I had another relatively early start to get to the NEC conference pre meeting for 8.30am. I had a day off running but did some HIIT instead. The NEC pre meeting went well and I was in the conference hall for the 9.30am start (Tuesday start is 10am…Read more…
UNISON National Delegate Conference: Day One
Today (Tuesday 17 June) was day one of the UNISON National Delegate Conference 2025, which is taking place in the ACC, Liverpool. This is certainly the largest trade union conference in the UK, if not Europe, with over 2,000 delegates and visitor…Read more…
UNISON National Delegate Conference: Liverpool 2025
Today I travelled by train to Liverpool to take part in the UNISON National Delegate Conference as a NEC representative for Community (80,000 Housing Associations and Charities members) with my colleague Denise Thomas. I always know I am back in L…Read more…
Beckton Street Surgery 15.6.25
Busy day yesterday. I took part in some interviews in the morning then joined Cllr Blossom Young and Cllr Rohima Rahman with some new campaigners in Beckton ward, Newham London. Cllr Tonii Wilson, the 3rd Beckton ward Councillor was unable to joi…Read more…
TUC – Tackling high temperatures at work: Wednesday 18 June 2025 | 14:00- 15:00
High temperatures are a major problem in the workplace, especially during summer. Excessive heat can cause dizziness, fainting, and heat cramps, posing serious health risks. Workers in outdoor sites, warehouses, and kitchens are particularly vuln…Read more…
Re-elected to UNISON NEC 2025-27
I was pleased today to find out that I was re-elected to the UNISON National Executive Council (NEC) for the next 2 years representing all our members who work for Housing Associations and Charities. My running mate Denise Thomas was also re-elec…Read more…
Tolpuddle Martyrs Museum
On Saturday while returning from a lovely break in Dorset, I made a stop at the Martyrs Museum in Tolpuddle.I had visited a few years ago during winter, but it was closed. This museum is truly worth visiting. Located just a few minutes from the A…Read more…
Newham Rough Sleeper Count May 2025
Last night I joined the team going out from Newham Dockside Building to start the bi monthly count from midnight util 3am of rough sleepers in Newham, East London. The team is made up of Council officers, stakeholders and local Councillors. …Read more…
Breakfast at Pellicci
Had yet another great breakfast recently at E Pellicci in Bethnal Green with Monty Matty (former Tower Hamlets UNISON caretaker steward).Believe it or not, since I am cutting down on carbs, and swopped the toast and hash browns for extra Sausage …Read more…
UNISON Members – Get help with School uniforms online application starts today (Wednesday 28 May 2025) at 12 Noon!
I first posted this earlier this month and hope that low paid members with school age children will apply. Online applications are not great for many UNISON members but I hope this being half term in many areas they will notice this and apply.”UN…Read more…
Newham Council AGM 2025
Last Thursday evening was the Newham Council AGM, which was held this year in the new Shipman Youth Zone.In this picture taken at the end of the meeting I am with the Chair of Council (our civic major), Cllr Dr Rohit Das Gupta, our local MPs James Asse…Read more…
The John Smith Memorial Lecture: Gordon Brown – The future of public life
Last Wednesday, after a long day at a UNISON NEC meeting, I was lucky to get a ticket to a packed lecture by former Labour Prime Minister Gordon Brown. It was held in Cadogan Hall in West London. Gordon was introduced by former Labour Leader…Read more…
Thank you to branches and supporters of UNISON NEC “Members Together” Candidates. Results out 11 June
UNISON NEC elections (the elected “Parliament” of UNISON members) closed 5pm on Wednesday (21 May). The Scrutineer and Returning Officer (Civica Election Services) for this election will now investigate any complaints and will then announce the …Read more…
It’s Vote o’ clock! Last chance to vote in UNISON NEC elections: Postal (ONLY) Ballot closes this Wednesday 5pm
The UNISON NEC elections close at 5pm Wednesday 21st May THIS week. It is a postal only ballot and if you have not voted yet, it is probably best to send today to make sure it gets to returning officer in time – it is SAE but maybe put on a 1st c…Read more…
UNISON School Uniform Grant 28 May 2025 – share with members
“UNISON’s charity, There for You, is offering help for members on a low income with a one-off, non-repayable grant of £75 per school-aged child which will be paid in the form of a voucher. We want to make this limited fund go as far as possible a…Read more…
Canvass Green Street East 17 May 2025
After Labour Group local campaign training, we went out to canvass in Green Street East with local Councillors. I had to leave early to see my little sister and niece who were down from Lincs to see a show together. Read more…
Last chance for UNISON NEC elections: Members together Community, London & National Slate
The UNISON NEC elections close at 5pm Wednesday 21st May next week. It is a postal only ballot and if you have not voted yet, it is probably best to send tomorrow at the latest to make sure it gets to returning officer in time – it is SAE but may…Read more…
Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival 2025 line-up poster!!
“Yet another dynamic and diverse programme of music, comedy, theatre and more 18th – 20th July in the village of Tolpuddle, DorsetTickets and festival info at https://www.tolpuddlemartyrs.org.uk/festival”Read more…
Not voted yet in the UNISON NEC elections?
Dig that ballot paper out of the pile, vote and get it in the post
If you’ve not got it then call 0800 0 857 857 ASAP
Ballots have to be back by 21 May. Don’t lose your right to vote! Hat tip @andrew4necCheck out recommendations on who …Read more…
RAF Hornchurch & Rainham Hall Walk 5 May 2025
Last Monday 5 May 25, Gill and I went for a 6.52 mile walk around Hornchurch Country Park and a visit to the National Trust property, Rainham Hall. The country park used to be the site of a First World war and then Battle of Britain airfield…Read more…