More than half NHS and social care staff in London considering quitting over pandemic impact, says UNISON survey 

Wednesday 31 March 2021 For immediate release More than half NHS and social care staff in London considering quitting over pandemic impact, says UNISON survey NHS and social care staff in London have revealed that they feel let down by the government and unable to cope with work-related stress, according to a survey published today (Wednesday) by UNISON. The findings are based on responses from over […]

Mayor introduces risk assessments for Black, Asian and minority ethnic staff as part of efforts to tackle Covid-19 inequality

Mayor introduces risk assessments for Black, Asian and minority ethnic staff as part of efforts to tackle Covid-19 inequality Risk assessments consider physical and mental health of vulnerable staff, with support for BAME employees, those with pre-existing health conditions and older workers Part of a series of measures across the GLA family to help those […]

New agreement to ensure NHS staff in England are paid properly for every working hour

Unions agree measures to be applied locally Health workers across England should now be paid properly for every hour they’re at work during the pandemic, following an agreement reached between health unions and NHS employers today (Friday).   Since March staff have been working flat out, treating and caring for patients, and keeping the NHS running under […]

New care home death figures show government claims of protecting the sector ​ring hollow, says UNISON

Tuesday 26 May 2020 For immediate release New care home death figures show government claims of protecting the sector ​ring hollow, says UNISON Responding to figures published today (Tuesday) by the Office for National Statistics showing more than half of all deaths linked to coronavirus occurred in care homes, UNISON assistant general secretary Christina McAnea said: “It’s shameful that […]

Ministers mustn’t forget important workers delivering essential services, says UNISON

The government must do more to help thousands of “hidden workers” who are being put under extra pressure or are seeing their health put at risk as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, says UNISON today (Tuesday). Alongside the frontline health and care staff, there are people around the UK keeping essential services going, who […]

Government should listen to independent scientists and pull back from 1 June start date

Reopening must wait until it’s safer Commenting on the report on school safety from the committee of independent scientists chaired by Sir David King published today (Friday), UNISON head of education Jon Richards said: “This is the evidence school staff and parents have been waiting for. Not only do these scientists say the government’s plans for schools […]

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 […]