has been further speculation that the government is considering increasing the number of pupils in schools in June.    UNISON, GMB and Unite, the recognised unions for school support staff, have been […]

Needless care home deaths can be prevented if staff get safety kit they need, says UNISON

Tuesday 5 May 2020 For immediate release Responding to figures published today (Tuesday) by the Office for National Statistics showing care home deaths linked to coronavirus have increased by more than 2,500 in a week, UNISON assistant general secretary Christina McAnea said:“Each of these deaths is a tragedy for the families who have lost a loved one. “It’s […]