Care has gone into a tailspin under this government

Commenting on the Social Care 360 report, published today (Wednesday) by the King’s Fund, UNISON head of social care Gavin Edwards said:

“Care has gone into a tailspin on this government’s watch. A litany of broken promises and a complete absence of action best sums up ministers’ appalling neglect of the sector.

“Cash-strapped local authorities have been pushed ever closer to the edge by spiralling care costs.

“The blame for the crisis in care lies entirely with the government. Ministers have failed to ensure council funding bears any relation to the harsh economic reality. 

“The sector simply doesn’t have the staff to meet growing demands. Care workers are quitting for better-paid jobs on the high street, leaving employers increasingly reliant on staff from overseas. 

“The next government must make care the priority it’s never been. Labour has promised a national care service and crucially, a fair pay agreement in care. 

“Raising wages in this way won’t solve all the sector’s problems. But it will be an important first step that employers, staff and those being supported will all be able to get behind.”

Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.

Media contacts:
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: press@unison.co.uk
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk

The article Care has gone into a tailspin under this government first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Care has gone into a tailspin under this government

Commenting on the Social Care 360 report, published today (Wednesday) by the King’s Fund, UNISON head of social care Gavin Edwards said:

“Care has gone into a tailspin on this government’s watch. A litany of broken promises and a complete absence of action best sums up ministers’ appalling neglect of the sector.

“Cash-strapped local authorities have been pushed ever closer to the edge by spiralling care costs.

“The blame for the crisis in care lies entirely with the government. Ministers have failed to ensure council funding bears any relation to the harsh economic reality. 

“The sector simply doesn’t have the staff to meet growing demands. Care workers are quitting for better-paid jobs on the high street, leaving employers increasingly reliant on staff from overseas. 

“The next government must make care the priority it’s never been. Labour has promised a national care service and crucially, a fair pay agreement in care. 

“Raising wages in this way won’t solve all the sector’s problems. But it will be an important first step that employers, staff and those being supported will all be able to get behind.”

Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.

Media contacts:
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: press@unison.co.uk
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk

The article Care has gone into a tailspin under this government first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Violence in schools is no laughing matter

Commenting on remarks made by education secretary Gillian Keegan today (Friday) about ‘punching’ Ofsted inspectors, UNISON head of education Mike Short said:

“Clearly there’s much that can and should be improved about the way Ofsted inspections are carried out. But to suggest punching people is an appropriate reaction is not becoming of a government minister.

“Making light of violence when staff in schools are increasingly likely to face assaults is in very poor taste. Ofsted inspectors are already dealing with a great deal of hostility while they work. So much for showing respect.”

Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.

Media contacts:
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: press@unison.co.uk

The article Violence in schools is no laughing matter first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Violence in schools is no laughing matter

Commenting on remarks made by education secretary Gillian Keegan today (Friday) about ‘punching’ Ofsted inspectors, UNISON head of education Mike Short said:

“Clearly there’s much that can and should be improved about the way Ofsted inspections are carried out. But to suggest punching people is an appropriate reaction is not becoming of a government minister.

“Making light of violence when staff in schools are increasingly likely to face assaults is in very poor taste. Ofsted inspectors are already dealing with a great deal of hostility while they work. So much for showing respect.”

Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.

Media contacts:
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: press@unison.co.uk

The article Violence in schools is no laughing matter first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Urgent action needed to avert school technician recruitment crisis

Schools and colleges will face a shortage of skilled support staff unless urgent action is taken to address low pay and morale among technicians, warns a new report released today by UNISON.

A survey of more than 3,000 school and college technicians found the majority are over 50, earn below the national average wage and do not think the public or politicians understand what they do.

The survey by Preproom, which provides science resources for schools, found over half of technicians (51%) are 51 or above, with around one in six (17%) aged over 60. And with fewer than one in 10 (9%) under 30, the data suggests schools and colleges face a recruitment crisis.

UNISON says low pay, heavy workloads and a lack of appreciation are reasons why schools and colleges are struggling to attract the next generation of technicians.

The survey found in excess of a third (38%) are doing extra unpaid work every week, but their efforts are likely to be underappreciated. More than two-thirds of technicians said they did not think their work was understood at all by the government (71%), nor the public (68%). Over a quarter (27%) felt their role was not understood at all by their employer.

To highlight, and better understand, the work technicians do, UNISON and Preproom have teamed up to launch #techognition day. The event is a chance for technicians to celebrate and show off what they do.

Technicians are encouraged to upload photos on social media – with the hashtag #techognition – highlighting the variety of work they do. From scientists setting up experiments to artists aiding students in their latest creation, the day aims to shine a light on the invaluable efforts of support staff.

It is also an opportunity to encourage more schools and colleges to apply for the Technical Champions quality mark, which is awarded to institutions that demonstrate support for technicians.

Preproom director Chris Galvin said: “We know that technicians struggle with low pay, heavy workloads and limited career progression. However, this survey suggests the situation is even worse than we thought.

“Technicians regularly take on extra unpaid tasks, which is not good for their wellbeing. Things are not helped by too many school leaders failing to fully understand what their technicians do, which has to change.”

UNISON education officer Joanna Parry said: “Technicians play an essential role in school life, yet their work is clearly not appreciated. This survey paints a worrying picture of a low-paid, ageing and undervalued workforce.

“It’s never been more important to promote the amazing work technicians do through initiatives like #techognition day. Ministers need to better understand the work they and all the staff in our schools do.

“Improved pay and conditions are needed if we are to tackle the recruitment issues across education.”

Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.

Media contacts:
Dan Ashley M: 07908 672893 E: d.ashley@unison.co.uk
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk

The article Urgent action needed to avert school technician recruitment crisis first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Urgent action needed to avert school technician recruitment crisis

Schools and colleges will face a shortage of skilled support staff unless urgent action is taken to address low pay and morale among technicians, warns a new report released today by UNISON.

A survey of more than 3,000 school and college technicians found the majority are over 50, earn below the national average wage and do not think the public or politicians understand what they do.

The survey by Preproom, which provides science resources for schools, found over half of technicians (51%) are 51 or above, with around one in six (17%) aged over 60. And with fewer than one in 10 (9%) under 30, the data suggests schools and colleges face a recruitment crisis.

UNISON says low pay, heavy workloads and a lack of appreciation are reasons why schools and colleges are struggling to attract the next generation of technicians.

The survey found in excess of a third (38%) are doing extra unpaid work every week, but their efforts are likely to be underappreciated. More than two-thirds of technicians said they did not think their work was understood at all by the government (71%), nor the public (68%). Over a quarter (27%) felt their role was not understood at all by their employer.

To highlight, and better understand, the work technicians do, UNISON and Preproom have teamed up to launch #techognition day. The event is a chance for technicians to celebrate and show off what they do.

Technicians are encouraged to upload photos on social media – with the hashtag #techognition – highlighting the variety of work they do. From scientists setting up experiments to artists aiding students in their latest creation, the day aims to shine a light on the invaluable efforts of support staff.

It is also an opportunity to encourage more schools and colleges to apply for the Technical Champions quality mark, which is awarded to institutions that demonstrate support for technicians.

Preproom director Chris Galvin said: “We know that technicians struggle with low pay, heavy workloads and limited career progression. However, this survey suggests the situation is even worse than we thought.

“Technicians regularly take on extra unpaid tasks, which is not good for their wellbeing. Things are not helped by too many school leaders failing to fully understand what their technicians do, which has to change.”

UNISON education officer Joanna Parry said: “Technicians play an essential role in school life, yet their work is clearly not appreciated. This survey paints a worrying picture of a low-paid, ageing and undervalued workforce.

“It’s never been more important to promote the amazing work technicians do through initiatives like #techognition day. Ministers need to better understand the work they and all the staff in our schools do.

“Improved pay and conditions are needed if we are to tackle the recruitment issues across education.”

Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.

Media contacts:
Dan Ashley M: 07908 672893 E: d.ashley@unison.co.uk
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk

The article Urgent action needed to avert school technician recruitment crisis first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Harassment, abuse and discrimination have no place in a 21st century NHS

Commenting on the annual NHS staff survey published today (Thursday), UNISON acting deputy head of health Alan Lofthouse said:

“Harassment or ill-treatment of any kind is simply wrong. NHS staff must be able to get on with their jobs without the fear of abuse, assault, or ill-treatment from bigots, racists and sexual predators.

“The number of sexually motivated incidents is shocking. Health and emergency workers caring for people and saving lives shouldn’t ever have to suffer attacks, unwanted advances or inappropriate comments.

“Employers need to do more to ensure everyone working in the NHS, using its services or visiting patients knows how to behave and what will happen to them if they don’t.

“That means senior managers working closely with unions and staff to make the NHS workplace a safer, kinder, fairer and nicer place to work. One that’s completely free from discrimination, violence and harassment.

“The chancellor says he wants the NHS to become more productive. But the lived experiences of staff, squeezed resources and record low pay is forcing many to leave the jobs they love.

“With more than one in five NHS workers admitting they want to quit in the next year, the government needs to tackle wage rates right away. Staff satisfaction with pay is almost the worst it’s ever been. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to work out why.

“The NHS simply couldn’t function without its workers. That’s why it’s so important staff are rewarded properly with a decent pay rise when it’s due in couple of weeks.”

Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.

Media contacts:
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: press@unison.co.uk

The article Harassment, abuse and discrimination have no place in a 21st century NHS first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Harassment, abuse and discrimination have no place in a 21st century NHS

Commenting on the annual NHS staff survey published today (Thursday), UNISON acting deputy head of health Alan Lofthouse said:

“Harassment or ill-treatment of any kind is simply wrong. NHS staff must be able to get on with their jobs without the fear of abuse, assault, or ill-treatment from bigots, racists and sexual predators.

“The number of sexually motivated incidents is shocking. Health and emergency workers caring for people and saving lives shouldn’t ever have to suffer attacks, unwanted advances or inappropriate comments.

“Employers need to do more to ensure everyone working in the NHS, using its services or visiting patients knows how to behave and what will happen to them if they don’t.

“That means senior managers working closely with unions and staff to make the NHS workplace a safer, kinder, fairer and nicer place to work. One that’s completely free from discrimination, violence and harassment.

“The chancellor says he wants the NHS to become more productive. But the lived experiences of staff, squeezed resources and record low pay is forcing many to leave the jobs they love.

“With more than one in five NHS workers admitting they want to quit in the next year, the government needs to tackle wage rates right away. Staff satisfaction with pay is almost the worst it’s ever been. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to work out why.

“The NHS simply couldn’t function without its workers. That’s why it’s so important staff are rewarded properly with a decent pay rise when it’s due in couple of weeks.”

Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.

Media contacts:
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: press@unison.co.uk

The article Harassment, abuse and discrimination have no place in a 21st century NHS first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Chancellor is living in a fantasy world

Commenting on the spring budget today (Wednesday), UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said: 

“This is the stuff of fantasy. The public won’t be fooled. Taxes overall remain at a record high and the promised growth is nowhere to be seen, despite what the chancellor would have everyone believe. 

“There’s no budget giveaway for the lowest paid. They’ll be substantially worse off. And persistently punching public services in the face helps no one.

“Families might be struggling, but people would rather have functioning local services than a few possible extra pounds in their pockets. 

“Public services are the fabric keeping communities together. No one wants to go weeks to see a GP, spend hours waiting in over-crowded A&E departments or languish on growing NHS waiting lists. 

“People want care packages when they need support, school buildings that won’t fall apart and for the police to keep them safe. That’s no longer possible under the Conservatives.

“Public services can barely cope as it is. Proper investment is what’s needed, not another dose of callous austerity or telling nurses, teaching assistants and care staff to work harder. 

“Never mind going back to square one, the chancellor’s determined to take the country back to the days of Charles Dickens.

“But let’s face it, this government ran out of ideas long ago. Ministers have misread the public mood and will pay for it at the ballot box.

“Rishi Sunak and his failing ministers are living on borrowed time. This lot should finally put the country first and call an election.”

Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.

Media contacts:
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: press@unison.co.uk
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk

The article Chancellor is living in a fantasy world first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Chancellor is living in a fantasy world

Commenting on the spring budget today (Wednesday), UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said: 

“This is the stuff of fantasy. The public won’t be fooled. Taxes overall remain at a record high and the promised growth is nowhere to be seen, despite what the chancellor would have everyone believe. 

“There’s no budget giveaway for the lowest paid. They’ll be substantially worse off. And persistently punching public services in the face helps no one.

“Families might be struggling, but people would rather have functioning local services than a few possible extra pounds in their pockets. 

“Public services are the fabric keeping communities together. No one wants to go weeks to see a GP, spend hours waiting in over-crowded A&E departments or languish on growing NHS waiting lists. 

“People want care packages when they need support, school buildings that won’t fall apart and for the police to keep them safe. That’s no longer possible under the Conservatives.

“Public services can barely cope as it is. Proper investment is what’s needed, not another dose of callous austerity or telling nurses, teaching assistants and care staff to work harder. 

“Never mind going back to square one, the chancellor’s determined to take the country back to the days of Charles Dickens.

“But let’s face it, this government ran out of ideas long ago. Ministers have misread the public mood and will pay for it at the ballot box.

“Rishi Sunak and his failing ministers are living on borrowed time. This lot should finally put the country first and call an election.”

Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.

Media contacts:
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: press@unison.co.uk
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk

The article Chancellor is living in a fantasy world first appeared on the UNISON National site.