Share
Now more than ever,
we must stand in solidarity with
Palestine.
Join us Sat. 15th May at 12pm Nye Bevan Statue,
Queen St Cardiff to demand an end to Israel's grave
violations of human rights and international law. None
of us are free until all of us are free
********CALL OUT FOR VOLUNTEERS********
We need volunteers to help with the rally,
please ring Jeff 07704 356894 if you can help out on
the day
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As we enter the final stage of campaigning around the Senedd elections, UNISON is focused on encouraging members to turn out to vote and to use their vote for investment in public services.
Newspaper and online advertising continues this week; a text message will be sent to all members tomorrow and the following have been added to the region’s Face Book and Twitter (@UNISONWales). Your help in promoting them on your branch’s social media today would be appreciated: -
· NEW video in Welsh: Gwynedd member Matthew Cooling endorses #UNISONmanifesto and encourages people to vote for investment in public services
· Which Senedd candidates are endorsing UNISON’s priorities? A list of those candidates who have endorsed part or all of UNISON's manifesto priorities has been added to our website and posted on social media. Over the last few weeks, we’ve added 25 photos of candidates holding our UNISON priority placards to Twitter.
Thank you for your assistance.
Please see latest updates on key issues for members and Branches in the NHS.
1: NHS Pay Campaign:
- 2 Days for 2k- future dates
The next 2 days for 2k dates were agreed on Friday last week at the Health SGE meeting.
They are 17 -19 May and 23-25 June. I am delighted to report that the Strategic Organising Unit have kindly offered the use of the UNISON minibus for these dates.
The plan is to utilise the minibus to visit hospital and Barchester sites across North Wales and Powys from 17 to 19 May and then do the same for Cardiff and Swansea in June. The idea is to visit hospital and community sites across the patch to give out freebies, materials, engage with members and potential members highlighting our 2k for All claim.
Cathie Poynton and Jan Tomlinson have already created a map of sites to visit and have ordered copious amounts of Welsh Cakes to give to members!!
Branches in South Wales are asked to talk to their Branch Committees to discuss sites that could be visited in June.
- NHS Pay Review Body Round
UNISON participated in two evidence sessions as part of the NHS PRB process. In the NHS Staff Side session, UNISON led the NHS Trade Union delegation to give evidence around the economic spur a fair pay award would bring, boost to morale, aid to recruitment and the importance to retention that a pay rise greatly higher than 1% UK Govt recommendation would also bring. In the UNISON session, Staff Council delegates gave evidence in support of our 2k claim, sharing personal testimony backed up by statistics from our membership survey and other sources to make a powerful argument for a flat rate increase of a minimum £2k to all pay points.
The PRB has taken evidence through March and April. It is anticipated that the PRB will submit its report and recommendation covering all NHS AFC staff in Wales, England and North Ireland by mid-end of June when the Govts in Wales, England and Northern Ireland will determine the final position.
- Scotland NHS Pay Offer
In late March, an offer was formally made by Scottish Govt to NHS Scotland Trade Unions on a pay uplift equating to 4% increase on the pay bill.
This is broken down as £1009 pay uplift to Bands 2-4, 4% to bands 5 to 7, 2% to Bands 8a-c, and £800 to Bands 8d-9.
Following consultation with Scotland Health Committee, UNISON Scotland has launched their member ballot on the offer, recommending acceptance. The ballot closes on 7 May.
- Pay Monitor Tool and Contact your MP action
The objective now is to maximise pressure on the Westminster Govt over the size of the pay award.
Branches are encouraged to ask members, families, colleagues etc to contact their local MP’s.
The pay monitor site https://nhspay.org/ tracks key stats alongside days since the pay rise was due on 1 April alongside how many days have passed since we lodged our 2k claim.
Over 66k members signed the Dear Rishi emails. Please check the national websites and Health emails for more info.
- Healthier Working Relationships
Briefing sessions have now been set up for activists, Organisers & NHS staff to talk through the new Respect & Resolution Policy which replaces the previous Grievance and Dignity at Work policies and which was signed off by Wales Partnership Forum in March this year.
Over 200 attended the session on 30 April and another is planned at 12 noon tomorrow 5 May.
The Healthier Working Relationships theme is a welcome one and is fully supported by UNISON.
At UNISON Health Conference in 2018 the Just & Learning Culture was agreed as UNISON policy and this will also form part of the HWR theme when the pilots progress in Wales.
These policies will hopefully see less formal cases and more informal resolution to issues at work.
It is inevitable that some cases have to go down the formal route but if these policies help reduce the number of cases then that will help with staff welfare, attendance at work and also relieve the pressure on Branches.
- International Nurses Day – 12 May and ODP Day – 14 May
Next week sees a focus on International Nurses Day and Branches are encouraged to mark these events with local activities.
Cwm Taf Health are hosting a garden party in the grounds of a local hospital site for members to call in and celebrate International Nurses Day as well as have a cuppa and a cake.
Re ODP Day please check out the website for more details.
- Flowers Case discussions re annual leave claims
Talks are progressing in Wales and a proposal should be coming soon from NHS Wales.
These talks are in relation to the pay that NHS staff should receive when on annual leave as they should receive the same pay as if they were in work. Agreement was reached in England with trade unions there for compensatory payments for staff.
The aim for staff side in Wales is to try to include all NHS Staff that have worked overtime going back over a 2.5 year period whereas England covered higher value claims for 2 years.
Further details will be sent out to Branch Secretaries in due course.
- Wales Health Circular – NHS Wales Anti Violence Collaborative
Please see attached an update on the work carried out to prevent violence and aggression towards NHS Staff in Wales. If you require further information then please contact Darron Dupre, Regional Organiser.
- Local Elections 6 May – video for Fair Pay
Please see the video below and share widely across your Branches.
Regards
Paul Summers
Health Lead
UNISON Cymru Wales
“It only takes a few minutes, so please vote.” That’s the message today from UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea, as the union approaches the start of balloting for this year’s elections to the national executive council (NEC).
The NEC is elected by the members to speak on their behalf – and sits at the heart of the decisions made on their behalf.
Despite the pandemic, the union is determined that its democratic life will continue.
Members elect candidates to represent their region and their service group, while there are also additional seats for Black members, young members and disabled members.
As with all other UNISON elections, the union’s principles of proportionality and fair representation mean that some seats are reserved for women and low-paid members, so that the make-up of the NEC fairly represents the wider union.
“Democracy is at the heart of everything we do at UNISON and despite all the difficulties of the current pandemic, these important NEC elections are going ahead,” said Ms McAnea.
“I’d encourage all members to take part in the elections. UNISON is your union and this is your opportunity to help shape the direction of the UK’s biggest union.
“It only takes a few minutes, so please vote in our NEC elections.”
This year’s key dates are:
4 May – voting begins as voting papers are sent to members;
13 May – the voting helpline for members opens;
20 May – the voting helpline closes;
27 May – voting ends.
For all the details about these elections – including details of the helpline – click here
You can learn more about the NEC here
Karen Loughlin, UNISON Cymru Wales regional secretary 73 per cent of the Welsh public believe the Welsh government should do more to lift children out of poverty. That’s the finding of a Savanta ComRes poll of 1,021 people released today (Friday). The poll was commissioned by public services union, UNISON Cymru Wales, which has made […]
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Lessons must be learned and those responsible for failings held to account
Helping less wealthy nations will beneift everyone
Concern over the use of lobbying continues to grow with this government. Reform is needed now and the sleaze must stop
A lack of planning for a global pandemic left the UK and the NHS exposed like never before
70 per cent of the Welsh public believe companies receiving public money should not be allowed to hire staff on zero-hour contracts. That’s the finding of a Savanta ComRes poll of 1,021 people released today (Friday). The poll, commissioned by public services union, UNISON, also found Welsh people want the next Senedd government to improve […]
72 per cent of the Welsh public would support the creation of a National Care Service, similar to the NHS, to deliver social care for older, disabled and vulnerable people. That’s the finding of a Savanta ComRes poll of 1,021 people released today (Wednesday). The poll, commissioned by public services union, UNISON, also found 90 […]
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Government must act over minimum wage laws affecting care workers, say UNISON and Mencap
UNISON and Mencap have written jointly to the Prime Minister today (Tuesday) calling for immediate reform of minimum wage laws affecting thousands of care workers.
The letter to Boris Johnson says “action is needed urgently” to amend current rules so sleep-in shifts – where staff have to stay overnight away from home – are defined as working time and paid properly.
Last month, the Supreme Court ruled* the hours employees are asleep don’t have to be paid at minimum wage rates, only the time they are awake and looking after people.
UNISON – the biggest union including in social care – and learning disability charity Mencap, which is one of the UK's largest providers of social care services, were on opposing sides during the long-running case.
Mencap contested the case due to the huge back pay bill facing the care sector, and UNISON supported Clare Tomlinson-Blake because it believes care staff should be paid for all the hours they're at work.
But in the letter to the Prime Minister, both state they are “united in the same vision” of a “properly funded care sector”. They say: “paying staff decent wages is a major part of this” and “fair pay means care providers can retain the skilled workforce that’s essential for excellent care”.
UNISON and Mencap urge Boris Johnson to ask the Low Pay Commission to investigate the issue of sleep-in pay and reassess the status of shifts so “the entirety of these” are treated as working time.
Both say the Supreme Court judgment was a “huge blow to care workers” and warn it could be seen by some providers and council care commissioners as “an opportunity to cut costs including wages”. They predict the result could be “even fewer recruits joining a sector already suffering from thousands of vacancies”.
Mencap and UNISON remind the Prime Minister in the letter that “care workers are already among the lowest paid in the country” and some earn less per hour than the average retail assistant. They state: “We need to prevent their pay being eroded further.”
The letter continues: “The demands on sleep-in workers are considerable. They’re expected to respond to the people they support at any time and at a moment’s notice during the night.
“Acute underfunding lies at the heart of why social care is not fit for purpose. Central government must make more resources available to local authorities to allow much-needed reform. Improving the pay of care workers is the most sensible starting point.
“Each of us will have a friend or relative who relies on the exceptional support provided by social care staff. Or may well need help ourselves one day. This is your chance, Prime Minister, to show you value their remarkable work with fair pay.”
UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said: “The crisis in social care is a betrayal of the most vulnerable in society.
“The whole sector has been broken for years and the government has ignored this. Proper wages for every hour staff work are a key part of much-needed reform.
“The fact UNISON and Mencap are united on this issue shows the strength of feeling across the care sector that enough is enough. Ministers must take heed and act now.”
Mencap chief executive Edel Harris said: “Care workers are among the lowest paid in society, yet they do vital, highly-skilled work supporting our loved ones. They deserve better pay.
“Boris Johnson promised to fix social care – paying fairly for overnight support is the first step.
“Today, we’re joining UNISON to urge the Prime Minister to change minimum wage legislation. Ultimately, the government’s reforms must include properly funding social care and improving pay to create a world-class social care system we can be proud of.”
Please see below report on behalf of your Cymru/Wales NEC member , can you please disseminate to all branches , Committees , Regional Council , Forums and anyone else you feel would benefit from below.
NEC MEETING 7TH APRIL 2021
UNISON’s number one priority remains the support of members who have been delivering public services for over a year into the COVID-19 pandemic, general secretary Christina McAnea told the union’s national executive council (NEC) at an online meeting today (Wednesday).
But the union is also focussed on what will happen in the post-COVID recovery, particularly in terms of members’ pay, and it will work to ensure public services and the interests of the union’s members are central to the elections taking place across the UK on 6 May.
The union also continues to “look outwards”, with the general secretary warning that as long as COVID-19 rages in other parts of the world the virus can still “come back to harm us in the UK”.
Reflecting on a mixed few months, the general secretary said the Supreme Court’s decision last month, which failed to establish that care workers should be paid the national minimum wage for every hour of their sleep-in shifts, was a “major blow”.
“The decision makes a mockery of national minimum wage legislation,” said Ms McAnea, “but we will continue the fight. We will be keeping a close eye on employers changing rates of pay and we will be pushing the government to change the legislation.
“UNISON will be redoubling our efforts to achieve meaningful reform of social care across the UK.”
The general secretary also said that the fight for fair pay for members would be stepped up, with the union “raising the temperature on pay” with a coordinated campaign supporting individual sector-specific actions while taking account of national variations across the UK.
Pay would also feature in work across the union leading up to the various elections around the UK on 6 May for councils, police and crime commissioners and national assemblies. “The results of these elections will have a direct impact on the lives of our members,” the general secretary said.
Ms McAnea also noted that: “We continue to be a union campaigning on wider international issues and will continue to ensure that vaccines are being made available in developing countries. This is a global pandemic and it needs a global response.”
The NEC also passed motions ahead of the special delegate conference in June on the impact of COVID-19 on UNISON members, public services and working life and securing an equal and sustainable post-pandemic settlement.
The NEC also:
◾heard how January was a record month for new members joining the union, with education and young members being particularly strong
◾welcomed the record number of health and safety reps being trained
◾recommitted to the importance of member and activist education and union learning reps after the government closed the union learning fund
◾had an update on arrangements for the special delegate conference in June
◾welcomed UNISON wins for health members at Frimley Health Foundation Trust and local government members at Chesterfield Borough Council
◾agreed to work with the Labour Party to counter the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill which threatens to curb the right to peaceful protests
◾sent a message of solidarity to members of the public sector confederation currently on trial in Turkey.
Please see attached Campaigns bulletin
I hope you find this helpful.
Regards,
Please stay safe and look after yourself .
I hopefully look forward to seeing you in 2021 .
Kind regards
Mark Fisher
Your Cymru/Wales NEC Member
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
FAQs on Covid bonus payments for Welsh NHS staff:
Adobe Acrobat document [404.7 KB]
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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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."
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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Forced jabs are counterproductive, says UNISON
Encouragement and persuasion are right approach
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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
Read the latest Unison Welfare Newsletter here:
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
Microsoft Word document [13.7 KB]
www.lifeforafricanmothers.org
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]
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 .
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
Adobe Acrobat document [630.1 KB]
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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