Tag: Unison

UNISON Nelson Mandela Award 2025– (open to all Black people in conjunction with UNISON’s defining Black)

UNISON 2015 Black members’ conference resolved to establish a Nelson Mandela award that embodies his attributes and becomes an annual feature of the conference.

Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s first Black president saw in democracy after decades of apartheid rule which for Black people meant living with years of racial segregation and systemic oppression. His vision was for a truly united South Africa, and he became a powerful global figure of resistance.

Our union is proud to have made Mandela an honorary president of UNISON and to have stood by him and others in the movement on their historic struggle for equality, justice and in ending apartheid.

Amongst our Black communities we recognise that there is an abundance of talent and that there are many people who tirelessly contribute to the fight for racial equality across the world. With the marginalisation and discrimination faced by Black workers and people with entrenched barriers structural and institutional racism would appear to be ever increasing, but out of the ashes of despair we have seen courage, determination, purpose, and drive throughout our history and would encourage nominations from all sections of the Black community and devolved nations.

Download the Mandela award covering letter and nominee submission form 2025

The award will be presented to someone who has supported and ‘gone above and beyond to represent Black people’ celebrating their achievements, courage, and determination within our society.

The award winner will be invited to attend the National Black members conference as a guest of the National Committee where they will be presented with the award.

The article UNISON Nelson Mandela Award 2025– (open to all Black people in conjunction with UNISON’s defining Black) first appeared on the UNISON National site.

UNISON Nelson Mandela Award 2025– (open to all Black people in conjunction with UNISON’s defining Black)

UNISON 2015 Black members’ conference resolved to establish a Nelson Mandela award that embodies his attributes and becomes an annual feature of the conference.

Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s first Black president saw in democracy after decades of apartheid rule which for Black people meant living with years of racial segregation and systemic oppression. His vision was for a truly united South Africa, and he became a powerful global figure of resistance.

Our union is proud to have made Mandela an honorary president of UNISON and to have stood by him and others in the movement on their historic struggle for equality, justice and in ending apartheid.

Amongst our Black communities we recognise that there is an abundance of talent and that there are many people who tirelessly contribute to the fight for racial equality across the world. With the marginalisation and discrimination faced by Black workers and people with entrenched barriers structural and institutional racism would appear to be ever increasing, but out of the ashes of despair we have seen courage, determination, purpose, and drive throughout our history and would encourage nominations from all sections of the Black community and devolved nations.

Download the Mandela award covering letter and nominee submission form 2025

The award will be presented to someone who has supported and ‘gone above and beyond to represent Black people’ celebrating their achievements, courage, and determination within our society.

The award winner will be invited to attend the National Black members conference as a guest of the National Committee where they will be presented with the award.

The article UNISON Nelson Mandela Award 2025– (open to all Black people in conjunction with UNISON’s defining Black) first appeared on the UNISON National site.

GB Energy will boost the economy and bring bills down

Commenting on the introduction of the GB Energy Bill and the creation of the government’s new publicly owned company aimed at making the UK a ‘clean energy superpower’ today (Thursday), UNISON head of environment Donna Rowe- Merriman said:

“It’s high time for the energy sector to move to the next level. GB Energy’s promising goals will generate profits and support the transition to cleaner power.

“The move offers a unique opportunity for workers to develop new skills for a green economy and meet the energy needs of the future.

“The creation of GB Energy’s local power plans will also encourage councils and communities to explore how they can develop renewable energy locally.

“This strong statement of intent will fulfil the new government’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions, boost economic growth and bring energy bills down for all.”

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: l.chinchen@unison.co.uk
Fatima Ayad M: 07508 080383 E: f.ayad@unison.co.uk

The article GB Energy will boost the economy and bring bills down first appeared on the UNISON National site.

GB Energy will boost the economy and bring bills down

Commenting on the introduction of the GB Energy Bill and the creation of the government’s new publicly owned company aimed at making the UK a ‘clean energy superpower’ today (Thursday), UNISON head of environment Donna Rowe- Merriman said:

“It’s high time for the energy sector to move to the next level. GB Energy’s promising goals will generate profits and support the transition to cleaner power.

“The move offers a unique opportunity for workers to develop new skills for a green economy and meet the energy needs of the future.

“The creation of GB Energy’s local power plans will also encourage councils and communities to explore how they can develop renewable energy locally.

“This strong statement of intent will fulfil the new government’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions, boost economic growth and bring energy bills down for all.”

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: l.chinchen@unison.co.uk
Fatima Ayad M: 07508 080383 E: f.ayad@unison.co.uk

The article GB Energy will boost the economy and bring bills down first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Opinion: Taking the chance to fix what’s been broken for too long

By general secretary Christina McAnea

After endless disappointments, cuts and chaos from a stream of Conservative prime ministers, there were, understandably high expectations around the first King’s Speech under a Labour government for 14 years.

Reassuringly the bills proposed last week showed a promising start to the long process of rebuilding the economy and revitalising essential public services.

In Keir Starmer, it feels like we finally have a PM who has a proper understanding of public services and their role in holding our communities together. Even better, he’s actually run one.

But you only have to look at the grim picture painted by the initial findings from the COVID inquiry, issued just a day later, to see what happens when services are hollowed out and simply collapse.

The new government set out 40 bills in its first King’s Speech. An ambitious work programme, but it was heartening to see their commitment to workers’ rights was high on the agenda.

I must admit, it felt strange to hear the King say, “My government will make work pay and introduce a New Deal for working People”.

At UNISON we’ve worked closely with the Labour Party to make sure the voices of our members were heard and shaped these proposals. Now it’s finally happening, I want to thank all staff, activists and members for their input in this groundbreaking moment.

And the New Deal has the potential to make a huge difference to workers and jobseekers in the UK. Good employers will benefit too and have nothing to fear.

A ban on exploitative zero-hours contracts and an end to ‘fire and rehire’ tactics are good news for millions of people. A fair pay agreement for adult social care workers could make a huge difference and help to end the staffing crisis. And the agreement will be a building block for a game-changing national care service.

We also have a commitment to introduce sectoral bargaining for school support staff in England, a long-standing policy for UNISON.

Plans to focus on and support the growth of devolved regional services in England as well as the commitment to strengthen devolved governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland could benefit UNISON members in each nation.

Far too many people continue to face racism and injustice in their workplaces. But allowing staff to make equal pay claims based on disability and ethnicity are a major step in the right direction. Promises to introduce new pay reporting requirements will also bring an improved level of transparency.

There will be challenges ahead, but the King’s Speech paints a picture of a government ready to rebuild and restore. And from what we’ve seen so far, this is a government that’s prepared to consult and listen to unions and the people they represent.

UNISON is the UK’s largest union and, as general secretary, I’m committed to pushing for the issues that matter most to our members and their families. That means working with Labour to deliver real benefits for everyone, to get rid of the worst of the Tory anti-union laws and to constantly make the case for public services to be seen as a driver of the economy.

Keir Starmer has promised to bring back trust to politics. This is so important, especially after 14 years of corrupt and out of touch Tory governments.

We’re at a pivotal moment, and we need to work together to take the chance to fix what’s been broken for too long.

The article Opinion: Taking the chance to fix what’s been broken for too long first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Opinion: Taking the chance to fix what’s been broken for too long

By general secretary Christina McAnea

After endless disappointments, cuts and chaos from a stream of Conservative prime ministers, there were understandably high expectations around the first King’s Speech under a Labour government for 14 years.

Reassuringly the bills proposed last week showed a promising start to the long process of rebuilding the economy and revitalising essential public services.

In Keir Starmer, it feels like we finally have a PM who has a proper understanding of public services and their role in holding our communities together. Even better, he’s actually run one.

But you only have to look at the grim picture painted by the initial findings from the COVID inquiry, issued just a day later, to see what happens when services are hollowed out and simply collapse.

The new government set out 40 bills in its first King’s Speech. An ambitious work programme, but it was heartening to see its commitment to workers’ rights was high up the agenda.

I must admit, it felt strange to hear the King say, “My government will make work pay and introduce a new deal for working people”.

At UNISON we’ve worked closely with the Labour Party to make sure the voices of our members were heard and shaped these proposals. Now it’s finally happening, I want to thank all staff, activists and members for their input in this groundbreaking moment.

And the new deal has the potential to make a huge difference to workers and jobseekers in the UK. Good employers will benefit too and have nothing to fear.

A ban on exploitative zero-hours contracts and an end to ‘fire and rehire’ tactics are good news for millions of people. A fair pay agreement for adult social care workers could make a huge difference and help end the staffing crisis. And the agreement will be a building block for a game-changing national care service.

We also have a commitment to introduce sectoral bargaining for school support staff in England, a long-standing policy for UNISON.

Plans to focus on and support the growth of devolved regional services in England as well as the commitment to strengthen devolved governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland could benefit UNISON members in each nation.

Far too many people continue to face racism and injustice in their workplaces. But allowing staff to make equal pay claims based on disability and ethnicity are a major step in the right direction. Promises to introduce new pay reporting requirements will also bring an improved level of transparency.

There will be challenges ahead, but the King’s Speech paints a picture of a government ready to rebuild and restore. And from what we’ve seen so far, this is a government that’s prepared to consult and listen to unions and the people they represent.

UNISON is the UK’s largest union and, as general secretary, I’m committed to pushing for the issues that matter most to our members and their families. That means working with Labour to deliver real benefits for everyone, to get rid of the worst of the Tory anti-union laws and to make the case for public services to be seen as a driver of the economy.

Keir Starmer has promised to bring back trust to politics. This is so important, especially after 14 years of corrupt and out-of-touch Tory governments.

We’re at a pivotal moment, and we need to work together to take the chance to fix what’s been broken for too long.

The article Opinion: Taking the chance to fix what’s been broken for too long first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Filling the skills gap is vital for a prosperous UK economy

Commenting on Keir Starmer’s announcement today (Monday) of a new government focus on training through the establishment of Skills England, UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said:

“The previous government did little to fill the skills gaps and workforce shortages in the UK.

“Improving the life chances of youngsters leaving school or college, as well as those of older workers who left education with no qualifications, with real opportunities could be a game changer for struggling parts of the economy.

“Spotting the gaps and planning ahead for any shortfall in the skills required as technology develops will be crucial too. For too long the government’s relied on overseas workers, while also making them unwelcome and left vulnerable to exploitation.

“It’s good to see the new government getting to grips with a problem that’s long been ignored, and recognising the important role further education colleges will play in this skills revolution.

“Improved wages in care once the new fair-pay agreement has been negotiated, combined with this new focus on skills, could prove to be the solution to the perpetual problem of staffing shortages in this key sector.”

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 Filling the skills gap is vital for a prosperous UK economy first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Filling the skills gap is vital for a prosperous UK economy

Commenting on Keir Starmer’s announcement today (Monday) of a new government focus on training through the establishment of Skills England, UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said:

“The previous government did little to fill the skills gaps and workforce shortages in the UK.

“Improving the life chances of youngsters leaving school or college, as well as those of older workers who left education with no qualifications, with real opportunities could be a game changer for struggling parts of the economy.

“Spotting the gaps and planning ahead for any shortfall in the skills required as technology develops will be crucial too. For too long the government’s relied on overseas workers, while also making them unwelcome and left vulnerable to exploitation.

“It’s good to see the new government getting to grips with a problem that’s long been ignored, and recognising the important role further education colleges will play in this skills revolution.

“Improved wages in care once the new fair-pay agreement has been negotiated, combined with this new focus on skills, could prove to be the solution to the perpetual problem of staffing shortages in this key sector.”

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 Filling the skills gap is vital for a prosperous UK economy first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Council and school workers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland asked to vote on possible strike action, says UNISON

Thousands of social workers, teaching assistants, planning officers, caretakers and other school and council staff are to be asked if they’re prepared to take strike action over this year’s pay offer, says their union UNISON today (Friday).

The move follows a recent consultation concerning the 2024/25 wage rise for local authority and school workers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In this vote 81% of the workers who took part opted to reject what they’d been offered.

The pay offer from the local government employers was for £1,290. The wage rise was due in April. The offer has been accepted by the GMB, but not by UNISON or Unite.

Ballot papers will now be sent to around 360,000 UNISON members across England and Wales, with Northern Ireland to follow later. The ballot will open on 4 September and close on 16 October.

UNISON head of local government Mike Short said: “Council and school staff were asked what they wanted to do about the employers’ pay offer. A majority of those who took part opted to reject the £1,290 increase.

“Now the union’s committee of leading activists has decided to conduct an industrial action ballot to try to secure an improved pay offer.

“The legal threshold required is a hard one to meet, and so everyone who wants to take action must be sure that they and all their colleagues return their ballot papers. The local government employers should come forward with an improved pay offer.”

The article Council and school workers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland asked to vote on possible strike action, says UNISON first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Council and school workers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland asked to vote on possible strike action, says UNISON

Thousands of social workers, teaching assistants, planning officers, caretakers and other school and council staff are to be asked if they’re prepared to take strike action over this year’s pay offer, says their union UNISON today (Friday).

The move follows a recent consultation concerning the 2024/25 wage rise for local authority and school workers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In this vote 81% of the workers who took part opted to reject what they’d been offered.

The pay offer from the local government employers was for £1,290. The wage rise was due in April. The offer has been accepted by the GMB, but not by UNISON or Unite.

Ballot papers will now be sent to around 360,000 UNISON members across England and Wales, with Northern Ireland to follow later. The ballot will open on 4 September and close on 16 October.

UNISON head of local government Mike Short said: “Council and school staff were asked what they wanted to do about the employers’ pay offer. A majority of those who took part opted to reject the £1,290 increase.

“Now the union’s committee of leading activists has decided to conduct an industrial action ballot to try to secure an improved pay offer.

“The legal threshold required is a hard one to meet, and so everyone who wants to take action must be sure that they and all their colleagues return their ballot papers. The local government employers should come forward with an improved pay offer.”

The article Council and school workers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland asked to vote on possible strike action, says UNISON first appeared on the UNISON National site.