Mayor is right to declare major incident, says UNISON 

Friday 8 January 2021 For immediate release Mayor is right to declare major incident, says UNISON  UNISON, the UK’s largest health union has backed Mayor Sadiq Khan’s decision to declare a major incident in London today (​Friday). NHS staff are under enormous pressure and their capacity to provide care is close to breaking point after battling wave after wave […]

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 […]

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 […]

Thank you to all our Public Service Champions #ClapforKeyworkers

Every Thursday we take part in the #ClapforKeyWorkers to say thank you to those caring for our loved ones or for those keeping us safe at home. We’ve designed posters that you can display to show your appreciation which you can access here.  

‘You are doing so much to protect us, we have to protect you‘: a May Day message from Dave Prentis

On International Worker’s Day 2020, UNISON General Secretary Dave Prentis has issued a message to all UNISON members and activists. On International Workers’ Day 2020, UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis has issued a message to all UNISON members and activists. In his first video message after being in lockdown, Dave sends a clear message of […]

Elderly and vulnerable people still at risk from poor advice from some care homes, says UNISON

Clear guidance must be rigorously applied Some care companies are still failing to give staff accurate guidance on using personal protective equipment (PPE) – creating serious dangers for workers, care home residents and the elderly living in their own homes, says UNISON today (Monday). Concerned care staff working in residential homes are telling the union they’re being […]

COVID-19: Black and female workers – more impacted than the rest

Anyone can be infected by COVID-19. But it’s increasingly clear that that’s where the equality ends UNISON believes that the effect of the coronavirus pandemic on different groups is devastatingly different and is becoming increasingly clear. In evidence to parliament this week, the union asserted that COVID-19 is tracking and deepening long-term inequalities in our […]