For support and advice phone: 07918073686 or Email unison.office.uhw@wales.nhs.uk
WE WILL ONLY REPRESENT UNISON MEMBERS!
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Crisis of unimaginable proportions ahead unless ministers do more
Pay key to solving crisis in social care, says UNISON
Low wages and inadequate sick pay to blame for thousands of care workers quitting
Government’s new collective defined contribution pension scheme could help some public service workers, but shouldn’t erode the pensions of others
UNISON campaigns to preserve the future safety of British meat
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Wednesday 27 July 2022
BIGGEST WELSH HEALTHCARE UNION PREPARES FOR INDUSTRIAL ACTION BALLOT
NHS staff belonging to Wales’ biggest healthcare union feel let down by Welsh government’s pay offer and will now be balloted for industrial action.
Thousands of Welsh nurses, healthcare assistants, ambulance workers, hospital porters, cleaners, cooks, admin staff and more belonging to UNISON say a below-inflation pay rise in a cost-of-living crisis is not good enough.
The wages of NHS staff in Wales have been supressed over the last decade with pay freezes or capped pay awards and UNISON representatives in Welsh hospitals report daily approaches from colleagues struggling to make ends meet and in dire need.
The Welsh government announced on Friday last week (22 July), it will not boost salaries by more than the recommendations of the Pay Review Body (PRB).
Dawn Ward, chair of UNISON Cymru Wales health committee, said
“Welsh government has totally let down healthcare workers in the middle of the worst cost of living crisis in living memory. Our salaries have been so tightly squeezed by years of Westminster underfunding that NHS staff simply cannot cope with rocketing bills and groceries.
“Being a healthcare worker can be stressful at the best of times, you shouldn’t have to be worrying about where the next meal will come from. But that is the desperate situation many NHS staff are in.”
Hugh McDyer, UNISON Cymru Wales head of health, said
“It’s very disappointing Welsh government turned down our request for additional pay enhancements for health workers in Wales. A decent pay rise would be a start in sorting out the workforce crisis which is at the heart of a number of health service problems.
“Welsh government recognises their offer falls short of what is needed in this crisis, but blames a lack of funding for pay from Westminster. This deal does not meet the needs of the health workforce in Wales and we will begin preparations towards conducting an industrial action ballot.
Notes
- The recommendation of the NHS Pay Review Body (NHSPRB), for all NHS staff on Agenda for Change terms and conditions – including nurses, cleaners, porters, healthcare support workers and healthcare professionals, is for a £1,400 pay rise on most pay grades.
- UNISON health worker forced to re-mortgage home and take on extra shifts as cost-of-living crisis deepens
- UNISON calls on Welsh Government not to make the mistake of the English NHS pay review body
Contact
Alastair Gittins, UNISON Cymru Wales policy officer, 07816 53 83 97
As the cost of living crisis shows no signs of easing, our right to strike is more important than ever
Newly qualified paramedics won a pay increase after submitting a collective grievance
Peter is living on bread and soup! See the tv news interview on the link below:
Dear Colleagues
Please find Statement summary below and attached written statement from The mister for Health & Social care MS Eluned Morgan
UNISON has made clear along with trade union colleagues the disappointment in relation to the below inflation offer and the ministers decision not to enter into further PRB negotiations which has finally been confirmed today. A series of meeting were held with civil servants and today with the minister and it was made clear there was no further funding available in NHS Wales to offer any additional enhancements
I will provide a fuller briefing first thing Monday along with a health SGE update from colleagues
I have spoken with the Charing team and we would look to slot a special pay health committee meeting in after the Future pay determination workshop on Thursday 28th July at 2.30pm . A link will be circulated on Monday for those who cannot attend in person. The main focus of the meeting will be to agree the ballot process and seek views on the offer/ how to best progress with our health membership
Regards
Hugh
PRESS RELEASE https://gov.wales/health-
Health Minister announces pay rise for
NHS Wales staff
The Health Minister Eluned Morgan has accepted the recommendations of NHS pay review bodies and is today announcing a pay rise for NHS staff in Wales.
First published:
22 July 2022
Last updated:
22 July 2022
Share this page
The recommendation of the NHS Pay Review Body (NHSPRB), for all NHS staff on Agenda for Change terms and conditions – including nurses, cleaners, porters, healthcare support workers and healthcare professionals, is for a £1,400 pay rise on most pay grades.
But the Health Minister said the Welsh Government will implement this recommendation on top of the Real Living Wage top-up previously announced, which came into effect in April.
For the lowest paid staff (bands 1 to 4), which make up nearly half of the Agenda for Change workforce, this will on average equate to a 7.5% pay rise on pay grades.
The starting salary for the lowest paid roles in band 1 and the bottom of band 2 in NHS Wales will now be £20,758, this equates to a pay rise of 10.8% this financial year for this band and would make Wales the highest paying UK nation for the lowest pay bands in the NHS.
For staff at the top of band 6 and in band 7, the £1,400 payment will be enhanced to be equivalent to a 4% pay rise.
Following a series of meetings with trade unions and representative bodies this week, the Welsh Government has committed to continue to explore a range of other issues raised as part of those discussions.
The Health Minister has also agreed the recommendations of the Doctors’ and Dentists’ Review Body (DDRB) to increase pay by 4.5% for junior doctors, consultants, GPs and dentists employed directly by the health boards.
Health Minister Eluned Morgan said:
We are committed to working in social partnership and will continue to use our social partnership structures and bring together trade unions, employers and government to deliver the best possible outcomes for our NHS staff. I want to thank trade unions and representative bodies for taking the time to meet me this week and for the constructive discussions we have had.
Our NHS staff have worked incredibly hard throughout the pandemic to keep us all safe and they continue to provide an incredible service in the face of intense pressures.
I hope this pay award goes some way to recognise their hard work but without additional funding from the UK Government, there are inevitably limits to how far we can go in Wales. We continue to press them to pass on the full funding necessary for fair pay rises for public sector workers.
We are all facing a cost-of-living crisis. We have structured this pay award so the lowest paid staff in the NHS would see the biggest uplift in their pay, equivalent to a 10.8% pay rise, making the NHS in Wales the highest-paying UK nation for staff in the lowest pay bands.
Despite not being within the DDRB’s remit, specialty and specialist doctors on the 2021 contract will receive a one-off £1,400 payment in recognition of the unprecedented cost-of-living crisis. Specialty doctors on the 2008 contract will receive a 4.5% pay increase, but those on the top pay grade in the 2008 contract will receive a one-off payment equivalent to 4.5%.
The recommended 4.5% pay uplift in pay for contracted GPs and dentists is subject to overall contract changes by the General Medical and General Dental Services and negotiations are ongoing.
The Health Minister has made clear that staff working within general practice, dental teams and community pharmacies across Wales should receive a fair, proportionate and equitable pay uplift.
First published
22 July 2022
Last updated
22 July 2022
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Meeting Announcement
Calling all members of Cardiff & Vale Health Branch who are affiliated to the Labour Party.
The meeting information as shown below will be held via TEAMS, therefore if anyone would like to attend and would like us to send them the required TEAMS link we will do if they contact us via email to make the request: unison.office.uhw@wales.nhs.uk
Labour Link meeting
Cardiff & Vale Health Branch
Monday 25th July, 2022
10.30 - 11.30am
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Picnic in the Park
As a thank you to the dedication of public service workers over the last few years UNISON Cardiff County branch is holding a Picnic in the Park event on Saturday July 9 in Victoria Park in Cardiff at 12pm.
All are welcome and the branch is hoping to see as many of you as possible for this family friendly event which is open to everyone (including non-members) so please do bring along children, colleagues, friends, and family.
The branch is asking that anyone attending provides their own food, drink and picnic blanket and adheres to any park rules as UNISON cannot accept any liability for any accidents, damage or loss incurred.
The reversal of Roe v Wade shows clearly that women’s rights must be constantly defended
Care workers in Wales must receive the Real Living Wage as promised to them earlier this year by the Welsh Government, says UNISON.
UNISON Cymru/Wales is extending solidarity to all rail workers and the RMT union during its latest day of industrial action.
Seven UNISON members tell us why they marched through London to ‘Demand Better’ on Saturday
New price-rise figures show illustrate need for pay boost
Grants of up to £70 per school age child are now available
President Andrea Egan and her vice presidents were announced at national delegate conference
Report on Unison Health Conference 2022
Monday 25th - Wednesday 27th April.
By Bill Salter
Microsoft Word document [970.7 KB]
Care workers and the vital role they play must be valued not seen as a cost to be driven down to increase profits, says UNISON Cymru/Wales.
Call for a Nationalised Care Service
Today we have posted our latest call for a nationalised care service on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.
Please take a look and share on your socials.
Many thanks,
Rupert.
Rupert Denholm-Hall
Press and Media Organiser
UNISON Cymru Wales
07967 463 158
In the motion care worker members gave heartfelt testimony of their experiences working throughout the pandemic
Catalytic converter thefts across Cardiff and Vale UHB sites.
An increasing number of vehicles are being targeted in catalytic converter thefts across Cardiff and Vale University Health Board sites.
Catalytic converter theft is a national crime issue that is unfortunately becoming more common in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan.
We are now aware of 20 catalytic converter thefts that have taken place in recent months, with vehicles parked in car parks at University Hospital of Wales and University Hospital Llandough primarily targeted.
Several thefts have involved Japanese hybrid vehicles.
Our Security Team is working closely with our on-site police liaison officer, South Wales Police and British Parking Association to review suspicious activity, investigate thefts and deter criminals from targeting Health Board sites.
However, we need your help to prevent catalytic converter thefts from taking place.
All colleagues, patients and visitors are urged to be vigilant of any suspicious activity they see within car parking areas and to immediately report this to the security team who will attend the area.
Catalytic converters can be removed in less than a minute and it might not always be obvious if a catalytic convert theft is being committed.
Some criminals have reportedly impersonated
To report suspicious activity, call: 02921 848 043.
What is a catalytic converter?
- Catalytic converters are devices fitted to vehicle exhausts to reduce the amount of dangerous gases emitted
- Hybrid vehicles are most commonly targeted, as their metals are more valuable, but any vehicle can be at risk of catalytic converter theft
- Catalytic converter thefts are becoming more common across the UK, including Cardiff and Vale UHB sites
What are signs a catalytic convert theft is being committed?
- A vehicle being raised using a car jack
- A loud drilling or cutting sound coming from underneath the vehicle
What can you do to help prevent catalytic converter theft?
Although catalytic converter thefts are increasing, there are steps that you can take to protect your vehicle.
If you own a vehicle with a catalytic converter, we recommend contacting your manufacturer or local garage for advice on locks or guards that can make it harder for criminals to steal.
For more information and advice, visit:
Blog: Deal to send refugees to Rwanda is a ‘cruel trick’
UNISON writes to all MPs asking them to take a stand for decency against a policy that shows a government with no moral compass
Letter to Michael Fabricant says his comments are ‘insulting’ and have ’caused deep hurt’
Above-inflation pay rise critical to resolving NHS staff crisis, says UNISON
Money worries are affecting the focus of NHS staff at work
UNISON condemns ‘shameful’ P&O Ferries action
General secretary calls for enforceable charter of employment rights and an end to ‘fire and hire’ culture
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Lengthening queues are stressful for patients and staff
Experienced and skilled staff must be a key focus
Have you received your U magazine yet?
No...
Check your details are up to date!
Have you received the latest copy of U, Unison’s free quarterly
magazine?
If not your membership details could be out of date. Have you moved house without telling us for
instance?
If your details are out of date you could be missing out on important information from your
union.
To check or update your details go to www.unison.org.uk and
click on the My Unison link.
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UHB’s People and Culture Plan 2022-2025
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Pay Enhancement – Additional Day annual leave in ESR
IBM have confirmed they will universally change the accrual rate in ESR to raise entitlements to 28-30-34 days for the financial year 2021/2022 in either February or March 2022 (confirmed date awaited). This will automatically update entitlements in ESR for 2021/2022 and in readiness for the year 2022/2023 onward. Therefore no manual ESR intervention required by local Workforce Information Managers, who have also been informed. Further comms will be available in due course
Welsh Government pay circular
Summary
Our Ref: Pay Letter AFC, M&D & ESP (W) 01/2021 December 2021
This pay circular informs employers of the pay and annual leave arrangements for employees covered by the Agenda for Change, Medical and Dental and Executive and Senior Pay terms and conditions.
Action
-
To pay a one off non-consolidated additional payment of 1% for those on Agenda for Change bands 1-5, and the F1 doctors who fall into this pay bands. This payment would not be pro rata and other criteria is set out in Annex A
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To amend the bottom spine point for those on Agenda for Change (AfC) band 2 and the pay point for band 1 from April 2021 to £18,731 from the 1st April 2021
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An additional day’s annual leave will be added to the current contractual entitlements for all staff. This additional day will be pro rata and will be recurrent in future years.
If staff are unable to take their additional entitlement in the current leave year 2021/22 then it should either be carried forward over and above any organisational limits into the 2022/23 leave year or sold back if preferred by the staff.
-
Employers will put a scheme in place for staff to sell back a proportion of unused annual leave which will be in place before the end of the 2021/22 leave year. Details of arrangements are outlined in Annex B.
Enquiries
-
Employers should direct enquiries to: HSSWorkforceOD@gov.wales
-
Copies of this circular can be downloaded from the HOWIS website.
Yours sincerely,
Helen Arthur
Director of Workforce and Corporate Business Cyfarwyddwr y Gweithlu a Busnes Corfforaethol
Annex A
1% Non-consolidated Payment to Agenda for Change Bands 1 to 5 and F1’s
Eligibility criteria
This is a non-consolidated and non-pensionable payment and does not uprate any hourly rates.
-
1% of eligible pay points as at 1st April 2021, i.e Band 3 step £20,330 is £203 or Band 5 step £27,780 is £277
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Payments will be based on an individual’s full time salary as at 1st December 2021
-
To be paid to all eligible staff on payroll as at the 1st December 2021
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Payments to also be made to those who moved from Band 5’s and F1’s between
the 1st April and 30th November 2021 who are still on payroll as at 1st December
2021.
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To be paid to all substantive staff only, not including bank, locum, ad hoc
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To include those on a Fix Term Contract regardless of length of contract
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Not to pro rata the payment
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New starters after the 1st December will not receive the payment
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Staff on sick, maternity, parental leave included
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Staff on career breaks not to be included
-
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Selling back of Annual leave
Employers will put a scheme in place for staff to sell back a proportion of unused annual leave which will be in place before the end of the 2021/22 leave year.
This will include arrangements to sell back all of their unused annual leave which was carried over from 2020/21 leave year.
For the leave year 2021/22, it is recognised that staff need to ensure they rest and recuperate as their wellbeing is paramount. However it is also reconisged that given the ongoing challenges it may not be possible to take the full leave entitlement during 2021/22. Therefore employers shall put in place arrangements for staff to sell back any remaining entitlement above statutory entitlement, so after 20 days. This will be pro rata for those working part time, and this will be inclusive of the additional day’s leave provided in this leave year.
Given the opportunity to sell back annual leave above statutory entitlement annual leave carryover from 2021/22 into 2022/23 will be capped at 5 days, pro rata for part time staff. If the additional annual leave day is carried over this will be in addition to the allowed 5 days.
The payment for annual leave sold back will be at calculated using an individual’s basic pay rate.
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Why 2022 is ‘an exciting opportunity to showcase the skills, experience and qualities that disabled people bring to the workplace and to society’
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10 things you probably don’t know about the NHS pay award
UNISON members may be wondering how to react to the government’s imposed pay award. Here are some facts to help you decide what 3% means for you
Blog: Is this the kind of community you want to live in?
Our local services face catastrophic cuts. Help us stand up for them and take action now
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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.
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/
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
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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.
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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]
Contact the branch for details.
Resource for Staff working/ shielding at home
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Wellbeing guides
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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
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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