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Have your say in the Senedd elections
The Senedd elections are on 6 May and we want to ensure all workers delivering public services are registered to vote.
Registering means you can have your say for more investment in public services and in those workers delivering public services.
You can register here and it takes just five minutes. Encourage your colleagues, family and friends to register too.
What are the policies UNISON is campaigning for?
Your union wants a fairer Wales and that means workers are paid at least the real living wage; a National Care Service for Wales; more high-quality social housing and investment in public services. These policies and more form the #UNISONmanifesto
What you can do to help
· Make sure you are registered to vote and check family, friends and colleagues are too. Register to vote here
· Share our 20-second video about registering to vote on social media
· Check our #UNISONmanifesto webpage
· Ask your local Senedd candidates if they endorse UNISON’s priorities? Download our template letter
Help ensure the next Wales government builds a fairer Wales.
Best wishes,
Dave
Rees
UNISON Cymru Wales convenor UNISON Cymru Wales regional secretary
Alastair Gittins
Press and communications
UNISON Cymru Wales
07816 53 83 97
Free visas extensions should apply to all overseas health and care workers, says UNISON
Commenting on the government announcement that free visa extensions are to be given to many health workers, UNISON
general secretary Christina McAnea said today (Friday):
“Thousands of NHS workers will be relieved they don’t face hefty bills to continue providing vital services across the
UK.
“Many have faced huge stresses and pushed themselves to the limit to treat and look after us
all. It’s only right the government looks after them and makes their lives a little easier by granting
free visas.
“But it looks like the care sector has
been overlooked again. This scheme must extend to all employees in health and care, particularly the lowest
paid who need this help the most.”
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, private and community sectors.
Media contacts:
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk
Get your crayons out!
Download our new window posters below:
Health unions urge people to put posters in windows to back pay campaign, general secretary Christina McAnea quoted, Barry & District News and other Welsh papers.
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Nick Butterworth and Emer Stamp join national effort urging people to highlight NHS pay with window artwork
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Justice For Colombia (JFC) newsletter
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FAQs on Covid bonus payments for Welsh NHS staff:
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The pay circular is available here:
http://www.wales.nhs.uk/
More on Covid bonus for Welsh NHS and care staff
UK national press
NHS and social care staff in Wales to get £753 bonus for work in pandemic, lead officer for health, Paul Summers quoted, Metro
NHS and social
care staff in Wales to receive £735 bonus for ‘truly remarkable’ Covid efforts, lead officer for health, Paul Summers quoted,
the i newspaper.
Welsh press
Wales' NHS and care staff to receive new £735 Covid bonus, lead officer for health, Paul Summers, quoted, County Times. This story was also covered by the South Wales Evening Post, South Wales Echo, Rhyl Journal, North Wales Pioneer and the Herald Wales, each quoting Paul. This is in addition to the coverage previously circulated.
From Cardiff to Chad: An incredible journey!
The remarkable story of how a nurse from Cardiff & Vale UHB saved hundreds of thousands of lives and earned herself an MBE.
Angela also happened to be an officer of Cardiff & Vale Unison Health Branch.
Read the inspiring story of Angela Gorman:
From Cardiff to Chad: a neonatal nurse’s extraordinary career
Did you receive the last U magazine?
If not, your details may be out of date.
KEEP YOUR DETAILS UP TO DATE OR YOU COULD BE MISSING OUT
It is important that you keep your personal details up to date.
Have you moved address, changed your telephone number or email address?
If you have, you need to update this information by either:
visiting www.unison.org.uk and following the My UNISON link, or
by contacting the Branch Office.
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| National minimum wage: rate to increase from 1 April | ||||
| UNISON has produced a guide to help branches ensure employers comply with
the wage and adjust pay structures in a way that maximises benefits across the workforce. The guide also includes advice on responding to any employer attempts to change sleep-in payments in the wake of last week’s Supreme Court ruling. |
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Tuesday 23 March 2021
Covid inquiry needed to learn pandemic lessons and prevent future frontline worker deaths, says UNISON
There must be a full public inquiry into the government'
The union – which represents 1.3m NHS, care
UNISON also urged people to take a moment today to remember the more than 126,000 people who have lost their lives in the past year, including hundreds of public service workers.
UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said: "It’s important everyone takes a moment on this sombre day to remember the countless lives lost. A year ago, none of us could have imagined the death toll from this devastating virus.
"The success of the vaccination programme has shown the NHS at its best. But the government has come up short in protecting the nation, especially frontline workers. Many staff have been left desperate, frightened and traumatised as a result.
"Lockdowns have come too late, NHS employees had to deal with the terrible consequences, and social care was effectively abandoned at a terrible cost to residents and staff.
"This year has shone a spotlight on the poor state of the social care sector and on how health service staff are pushed to burnout.
"A full public inquiry is needed so these mistakes aren’t repeated. The government owes it to all those who are grieving the death of loved ones.
"There's also no better way for ministers to show they value staff by awarding a decent pay rise to the health and social care workforce."
A proper pay rise is crucial to keep the NHS running, says UNISON
A pay rise of at least £2,000 is crucial to retain, reward and recruit all the NHS staff that have given so much in the past year, says UNISON.
Earlier today, health workers helped UNISON present its evidence to the NHS pay review body.
This includes data from a survey of 10,000 NHS staff working across the UK outlining concerns over pay, the status of NHS employees and their confidence in the government, says UNISON.
The findings reveal that a staggering level of distrust of the government existed long before its 1% pay proposals came to light, UNISON says.
More than four in five (85%) say they are angry at how NHS staff are being treated by ministers, with only one in ten (10%) saying the government values NHS staff.
With 100,000 NHS vacancies unfilled, keeping hold of experienced staff, who train, guide and mentor new recruits, is crucial to the future of the health service, the union says.
But the survey suggests more than six in ten (64%) are questioning their future in the health service over the government’s approach to pay, says UNISON. More than half (52%) say they are considering leaving the NHS in the next year, the union adds.
Of those considering leaving, 44% want to bring forward their retirement plans and a fifth (22%) say the pandemic has made them want to leave ‘whatever happens’.
Nine in ten (91%) say a £2,000 pay increase would be a morale boost and 95% that it would make a "meaningful difference” to their lives, adds UNISON.
UNISON head of health Sara Gorton said: "The public values NHS staff and wants them to have a decent pay rise. It's the time the government did too.
"The UK has been dependent on health workers during both peaks, and we are not out of the woods yet. Taking health staff for granted is unacceptable and likely to result in more gaps in teams across the UK.
"Paying all health workers a minimum of £2,000 is an investment, not a cost. Staff should be properly rewarded for the work they've done, and as a third wave could be approaching, the work they will continue to do."
Sorry, this course is fully booked!
Only a few places left!
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Pandemic bonus for NHS and care staff is ‘timely boost for worn-out workers’, says UNISON Cymru Wales
UNISON Cymru Wales has welcomed the bonus payment announced today (Wednesday) by health and social services minister, Vaughan Gething, as a timely boost for worn-out NHS staff and care workers.
Christina McAnea says Boris Johnson must commit now to funding proper salary increases
As the violence and the number of deaths in Myanmar increases, the international trade union movement is asking for funds to support workers
Sick pay issues and heavy-handed employers increasing problems
Matt Hancock should stop trying to defend the indefensible
The UN International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination reminds us all of what is at stake in the fight against racism
Dear UNISON member
IMPORTANT INFORMATION NEEDED
Have you been working from home during the pandemic?
Whether 'yes' or 'no' UNISON would like to hear from you about your experiences and find out your views on homeworking during this pandemic.
Please complete this anonymous survey by clicking the link below which will be used by UNISON to inform our negotiating and bargaining strategy going forward, it will take less than 4 minutes.
It is important for us to gather as much information as possible so your input would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for helping us to help you!
Yours sincerely,
Dave Rees Karen Loughin
Wales convenor Wales secretary
Please get back to me if you have any questions.
Regards,
Dominic
Dominic
MacAskill
Regional Manager Rheolwr Rhanbarthol
UNISON Wales UNSAIN Cymru
e-mail / e-bost: d.macaskill@unison.co.
Latest Newsletter
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One per cent pay rise “is the worst kind of insult”, says UNISON
Commenting on the publication today (Thursday) of the Department of Health and Social Care paper on workforce funding and pay – recommending a 1% pay rise for NHS staff in England – UNISON head of health Sara Gorton said:
"No wonder the chancellor had nothing to say about the NHS yesterday. A one per cent pay rise is the worst kind of insult the government could give health workers who’ve given their absolute everything over the past year.
"The public will be horrified. Staff will think it's some kind of joke.
“Ministers should hang their heads in shame, go back to the drawing board and come up with the kind of pay rise that matches the astounding efforts staff have gone to in the past year.
“The entire NHS workforce will now expect to see the pay review body come up with a much more sensible and realistic recommendation than this laughable suggestion from the government.”
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Forced jabs are counterproductive, says UNISON
Encouragement and persuasion are right approach
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Vaccinate, don’t hesitate!
UNISON’s junior vice president, James Anthony, answers questions about being vaccinated against COVID-19
UNISON doesn’t think that people should be forced to be vaccinated, but the union is encouraging members to get the vaccine when they have the chance. Vice president James Anthony – a frontline NHS worker – has had his first dose, so we fired a few questions in his direction.
James, you’re a frontline worker in a hospital and you’ve been caring for COVID patients during the pandemic – what’s that been like?
I’m a nurse specialist and, in the first peak, I was mostly doing a lot of advice work with our patients, many of whom were very scared, while also looking after my heart patients who became poorly during that time.
I felt relatively protected compared to my colleagues on COVID wards and intensive care, but it was important work. As we’ve hit the high numbers this time, the big difference is that the hospital is still full of other patients.
I’ve been back on the wards doing whatever is needed – a lot of which is delivering quality essential care such as helping patients wash or eat. As nurses, we need more and more technical and advanced skills, but there’s nothing more important that the essentials of care.
It’s also meant working alongside colleagues who are exhausted and still haven’t recovered from the first wave, and who are too often also dealing themselves with the loss of other staff to the virus.
When did you have the vaccine?
I had my jab as soon as I could get it, and it was about two weeks after they started giving them. They’re making sure absolutely none are wasted. At our hospital they’re giving the Pfizer vaccine so, once it’s out of the deep freeze, there’s a limited time to get it into someone’s arm. As you can see from the photo, I had to strip off because my scrubs were too tight!
Did you have any reaction to it?
I had a pretty sore arm for a couple of days, and maybe felt a bit more tired. I was okay as long as I didn’t lift my arm up, and my team who had it at the same time thought I was being a bit of a wimp!
Some people are concerned that it only took a year to create, when vaccines usually take much longer: why was this so speedy and does that compromise its safety?
It certainly has been quick – I’m no expert, but I’m confident that it’s safe. They had been working on the vaccine technology for years to try and deal with SARS and MERS, which are both types of coronavirus, so they weren’t starting from a blank sheet of paper.
The speed comes from giving it all the money and time needed, without the usual long waits for grant applications and approvals: getting vaccines vaccines came before everything else. They were able to recruit a huge amount of people to the studies very quickly, which means they’ve been tested on as many people as you would usually expect and been monitored for as long as new drugs are usually.
So basically, there was already work going on which could be adapted for COVID-19 and it’s amazing what can be achieved with focus and a lot of money!
When people are offered the vaccine, what would you say to them?
I’d say get it! The vaccines really are the only way out. They’re safe and they might save your life and there’s a good hope they help protect those around you too.
What would your message be to members on both the lockdowns and vaccine?
It’s been a really tough year and it’s been hard not to see our families and friends. But as members, we see the importance of the lockdowns and restrictions as we see the vulnerable in society that need protecting.
So I’d say stick with it – get the vaccine and talk to your friends and family about getting it too when they have the chance – and let’s have a drink together when we can!
Desperate for a good news story?
Here’s one and UNISON is right at the heart of it:
#HeartUNISON Princess of Wales hospital
EU nationals in Welsh public services need your help!
Many still need to apply for settled status, allowing them to remain here because of Brexit, but Covid has delayed them making applications and time is running out. UNISON is calling for the deadline to be extended.
Have you taken two minutes to write to your MP using UNISON Cymru Wales’ special website which generates and sends an automatic letter calling for the deadline extension?
Our campaign has been reported in the Western Mail, ‘Union campaign to help EU nationals’ (see attached) and Morning Star,
Government urged to extend deadline for the post-Brexit Settled Status scheme, quoting UNISON Cymru Wales members Chiara Caserotti and Manuela Hughes, along with regional manager Bethan Thomas.
Our campaign has been enthusiastically endorsed by new UNISON general secretary, Christina McAnea; there’s an article on the UK UNISON website, UNISON calls for deadline extension for settled status and it was reported in the Activist bulletin sent to members all over the UK.
Palestine: Is your pension invested in the occupation?
UNISON launches new guide on pension fund engagement and divestment from companies involved in the occupation of Palestine
Covid-19 hub
Get the latest updates and advice on the coronavirus.
Click the image to open.
Stay up to date with our branch app!
Scan the QR code below to download.
App created by
NHS Pay – #OneTeam2k
Read the latest Unison Welfare Newsletter here:
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Recruitment/Engagement Event
All Recrutment/Engagement events have been suspended for the forseeable future!
You can still join online or by asking your local rep.
UNISON Cymru Wales calls for payment of a homeworking allowance for all public sector workers having to work from home
UNISON Wales has been in ongoing discussions with employers at local and all Wales levels, and also with Welsh Government Ministers, seeking agreement that all staff who are required by their employer to work from home, should be paid an allowance by their employer to cover the extra costs incurred by home working. Since the […]
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How one of our rep's, Angela Gorman, went on to become CEO of Life for African Mothers and earned herself an MBE in the process.
Read Angela's story here
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www.lifeforafricanmothers.org
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NHS Wales
COVID – 19 (Coronavirus)
Frequently Asked Questions for NHS Managers and Employees FAQs up to date as
at 15.00, 1 October 2020
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The UNISON NHS Pay claim -
One Team2k was agreed by UNISON Health Service Group Executive - a committee of UNISON activists across the UK who all work in the NHS, back in June and we were the first union to formally launch a pay claim back in July.
A lot of thought was put in to the 2k for All figure which we believe is affordable and achievable. UNISON also surveyed our NHS members on our proposed pay claim and of those that responded over 84% agreed with a 2k pay claim and also with an early settlement this year instead of waiting until April 2021.
UNISON was the first union to formally lodge our claim in writing with the UK Prime Minister. UNISON had hoped for a joint unions approach on Pay but unfortunately other unions have set their own figures, which some believe are unachievable and unrealistic in the current economic climate.
Most unions initial position was 5% but then this changed recently to a higher figure.
UNISON has remained consistent that 2k for All AFC staff means no one gets a pound more or less than anyone else.
We have calculated our pay claim to cost £3.4b.
UNISON is a member led union with members making the decisions on key issues that affect them.
UNISON is the largest trade union in the UK, the largest Health union in the UK and the largest trade union in Wales.
Please advise the member of the above information and also to the UNISON website for more info on our NHS Pay claim .
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Contact the branch for details.
Resource for Staff working/ shielding at home
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Wellbeing guides
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Here are the posters and the most up to date PPE info
Check this link out as well
https://gov.wales/two-metre-
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Welsh nurse's heartfelt plea for more personal protective equipment so they can return to families 'unscathed' after pandemic, UNISON Swansea Bay Health branch's Libby Nolan video featured and regional secretary Tanya Palmer quoted, Wales Online.
Welsh heath and care workers have no access to PPE, Unison Cymru says, regional secretary Tanya Palmer quoted, Morning Star
Health workers feel 'actively discouraged' to protect themselves over PPE supply fears, references open letter from healthcare workers endorsed by UNISON, ITV Wales
CORVID 19 Frequently Asked Questions
Self Isolating
Typical Questions
I have an underlying health conditions should I be self isolating?
My Partner/child has an underlying health conditions should I be self isolating?
I am aged over 70 should I be self isolating?
I am in at risk group as identified by the UK Government should I be self Isolating?
I am pregnant, should I be self Isolating?
Answer
If you have an underlying health conditions and you are not sure about attending work go to phw.nhs.uk for guidance then speak to your line manager.
Do not contact Occupational Health!
PPE
Typical Questions
What is the situation with PPE?
We think we need more or better PPE?
We have no face masks available in our section what should we do?
Staff in my area are being told not to wear masks as there are not enough to go round.
Answer
The Health Board is receiving large amounts of PPE on a daily basis. The situation within the Health Board is being monitored and reviewed daily. If you think your area has insufficient PPE speak to your line manager.
Redeployment
Questions
Ive been told that I will have to work in another area, do I have to change where I work?
Ive been told that I will have to work on another site, do I have to change sites?
Answer
We are in unprecedented times which means that the Health Board has to change and evolve to meet the challenge of Corvid 19, this will often mean redeployment of staff to meet the demand and it is expected that staff will cooperate where possible. If you have issues about a proposed redeployment speak to your line manager in the first instance.
Change of duties
Questions
I’ve been told that I will have to do different and unfamiliar work is that right?
Answer
Given the challenge of Corvid 19 which we all face, this will often mean staff are asked to meet the demand by being flexible and adapt to the necessary changes, it is expected that staff will cooperate where possible. Staff will not be expected to work beyond their pay grade! If you have issues about a proposed change to your work speak to your line manager in the first instance.
Working from home
Questions
The government has said that everyone who can should be working from home, does that apply to NHS staff?
I don’t see patients why can’t I work from home?
Working from home
Child care issues
I have young children and no one to look after them while I’m in work what should I do?
Answer
As NHS staff you are identified as a Key Worker by the UK government and therefore schools will be open for your child even though all schools are technically closed for the foreseeable future. Check your Local Authority website for details about provision for your child.
Please keep checking the website for the latest factual updates! phw.nhs.wales
Unsocial hours payments
The Minister has agreed the reinstatement of the unsocial hours payments from day one for a temporary period and to enable the release of the ‘held’ back pay.
REGIONAL HEALTH COMMITTEE 1/2020
(This is an occasional Newsletter for Branch Secretaries in Health)
News
Sick Pay (25th March 2020)
Update for all Regional Health Committee delegates:
Due to the current situation regarding corona virus, the Health Minister has agreed to the reinstatement of the unsocial hours payments from day one for a temporary period. The Minister has also agreed to enable the release of any ‘held’ back pay.
We will be working with Welsh Government to update the FAQs and to arrange for release of the payments.
Student Nurse
England have agreed guidelines for Student Nurses which were circulated last week. We are currently awaiting confirmation of the position in Wales.
PPE
We know that there are problems about PPE and Tanya Palmer our Regional Secretary, is daily letting the Welsh Government know our concerns. Can you let us know if your members face further problems over the next week.
Donna Hutton,
Acting Head of Health
Dave Prentis in public appeal on relieving virus burden
Coronavirus Guidance and Advice from the UHB
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Have you received the latest copy of U magazine?
If not your details may be out of date.
KEEP YOUR DETAILS UP TO DATE!
Help us help you!
It is important that you keep your personal details up to date.
Have you moved address, changed your telephone number or email address?
If you have, you need to update this information!
My UNISON link
If we don’t have your correct contact details you will miss out on membership offers, announcements or information about voting ballots that may be held.
The 'Save Barry Hospital Ward' petition is live on the Welsh Government website. Please take a moment to sign and join our campaign to defend the Hospital
ward."
https://www.assembly.wales/en/
Dear Colleague,
ROBIN HOOD TAX CAMPAIGN AND UNISON
Nine Welsh local authorities have already signed up to the Robin Hood Tax. Is your council one of them? We want all UNISON Cymru Wales branches to encourage their councils, AM and MP to sign up to the Robin Hood Tax, which could potentially deliver millions of pounds for public services in Wales.
Robin Hood Tax resources are attached for your use.
The PowerPoint presentation is also attached and below is a link to the councillor’s hub with model motions and briefings etc.
https://www.robinhoodtax.org.
With best wishes,
Dominic
Dominic MacAskill
Regional Manager Rheolwr Rhanbarthol
UNISON Wales UNSAIN Cymru
The Courtyard / Y Libart
Wind Street
Swansea / Abertawe
SA1 1DP
Phone / ffon: 01792 483918
e-mail / e-bost: d.macaskill@unison.co.uk
Twitter: http://twitter.com/
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