NHS pay award will leave staff angry, says UNISON

Below-inflation rise means staff are expected to deliver more for less Commenting on the 3.3% wage rise announced today (Thursday) for most NHS staff in England, Wales and Northern Ireland for 2026/27, UNISON head of health Helga Pile said: “Hard-pressed NHS staff will be downright angry at another below-inflation pay award. “Yet again, they’re expected to […]

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999 Retirement Emergency

Pressures at work impact hugely on the health and wellbeing of ambulance staff, yet their retirement age has continued to rise. UNISON is proud to represent members working in the ambulance sector. But we know that over the years, many roles have become increasingly difficult. Over exposure to traumatic events and the physical nature of […]

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UNISON ambulance retirement age campaign launch!

We want you to be given the choice to retire earlier than you do! As the largest and strongest trade union for ambulance staff in the UK, UNISON is proud to represent our members working in the ambulance sector. The vital jobs that you do day in, day out help to save people’s lives. But we […]

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NHS pay (England) 2026/27 Branch briefing Nov 2025

This briefing sets out the latest updates on NHS pay for 2026/27, the position of the Health Service Group Executive (HSGE) and the next stages of our pay campaign including key activities for branches and activists. The full PDF can ben found and downloaded here. Context and actions taken by the Health Service Group Executive (HSGE) so far • Close of the 2025/26 pay round […]

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What’s the right age to retire?

UNISON has submitted its response to the government’s independent review into what factors should be considered when determining the state pension age   UNISON’s response, with contributions from members, highlighted the physical and mental demands that essential workers face. The union believes it is not fair to expect workers to ‘just keep going’ in such […]

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NHS pay figure is an insult to staff

Head of health Helga Pile responds to suggested NHS pay rise Commenting on the government’s submission to the NHS Pay Review Body that it can afford only a 2.5% pay rise for healthcare staff in 2026/27, UNISON head of health Helga Pile said: “Yet again ministers are trying to get away with giving staff a way-below-inflation […]

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New functional skills course announced

  This is available to any UNISON member who does not have a GCSE or equivalent in English and Mathematics and wants to enter any higher/degree education course, including Cumbria University. •Times – Sessions between 09.30 to 15.30. • Up to 6 hours per session, however if a learner only requires one subject, they need […]

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Statement on the Manchester synagogue attack

UNISON is horrified at the terrorist attack on the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue yesterday, which left two people dead and many more injured. It was a violent, antisemitic attack on the Jewish community in Manchester which will also have spread deep fear and concern across the whole Jewish community in the UK. UNISON stands […]

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