Step up, stand up and speak out against racism

The murder of George Floyd and the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on Black communities has focused attention on inequality and racism. UNISON head of equality Gloria Mills looks at the union’s role The murder of George Floyd in the US and the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on Black communities in the UK have focused attention […]

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NEC told: ‘We will hold government to account on COVID-19’

First remote national executive council hears tributes to UNISON members who have lost their lives during the coronavirus crisis Supporting our members during the coronavirus pandemic has been UNISON’s mission during the current crisis – but we will also be their voice to hold this government to account, UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis told the […]

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NHS Trade Unions’ Blueprint for Return

As we enter what could be the start of a gradual easing of lockdown restrictions, discussion has turned to how the NHS restarts those services that were stepped down during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the pressure that staff have been under and the risk to their health and well-being – and that […]

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NHS Pension Scheme – Age Discrimination update

The government is developing proposals to address the unlawful age discrimination identified by the Court of Appeal in the 2015 reforms to the Judicial and Firefighters’ pension schemes. More information on the ruling and its implications for the NHS Pension Scheme can be found here: https://www.unison.org.uk/health-news/2020/01/latest-pension-age-discrimination-ruling/ The government has already announced it will take steps […]

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Annual Leave Guidance during the COVID-19 Pandemic

LAS members will have seen the publication on Friday 8th May, by our People and Culture (P&C) colleagues, of the attached document answering some frequently asked questions on the subject of annual leave. Our Branch officers had some discussions with our management prior to the publication of this document, on certain areas of the text […]

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Impact of Covid-19 on Black staff in the NHS

The disproportionate impact of Covid-19, and the response to it, is a matter of concern for the whole union. We urgently await the analysis and report from the Public Health England Ethnicity Review which is looking at the impact in the general population (due end May). It is hoped that learning from the Review will […]

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Member update from UNISON Ambulance

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) UNISON advice to ambulance members on PPE: Individual risk assessments should be the main factor in deciding your level of PPE. A minimum of level 2 PPE (disposable gloves, disposable apron, fluid repellent surgical mask, eye protection (if risk of splashing)) is recommended to use for all patients. Don’t put yourself […]

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PPE Request

Following on from our previous letter regarding appropriate PPE, Eddie Brand, LAS UNISON Branch Secretary has written a further e-mail regarding the suitability of the PPE ambulance crews are expected to use. Good morning all, Thank you for your reply Chris. Whilst we realise we stated that we would like to see Staff at least wearing aprons, surgical masks and gloves. […]

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