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NHS Pay – #OneTeam2k
What is UNISON’s pay claim?
UNISON submitted a pay claim to the UK government seeking an increase of least £2,000 by the end of this year for every NHS employee.
Any pay increase awarded in England would lead to an increase in funding to the Welsh government and we believe this money should be ring-fenced for pay in Wales.
UNISON has written to the First Minster and Health Minister asking them to join our campaign to secure extra cash for NHS workers.
The dedication and commitment of healthcare workers has been plain during the Covid pandemic and now is the time for NHS workers to receive proper recognition for the role they have played with an early pay rise.
Extra funding is needed from the UK government and we have asked Mark Drakeford and Vaughan Gething to join the union in publicly calling on the Prime Minister and Chancellor to centrally fund a fair pay award for NHS workers.
AGM
2021
DISCUSSION: COVID
Honoraria will be discussed for Treasurer / Assistant Treasurer / Welfare Officer
All Unison Members welcome and all meetings will be ‘Virtual’ unless notified prior to date
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Tuesday 12th January |
12 Noon - 12.30 & 12.45 - 1.15pm |
TBC |
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***Saturday 16th January |
10.00 – 10.30am & 10.45 - 11.15am |
TBC |
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Tuesday 19th January |
2.00 - 2.30pm & 2.45 - 3.15pm |
TBC |
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Thursday 21st January |
11.45pm – 12.15am (Night Shift) |
TBC |
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***Saturday 23rd January |
10.00 – 10.30am & 10.45 – 11.15am |
TBC |
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Monday 25th January |
2.00 - 2.30pm & 2.45 - 3.15pm |
TBC |
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Thursday 28th January |
12 Noon - 12.30 & 12.45 - 1.15pm Also on night shift: 11.45pm – 12.15am |
TBC
TBC |
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Monday 1st February |
2.00 - 2.30pm & 2.45 - 3.15pm |
TBC |
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Thursday 4th February |
2.00 - 2.30pm & 2.45 - 3.15pm |
TBC |
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Monday 8th February |
12 Noon - 12.30 & 12.45 - 1.15pm |
TBC |
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Thursday 11th February |
11.45pm – 12.15am (Night Shift) |
TBC |
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***Saturday 13th February |
10.00 - 10.30am & 10.45 - 11.15am |
TBC |
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Tuesday 16th February |
12 Noon – 12.30 & 12.45 – 1.15pm |
TBC |
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Thursday 18th February |
11.45pm – 12.15am (Night Shift) |
TBC |
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Thursday 25th February |
12 Noon - 12.30 & 12.45 - 1.15pm |
TBC |
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***Saturday 27th February |
10.00 – 10.30am & 10.45 – 11.15am |
TBC |
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Thursday 4th March |
11.45pm – 12.15am (Night Shift) |
TBC |
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*** Saturday 6th March |
10.00 - 10.30am & 10.45 - 11.15am |
TBC |
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Thursday 11th March |
2.00 - 2.30pm & 2.45 - 3.15pm |
TBC |
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***Saturday 13th March |
10.00 – 10.30am & 10.45 – 11.15am |
TBC |
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*** Saturday 20th March |
ALL DAY |
TBC |
All the above will be followed by a short APF meeting
Please take into account the current COVID 19 climate we are living with there is a possibility that all these meetings will take place ‘Virtually’ and further details regarding this will be sent out prior to the given meeting dates.
CARDIFF & VALE HEALTH BRANCH
UNISON
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
AGENDA
2021
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AGENDA
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1 |
Apologies |
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2 |
Notes of previous AGM |
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3 |
Branch Officer Positions |
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4 |
Stewards & Officers Annual Reports - Written only |
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Motions |
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6 |
To Receive a Report on Honoraria for :
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DISCUSSION
Covid-19 and the future
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The meeting will be followed by a brief APF meeting |
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FULL SCHEDULE OF DATES OVER PAGE
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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
Adobe Acrobat document [368.5 KB]
Government must put system in hands of public health bodies
Friday 16 October 2020
UNION SLAMS PRIME MINISTER FOR NOT VALUING CARE WORKERS
Thousands of mainly female, low paid care workers will be incensed to learn today (Friday), the Prime Minister has refused to waive tax and National Insurance deductions from the £500 Covid bonus granted by Welsh government.
As many as 65,000 care workers and their families in Wales will be negatively affected by the Prime Minister’s decision. UNISON Cymru Wales has slammed Boris Johnson for not valuing care workers.
Tax paid on the £500 will count against Universal Credit benefits the majority of care workers receive because their pay is so low and could reduce the bonus to as little as £125.
Welsh government announced the bonus to acknowledge the commitment of low-paid care workers throughout the Covid-19 lockdown. Despite the First Minister’s lobbying that tax should not apply, the Westminster government refused to budge so UNISON contacted the Prime Minister directly.
The trade union wrote to him in June, asking him to ‘do the right thing’ for Welsh care workers by allowing them to keep a pandemic bonus in full. It has only just received as response.
Karen Loughlin, UNISON Cymru Wales regional secretary, said:
“The Prime Minister’s decision is disgraceful. This bonus was meant for hard-pressed care workers and their families, not to disappear into the Treasury’s coffers
“Care workers have looked after our loved ones under difficult and frightening circumstances during the pandemic and they were applauded by Boris Johnson.
“This decision shows he’s not on the side of care workers or working people in Wales. They have every right to feel bitter. The super-rich have become even wealthier during the lockdown but the people whose jobs are most socially valuable are forced to struggle on the breadline.
“The Secretary of State for Wales, Simon Hart, should be banging the Cabinet table for the people of Wales but that doesn’t seem to be happening either.”
UNISON says sustained investment in social care is urgently needed and it campaigns for a national care service. The trade union argues care workers should receive at least £10 per hour to lift them out of poverty.
Notes for editors
- UNISON says typically care workers in the private or not-for-profit sector earn minimum wage pay on insecure, zero
hour contracts. Some care workers are unsure one day to the next whether they have got a job. Very low pay means many are reliant on Universal Credit to survive.
- Welsh government announced the bonus to acknowledge the commitment of low-paid care workers throughout the Covid-19
lockdown. Despite the First Minister’s lobbying, the Westminster government refused to budge so UNISON decided to contact the Prime Minister directly.
- HM Treasury says that the £500 is subject to tax and NICs unless specifically exempt.
- As things currently stand this means that a full time home care worker will be liable for income tax of £100 and NICS
of £60. Home care workers are also likely to be in receipt of Universal Credit because their incomes are so low. They also stand to see a cut to their Universal Credit of £214.20. This means that
they would actually receive just £125.80. The position of part time care workers depends on their gross annual income.
- UNISON’s letter to the Prime Minister (sent Thursday 25 June), can be found here It includes
analysis and charts of the impact on the £500 bonus.
- The response from the Treasury on behalf of the Prime Minister can
be found here
- UNISON is clear, the £500 in no way deals with the systemic low pay of the care sector and it has called for sustained
investment to lift care workers out of in-work poverty and provide dignity for clients. It has recently called for a national care service.
- UNISON has developed an Ethical Care Charter
Contact
Alastair Gittins, UNISON Cymru Wales press officer on 07816 53 83 97
Covid vaccine roll-out must not involve private firms
There must be no repeat of test and trace foul-ups
Christina McAnea says government must act now to raise morale among workers
Ministers knew ordinary workers would be affected but they ploughed on regardless
The union repeats its criticism of government plans to bring in a cap on public sector exit payments
A massive win for Unison
"What have unions ever done for us"
click the link below
Appointment of Mental Health Minister welcome
UNISON has welcomed the appointment of a Mental Health Minister by Welsh Government as an important step forward in tacking mental health and wellbeing in Wales. Carmen Bezzina, UNISON Cymru Wales mental health lead, said: “UNISON has long campaigned in Wales for the need for a Mental Health Minister to form part of the Welsh […]
UNISON
Cardiff & Vale Health Branch
BRANCH COMMITTEE MEETINGS
VIRTUAL ‘GOTOMEETING’
2020
(Finalised)
(Updated 17-Aug-20)
*Please note that these dates are subject to change, however we will try to ensure that they remain as shown
*ALL REPRESENTATIVES *
PLEASE ENSURE THESE DATES ARE ENTERED INTO YOUR DIARIES AS PRIORITY
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Day |
Date |
Time |
Venue |
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Tues |
18th August |
2.00 – 3.00pm |
Gotomeeting ‘Virtual’ |
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Tues |
1st September |
2.00 – 3.00pm |
Gotomeeting ‘Virtual’ |
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Tues |
15th September |
2.00 – 3.00pm |
Gotomeeting ‘Virtual’ |
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Tues |
29th September |
2.00 – 3.00pm |
Gotomeeting ‘Virtual’ |
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Tues |
13th October |
2.00 – 3.00pm |
Gotomeeting ‘Virtual’ |
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Tues |
27th October |
2.00 – 3.00pm |
Gotomeeting ‘Virtual’ |
Please join my meeting from your computer,
tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/836819277
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States (Toll Free): 1 877 568 4106
United States: +1 (571) 317-3129
Access Code: 836-819-277
Join from a video-conferencing room or system.
Dial in or type: 67.217.95.2 or inroomlink.goto.com
Meeting ID: 836 819 277
Or dial directly: 836819277@67.217.95.2 or 67.217.95.2##836819277
New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/836819277
Our Black members deserve so much better
Report will help NHS move towards net zero
The government has failed to keep its many testing promises
For immediate release: Thursday 24 September 2020
UNION ASKS WALES MINISTERS: “WORK WITH US TO SECURE EXTRA CASH FOR NHS WORKERS FROM WESTMINSTER”
The public services union representing thousands of healthcare workers has today (Thursday) written to the First Minster and Health Minister asking them to join its campaign to secure extra cash for NHS workers here from Westminster.
UNISON Cymru Wales’ letters to Mark Drakeford and Vaughan Gething say the dedication and commitment of healthcare workers has been plain during the Covid pandemic and now is the time for them to receive proper recognition for the role they have played with an early pay rise.
UNISON says extra funding is needed from the UK government and it has asked Mr Drakeford and Mr Gething to join the union in publicly calling on the Prime Minister and Chancellor to centrally fund a fair pay award for NHS workers.
The union also asks for the Welsh ministers’ commitment to ring-fence any consequential funding received from Westminster related to NHS pay in England, specifically for NHS pay in Wales.
Paul Summers, UNISON Cymru Wales lead officer for health, said,
“When many of us were able to take refuge from Covid in our homes, healthcare workers were out there, caring for people and staring the virus in the face.
“There’s a moral duty now to pay NHS staff what they are worth and bring forward their pay rise.
“Healthcare workers aren’t asking for big bucks but fair wages.
“To a large degree, Welsh government is beholden to the UK government on funding for a pay increase for NHS Wales workers, that’s why UNISON is asking the First Minister and Health Minister to publicly call on Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak to give healthcare workers what they deserve now.
“The struggle against this virus looks set to continue and the least we can do is ensure those on the frontline are properly rewarded for the vital work they do.”
Notes for editors
- The current pay deal for NHS Wales staff ends in April 2020. Health unions have asked for that to be brought forward to this year.
The text UNISON’s letter sent to Vaughan Gething today is as follows, similar correspondence has been sent to Mark Drakeford: -
Dear Minister for Health and Social Services,
The true value of public services has never been more apparent than during the current ongoing COVID19 pandemic. Whilst many of us where able to take refuge from the virus in our homes, health care workers stared the virus in the face and worked tirelessly to keep the wheels of the NHS turning.
At the beginning of the crisis the fear was tangible. Maintaining the supplies of PPE to meet the surge in demand was a huge challenge. We had no idea how dangerous the virus was and many, including healthcare workers, have sadly lost their lives.
The dedication and commitment of NHS staff has been plain to see. For ten weeks communities across the UK united on the doorstep to applaud key workers for their invaluable work - a small but powerful display of appreciation.
Now is the time for health workers to receive proper recognition for the role they have played. Trade unions are urging the UK government to provide funding for a fair and early pay rise for all NHS staff.
A fair wage increase would help staff feel valued after the huge pressures and challenges faced in recent months. There would also be a boost to the economy as health workers spend the extra money in their pockets on local high streets.
Improvements to staff pay would enable the NHS to hold onto experienced workers – including many who’ve returned to its service during the pandemic. An early rise would help with the recruitment of new staff needed to fill vacancies across wards, teams, departments and clinics.
Yet the rhetoric from Westminster is already turning towards cuts to welfare and public sector pay.
We fully realise that the Welsh government is, to a large degree, beholden to the UK government on issues such as providing funding for a pay increase for NHS Wales workers.
I am therefore writing to ask you for two key actions which we believe will support our campaign for a fair and decent pay rise for NHS workers.
Firstly, I ask you to publicly add your voice to ours in calling on the Prime Minister and Chancellor to centrally fund a fair pay award for NHS workers. I have enclosed the joint trade union letters sent to both.
Secondly, I ask you to publicly commit to ring-fencing any consequential funding received from Westminster related to NHS pay in England, specifically for NHS pay in Wales.
Unfortunately, the struggle against this virus looks set to continue. The least we can do is ensure those on the frontline are properly rewarded for the vital work they do.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely,
Paul Summers – UNISON Cymru Wales lead officer for health
Contact
Alastair Gittins, UNISON Cymru Wales press officer on 07816 53 83 97
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 .
Ministers must act to fill 40,000 nursing vacancies
Monday 7 September 2020
New TUC research shows a national care system is needed now, says UNISON
Commenting on new TUC analysis of funding in the UK care sector published today (Monday), UNISON assistant general secretary Christina
McAnea said:
“Chronic underfunding of the care sector has been a huge problem for many years. It shouldn’t have taken a pandemic for politicians to realise this.
“This TUC analysis shows clearly how spending cuts are having a severe effect in many parts of the UK. That means lower quality services for the vulnerable
and poverty wages for hard working care staff.
“As the union of social care, UNISON is calling for a national service that’s fully funded, values staff and is free for those who need it.
“Successive governments have failed repeatedly to get a grip of reforming the sector. We need change now.”
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
Sophie Goodchild M: 07767 325595 E: s.goodchild@unison.co.uk
Anthony Barnes
Deputy
head of media
UNISON
020 7121 5255
07834 864794
@antbarnes
Thursday 3 September 2020
NEW UNION LEADER: WELSH PUBLIC SERVICES DESPERATE FOR INVESTMENT
Wales’ newest trade union leader has taken office pledging to campaign for greater investment in public services and the public service workers.
Karen Loughlin, incoming UNISON Cymru Wales regional secretary, said Welsh public service staff showed their worth working through the Covid pandemic yet public services are desperate for investment after a decade of austerity.
The new union leader was introduced to UNISON’s 100,000 members in Wales this week, telling
them during Covid she will be supporting UNISON reps to ensure workplaces are safe and that employment conditions are not undermined in any way.
Karen Loughlin, UNISON Cymru Wales regional secretary said,
“During Covid, public service workers have again demonstrated their value to society and the message I will take into my meetings with Welsh government and wider is: invest in public services and the public service workforce.
“We have an opportunity to work with a Labour Welsh government, to influence them and to help shape their policies based on treating people fairly.
“A sense of fighting injustice has driven my career in UNISON. When I started work, many male managers didn’t give women the respect we deserve and often our role was to make the cups of tea and empty the paper bins. We’ve come a long way but we still have a way to go.”
Notes for editors
· UNISON Cymru Wales has 100,000 public service workers in local government; health; Further Education; Higher Education; water; the environment and transport; energy; the voluntary sector; police and justice and private contractors
· Karen Loughlin became a union rep in UNISON’s forerunner, NALGO when she was working for British Gas thirty years ago. She has been a trade union official for 27 years in northern England, the last 2 1/2 years in Yorkshire.
Contact
Alastair Gittins, UNISON Cymru Wales press officer on 07816 53 83 97
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Hello from the new UNISON regional secretary
I want to say hello and introduce myself as your new regional secretary in Wales. I’m incredibly proud to take on this role. Being in a trade union is all about giving people a voice.
I want your voice to be heard within UNISON, within your workplace, with Welsh government and in our communities. UNISON will be there for you, working to improve your pay and your workplace conditions.
There’s been a great deal of change at regional secretary level in Wales in the last few years and I want to bring stability. I want to support our fabulous network of representatives and the great campaigning they are doing and strengthen us wherever possible so we are providing the best support possible to our members.
During Covid, public service workers have again demonstrated your value to society and the message I will take into my meetings with Welsh government and wider is: invest in public services and the public service workforce. We have an opportunity to work with a Labour Welsh government, to influence them and to help shape their policies based on treating people fairly.
I became a union rep at British Gas where I saw the injustice of the boss’ daughter being promoted over better candidates. That’s not right and it’s that sense of fighting injustice that has driven my career in UNISON.
When I started work, many male managers didn’t give women the respect we deserve and often our role was to make the cups of tea and empty the paper bins. We’ve come a long way but we still have a way to go. UNISON will continue to put equality for all at the heart of its activities.
During Covid, UNISON will be focused on ensuring your workplace is safe; that you have the support you need and that your employment conditions are not undermined in any way. We are in unchartered waters, but we know being in a union has never been more important and we will make sure your voice is heard.
I’m looking forward to meeting you; supporting and encouraging you.
Stay safe.
Karen
Karen Loughlin
It’s important to hear Welsh government acknowledge the serious concerns of care workers and Vaughan Gething deserves credit for listening to the trade unions. This approach is in stark contrast to the Westminster government.
Sickness absence in the NHS in Wales
Commenting on the data on sickness absence in the NHS in Wales up to 31 March 2020, Tanya Palmer, UNISON regional secretary said,
“These figures record only up to the first week of lockdown and we’ll need to wait until later in the year for a much clearer picture of the impact of Covid on the NHS Wales.
“Looking after very sick patients during the Covid public health emergency placed an unimaginable mental and physical toll on Welsh healthcare workers and their social care colleagues. Many became ill and devastatingly, some paid with their lives helping others.
“The challenge was unprecedented in their careers. Dealing with the scale of death when patients’ families could not be present is likely to leave a lasting impact and we know many will suffer Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. There is a duty on their employer and government to provide these workers with every support they need.”
On Welsh Ambulance Services sickness absence Tanya said,
“As a frontline operational ambulance worker, your body is under daily physical stress moving patients around and this often causes musculoskeletal problems. It is also one of the most stressful jobs as you are first responder to some very grave situations. Taken together, sickness absence is understandably much greater for ambulance staff than the rest of the health service all year round.
“It's vital, given the risk that exists on every call for ambulance staff that they are supported in making their own risk assessments and feel safe in doing so, to avoid additional stress.”
International Day of Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition
UNISON Cymru Wales Black Members Group holds an annual event on 23 August to mark International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition and the trade union has warned there are more people in slavery today across the world, than in the entire 350-year history of the transatlantic slave trade.
A group of Welsh public service workers are to be trained to recognise the signs of modern slavery.
A pilot training programme is being be launched this weekend at a UNISON event that will help public service workers to report instances of people in forced labour to the authorities and better help affected individuals.
This open online event is taking place @ 3pm on Sunday 23rd August 2020 and everyone is welcome.
To join this event please click the link below:
Cymru/Wales BMSOG would be most grateful if you could share this invitation with your members/networks and publicise this event on your social media platforms.
We look forward to you joining us to mark this momentous occasion.
Regards
Kebba Manneh,
Chair of the Cymru/Wales Black Members Self Organised Group
Watch this new video: International Day for Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition
Modern slavery
Chair of UNISON Cymru Wales Black Members Group, Kebba Manneh, has given a recorded comment to local radio ahead of our event on Sunday to mark International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition.
Listen tomorrow (Saturday) for the breakfast bulletins on The Wave/ Swansea Sound/ Radio Pembrokeshire / Bridge FM/ Nation Radio.
UNISON Cymru Wales' press release yesterday has been reported in today's Morning Star 'Public service staff to get training on modern slavery'. Kebba is quoted. The article is not yet online, so please see attached photo.
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labour party members
On Wednesday 19th August at
6:30pm, Welsh Labour Health Minister Vaughan Gething will take questions from Welsh Labour members on the Coronavirus response, here in Wales. |
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Pay award should be in place before the end of the year
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The link which details the Welsh MP's that voted for and against the protection of the NHS in the Trade Bill.
Feel free to share widely and embarrass the Welsh Tories who have voted to privatise the NHS.
..........................................
Pay announcements mask “something altogether more sinister”, says UNISON
Commenting on the Chancellor’s letter today (Tuesday) to government departments hinting at future public service pay restraint, UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said:
“The fanfare announcement of more pay for some public service workers was clearly just a smoke screen for something altogether more sinister.
“Talking of holding down pay for all the NHS workers – including nurses, paramedics, cleaners, porters and healthcare assistants – and the care, school and council staff who’ve all given so much in the past few months will go down like a lead balloon with the public.
“People are expecting something very different. They want ministers to show proper appreciation for NHS staff and come up with the money for an early pay rise this year, not treat them in such an underhand way.
“Public services have been at the heart of the fight against the virus. More money in the pockets of health, care, school and council workers will help the economy back on its feet.
“Investing in staff and services now will mean the NHS, local authorities and care homes are better prepared for a second surge. And that’s something that every single one of us will want to see.”
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
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Sara Gorton says funding for early NHS staff pay rise needed as well as cash to prepare for Covid-19 resurgence
Tell us about your experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic – and join the prize draw for shopping vouchers
Time to fix a broken care system
As Welsh government, care employers and trade unions meet today (Friday) to finalise preparations for the new Social Care Forum, UNISON has said it is time to show frontline care workers they are valued and pay them what they are worth
Graeme Ellis and Tansaim Hussain-Gul are co-chairs of UNISON’s national disabled members’ committee. Here, they look at how COVID-19 has disproved myths about home working being unproductive
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Christina McAnea warns hiring staff will become harder in a sector already ‘desperately’ short of workers
Serving public service workers for two decades has been ‘honour and privilege’
Poor government decision making at the heart of problems
Money for public services would mean a quicker recovery, says UNISON
Responding to the summer economic statement today (Wednesday), UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said:
“The Chancellor has firmly closed the door on the damaging austerity of the past decade.
“But while there's much for young people, the energy sector and UK businesses to celebrate, there's next to nothing for public services and the workers who’ve kept the country going through the last few difficult months.
“Proper investment in our public services would help speed the country back to recovery and more prosperous, certain times. It would heal over the deep cracks in care and the NHS exposed by the pandemic.
“With extra funds, national and local public services could provide many more jobs. A much-deserved early pay rise for health workers and council staff would mean money in their pockets to be spent on local high streets.
“Covid-19 has shown how much we all need public services. Funding them properly can help the economy and bring back the support and security to every community that's long been missing.”
On young people
“Young people are most at risk from the pandemic’s economic hit. The jobs
retention bonus and the kickstart scheme will help enormously. Every effort is needed so an entire generation is spared the blight of unemployment.”
On energy efficiency
“Boosting energy efficiency benefits every family and allows even the lowest
income households to play their part in making the UK net-zero. If targeted correctly, it’ll mean the struggling energy sector can switch from shedding jobs to retraining and expanding its
workforce.”
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
Contact the branch for details.
Resource for Staff working/ shielding at home
Adobe Acrobat document [5.2 MB]
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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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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.
Our new branch app is now available for i phone and android devices.
Scan the QR code below to download.
App created by
Friday 6
December 2019
For immediate release
Mission to see a GP is no laughing matter, says UNISON
The stress and anxiety of trying to get a GP appointment is at the heart of a new short film from UNISON.
Join the queue takes a tongue-in-cheek look at a situation that’s all too familiar – frantically trying to contact the surgery the moment the lines open.
As a clock counts down and the tension builds, a family is poised over landlines, mobile phones and online booking systems trying to be among the lucky few to get an appointment.
With their young daughter feeling ill and the clock finally striking 8am, there’s a brief moment of hope as the call connects. Moments later, crushing disappointment fills the room as a recorded
message tells them they’re number 57 in the queue.
Although the film is humorous, it does touch on a truth that for many getting a GP appointment is increasingly difficult.
Almost a decade of funding cuts to the health service are to blame, says UNISON.
The video is launched as the UK prepares to vote in a general election with the future of the NHS in the balance.
UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said: “Nine years of Tory cuts have ravaged the NHS, with decisions made in
Westminster affecting families’ daily lives across the country.
"Hospitals with ambulances stacked up outside have huge staff vacancies and hard-working employees are frazzled trying to fill the gaps, while patients face long waiting times in
A&E when they can’t get a GP appointment. Everyone who works for and uses the NHS can see how the government has squeezed our health service.
"When walking into polling stations next week, people should think about the NHS and the improvements that are desperately needed.”
Notes to editors:
- The film is available on YouTube.
- 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 both the public and private sectors.
Media contacts:
Garfield Myrie T: 0207 121 5546 M: 07432 741565 E: g.myrie@unison.co.uk
Anthony Barnes T: 0207 121 5255 M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.
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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