School administrators, business managers and finance workers are regularly administering first aid, handing out medicines to pupils and conducting criminal record checks because of cuts in the number…Read more…
Public sector recruitment hovers on the brink of crisis, warns UNISON
A new report from the Institute for Financial Studies’ (IFS) released today (Friday) on plans for public sector pay highlights problems keeping experienced and skilled staff. The report – which…Read more…
UNISON comment on Conservative social care plans
Commenting on the social care announcement that is part of the wider Conservative manifesto launch, UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said: “Today’s social care announcement reveals…Read more…
UNISON on Labour’s manifesto
Commenting on the publication of the Labour Party’s 2017 manifesto today (Tuesday), UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said: “Labour has produced a manifesto that delivers for public services….Read more…
Ministers must act to counter malware attack on hospitals, says UNISON
Commenting on the malware attack today (Friday) on the NHS, UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said: “Staff are already facing huge challenges to keep the health service running and deliver the…Read more…
UK’s largest academy trust’s caretaker cuts pose serious risk to pupils, say unions
Some schools face losing 50% of caretaking staff under an academy chain’s ‘controversial’ plans released today (Tuesday). Education unions have issued a warning over plans by London-based…Read more…
UNISON backs NHS leaders’ call to end pay cap
In response to NHS Providers calling for an end to pay restraint for staff, UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said: “Action is needed now to stop staff leaving the NHS. Hospitals will struggle to…Read more…
Scrapping unfair parking charges ‘is the right thing to do’, says UNISON
Welcoming the Labour Party’s pledge to end hospital parking charges for patients, visitors and NHS staff, UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said: “The cost of hospital parking is heaping…Read more…
New staff agreement at the UK’s largest housing association
An agreement has been signed today (Thursday) by Clarion Housing Group, the UK’s largest housing association and UNISON, the UK’s largest union. It will allow the union to negotiate over pay and…Read more…
Unions issue final warning to school academy chain over cutbacks
An academy chain with schools in the East Midlands and Yorkshire & Humberside is facing possible action from eight education unions over plans to axe support staff. The unions – representing…Read more…
Labour’s plan promises to transform workplace rights, says UNISON
Commenting on the Labour Party’s 20-point plan for the workplace, UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said: “Labour’s plan promises to transform employees’ rights. These proposals…Read more…
Government guarantees might help reassure NHS and care workforces, says UNISON
Commenting on the report published today (Friday) by the Health Select Committee into the impact of Brexit upon health and social care in the UK, UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said: “The…Read more…
UNISON calling on Lords to protect NHS bursaries for student nurses
Today’s debate in the House of Lords is the last chance to ensure the NHS can continue to support and recruit student nurses. UNISON head of health Christina McAnea said: “Thousands of current senior…Read more…
UNISON launches ad campaign to promote public services champions
UNISON has today (Wednesday) launched an advertising campaign to show the positive impact of public sector workers, while also highlighting their struggles as a result of cuts to public spending. The…Read more…
Hospital staff paying ‘extortionate’ charges to park at work, says UNISON
Some hospitals are charging NHS staff, including low-waged nurses and porters, ‘extortionate’ fees of nearly £100 a month to park, says UNISON today (Wednesday). The Royal Free London NHS Foundation…Read more…
UNISON responds to Labour’s pledge for NHS staff
Responding to Labour’s NHS election pledge, to be announced by shadow health secretary Jon Ashworth tomorrow (Wednesday) in Liverpool -at UNISON’s annual health conference – UNISON general…Read more…
Don’t trust the Conservatives with the NHS, says UNISON general secretary
‘With the election just over six weeks away, the NHS needs those who have the will, the spirit and the dedication to fight for it, and to save it,’ Dave Prentis tells health conference
The article…Read more…
Patients still at risk from chronic nurse understaffing, says UNISON
Chronic understaffing across the NHS is putting patient lives at risk, according to UNISON’s UK-wide annual survey of nurses published today (Monday) at the start of its health conference in…Read more…
Coming general election must be about the future of our public services, says UNISON
Commenting on the PM’s decision to call an election for June, UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said: “Theresa May promised repeatedly there’d be no general election before…Read more…
Public sector staff still bear the brunt of low pay rises, says UNISON
Responding to government figures released today (Wednesday) that show average earnings have increased by 2.2 per cent, UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said: “Public sector staff have certainly…Read more…