Limit on mega council pay-offs could cost middle-income workers thousands

Social workers and librarians are among employees who could be thousands of pounds worse off due to new measures to cap ​public sector exit payments, says UNISON ​today (Friday).

Middle-income workers are ​likely to be caught out by a law designed to put a £95,000 ceiling on pay-offs for high-earning staff​, the union says.

Anyone over the age of 55 who pays into the local government pension scheme and is made redundant has to take their pension early.

But doing so before the state retirement age – which currently varies from 65 to 68 – can incur tens of thousands of pounds in charges that can reduce the size of the pension for local government staff.

A long-standing agreement with ​local authority employers has meant they covered these charges – in part as recognition of workers’ years of public service.

But the new law, expected to be in place as soon as next month, classes the early retirement support from employers as an ‘exit payment’ to the worker.

The £95,000 cap could in many cases be exceeded when this fee is combined with the worker’s redundancy payoff, says UNISON.

Staff earning around £20,000 to £30,000 a year who’ve worked for decades to build up their pensions are potentially being put in the same category as those earning six-figure ​salaries, the union says.

People affected will either have to pay the fee themselves or face a ​pension cut. It will cost them thousands of pounds at a time when many are ​having to cop​e with the strain of losing their jobs, UNISON added.

Yet high earners who’ve not been in their jobs long enough to build up significant pensions can walk away with payments up to the government’s £95,000 limit.

UNISON assistant general secretary Christina McAnea said: “This is yet another attack on public service workers​, many of whom will have been working hard throughout the pandemic.

“Ministers have made a terrible mistake that’s going to blight the retirement of ​long-serving, loyal employees.

“Including the payments made by employers in the cap and not exempting lower earners from the law will hit older, middle-income workers hard.

“Ministers have reversed other decisions once the harm to ordinary working people has become clear. The government must not punish those they should be supporting and UNISON will be fighting to change this policy.”

  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 voluntary sectors.

Media contacts:
Garfield Myrie M: 07432 741565 E: g.myrie@unison.co.uk
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk

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Government must do all it can to defend jobs and stave off mass unemployment, says UNISON

Commenting on Labour’s call for the government to defend jobs and think again about winding down the furlough scheme, UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said today (Thursday):

“The economic turmoil of the pandemic is far from over. Workers need all the financial support they can get to avoid the spectre of mass unemployment in the next few months.

“The government must pull back from the brink and continue giving a helping hand.

“But ministers must also make sure that our services are in a fit state to cope with a second coronavirus wave. That means giving NHS workers an early and significant pay rise and give the care sector the overhaul it so badly needs.”

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

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UNISON joins attack on housing minister over fossil fuel divestment

UNISON has added its voice to an open letter signed by more than 70 civil society leaders this week, condemning the government for encouraging investors to practice “constructive engagement” with fossil fuel companies.

Writing on the government website GovUK, pensions minister Guy Opperman acknowledged that the best way of pension fund trustees “seizing sustainable opportunities” was through financing green tech and energy revolution.

But at the same time, the minister argued that funds should hold onto their stocks in oil and gas companies, in order to “nudge, cajole or vote firms towards lower-carbon business practices.”

Ask your local government pension scheme to divest from fossil fuels

UNISON assistant general secretary Christina McAnea and deputy Scottish convenor Stephen Smellie joined MPs, NGO directors, faith leaders and local councillors in accusing the minister of ignoring the “clear moral, scientific and financial arguments for fossil fuel divestment.”

Their open letter states: “Mr Opperman’s assertion that collaboration through investor engagement can turn fossil fuel majors into low-carbon companies is not borne out by evidence.

“Investor pressure has never reshaped any company’s core business and cannot transform an entire sector of powerful multinationals.”

The signatories, who also include the Oscar-winning actor Mark Rylance, note that at least 10 local authority pension funds are redirecting their investments away from fossil fuels and into clean energy solutions.

The Parliamentary Pension Fund has also began to reduce its fossil fuel holdings, after calls from 360 cross-party MPs.

13 ways to go green at work with UNISON

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NHS workforce need actions to match the promises, says UNISON

Commenting on the publication of the NHS People Plan today (Thursday), UNISON head of health Sara Gorton said:

“Covid-19 has profoundly changed the day-to-day reality of work for all health staff. The NHS has a responsibility to focus on how to support employees over the coming months.

“Huge numbers of people leave jobs they love every year because of bullying, racism, inflexible shifts and other fixable issues. Plans to tackle these problems are overdue and welcomed.

“But the government keeps missing chances to make a lasting contribution to the NHS with an early and significant wage rise.

“The People Plan must be backed with investment for a much-deserved pay increase. Otherwise, health workers will discover the government has no intention of matching words with actions.”

Notes for 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 contact:
Sophie Goodchild M: 07767 325595 E: s.goodchild@unison.co.uk
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk

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Sunderland members give out 3,000 gift packs to local government workers

UNISON members in Sunderland have created a heartwarming support campaign for local government workers.

With 3,000 appreciation gift packs delivered to frontline workers, workplace posters and city billboards, UNISON City of Sunderland branch was determined to make sure that local government workers knew how recognised and appreciated they are.

“When the country went into lockdown, it was frightening times,” says UNISON branch secretary Diane Peacock. “A lot of people were working from home, but a lot of UNISON members still had to carry on working. We wanted to do something for them to let them know how appreciated they are.

“So we created 3,000 packed lunches with some crisps, a pot noodle, a chocolate bar and a letter of appreciation. Also some UNISON-branded gifts like hand sanitiser. The idea was for people working in the pandemic to be able to sit down with their lunch, and know there are people thinking about them and appreciate their work.”

Left: Diane’s team making up gift packs. Right: Poster distributed to all local government workplaces.

The letter in their box speaks enthusiastically of the city’s “unsung heroes” while assuring them that the union is “working with your employer to make sure your voices are heard, and your concerns are listened to and that you have the correct equipment to keep you safe and well.”

Acknowledging the work of local government workers isn’t new to Diane’s team. Last November, her branch ran a ‘Hidden Heroes’ campaign, ensuring that all public sector workers got the recognition they deserved for supporting their communities.

Of the lockdown initiative, she continues: “My office is based at the depot where all the refuse and recycling workers are. We’d been watching them and realising they’re just not getting the credit that they deserve.

“So we wanted to do something about it. They were the first people we gave our appreciation gift packs to, and then we moved onto cleaning and catering staff in schools, and care managers and social workers.”

Diane describes how grateful local workers have been for the gift packs: “We’ve been called angels, superstars, and my colleague Howard is now known as ‘the noodle man’.

“As a team, it’s given us a purpose. If the government isn’t going to shout for the local government, then we will. We care about them, they’re important to us, and we’re here to support them.

“We’re looking after the people who are looking after the people.”

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Public want NHS staff to get early and significant pay rise

A majority of the public (69%) think all NHS staff should get an early pay rise before the end of this year, according to a UNISON/Savanta ComRes poll published today (Wednesday).

The findings also highlight how two thirds (66%) of the public believe a wage increase for employees – including healthcare assistants, nurses, hospital porters, midwives, paramedics and cleaners – should be significant in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The results send a clear message to the government that there’s substantial public support for a new pay deal to be agreed now for health service workers, many of whom have risked their own safety to protect everyone else, says UNISON.

At the start of the month, UNISON and 13 other health unions – representing more than 1.3 million NHS employees across the UK – urged the Chancellor and Prime Minister to provide the funding for an early pay rise for all staff.

Health workers are currently in the final year of a three-year deal. They’re due a pay rise next April, but unions want the government to show its appreciation for NHS staff by bringing it forward to this year.

However, the government failed to commit to an early pay rise last week when wage increases for 900,000 workers elsewhere in the public sector were announced.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak also warned of restraint in future public sector pay awards in a letter to government departments.

The poll of more than 2,000 people found that almost three quarters (73%) backed an early pay rise for NHS staff between now and the end of March.

Most (69%) think it should be awarded before the end of the year, and nearly two in five (39%) believe the government should increase the pay of NHS staff immediately.

The study found that just one in ten (10%) think health workers should wait until next April for a rise. A minority (6%) believe any wage increase should be postponed until the government judges the time appropriate.

An overwhelming majority of the public (85%) believe pay should increase, including fewer than one in five (19%) who thought NHS staff should only get a small rise. This compared with nearly two in five (39%) who backed a medium increase, and more than a quarter (27%) a large one.

Commenting on the findings, UNISON head of health Sara Gorton said: “Last week was the perfect opportunity for the government to show it’s in tune with public opinion and commit to an early pay rise for NHS staff.

“It’s clear the public backs an early increase and to ignore them would be at the government’s own peril. Any attempt to deny staff a significant wage increase could rebound badly.

“A wage increase needs sorting right away so the NHS is fit to face the winter ahead and all that may bring. It would help boost the economy too, as health workers spend the extra money in their pockets locally.

“Health unions have made a clear and reasonable case – it’s down to the government to act and prove how much it values the NHS and its staff. Enough of hands together – people want to see hands in pockets, and now.”

Support for an early 2020 pay rise was highest among younger adults aged 18-34 (74%), ahead of those aged 35-54 (69%) or aged over 55 (65%).

Women are bigger backers of a significant wage rise for NHS staff, with three in ten (30%) backing a large increase as opposed to just a quarter of men (24%).

Notes to editors:
– The poll was carried out by Savanta ComRes who surveyed 2,085 UK adults between 17 and 19 July 2020. Data were weighted to be demographically representative of all UK adults. Savanta ComRes is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules. Full tables at www.comresglobal.com
– A number of NHS workers are available to speak to the media including:

Karen Kearney, a bereavement officer at Liverpool Heart & Chest NHS Foundation Trust which took overspill Covid-19 cases from other hospitals. She said: “Visitors weren’t allowed so patients had to come into hospital alone. Often the last time people saw their loved ones was when they came in poorly. It was very difficult and emotional work.

“The government briefings were all about ‘we love the NHS’ and people were cheering for us. But now there’s a sense we’ve been forgotten about. An early pay rise is needed now.”

Darren Tudor-Green, a health care assistant at the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital volunteered to look after Covid-19 patients. He said: “We’ve been willing to put our lives on hold and on the line to ensure people get the best possible care when they need it most. “The team in which I work is full of people who, even before the pandemic, put their jobs above everything else. They deserve to be recognised for that. I hope the government can see that we really are the key workers keeping the country running.”

– 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:
Sophie Goodchild M: 07767 325595 E: s.goodchild@unison.co.uk
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: press@unison.co.uk

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Pride is a protest – get ready for our virtual event

Members of UNISON’s national and regional LGBT+ groups have really missed the opportunity to be out and about at Pride events this summer. We’ve missed working with all the branches that support us at these events, and talking to everyone – members and prospective members.

Given this – and to make sure that the UNISON LGBT+ community is seen this summer – we have organised a virtual Pride is a protest event.

This will take place this Saturday 1 August between 2pm and 5pm and will be on our Facebook pages.

There’ll be videos reminding us why it is so important for LGBT+ people to be members of a trade union, videos of why Pride is still a protest, and photos of UNISON’s LGBT+ members at Pride events in previous years.

We’ll also be sharing materials that we would have had on our Pride stalls up and down the country.

And we’d like you to share photos of yourselves at Pride, of your branch or regional banner – and if you’d like us to add a video of why Pride is important to you, please send that video, by whatsapp, to 07961 089665.

We are really looking forward to this – and hope that you will be able to join us at some time during the day.

Find out more about our LGBT+ group here

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‘We need our union to be stronger than ever’ Dave Prentis tells NEC

As the health crisis turns into an economic crisis, UNISON needs to be stronger and more united than ever, so it can be in a better position to look after all its members, general secretary Dave Prentis told the union’s NEC on Thursday.

Mr Prentis told the online meeting: “The economic outlook is grim. My meetings with other general secretaries is a salutary reminder of the huge scale of job losses already happening in retail, aviation, hospitality and manufacturing.

“We are already seeing the effects. In many councils, in the charity sector, across higher education, we are seeing redundancies, cuts, changes to terms and conditions.”

He continued: “We have to make it clear from the outset that we won’t be the ones to carry the can again for an economic crisis.

“That’s why pay will be so important for those who risked their lives to protect us during this pandemic.

“And that’s why I condemned the divisive and distracting announcement on pay this week. It is a smokescreen and sinister, as it masked the holding down of pay for our people, with its increases for teachers but not teaching assistants, for the police but not for police staff.”

Still the UK’s biggest union – and growing

Mr Prentis also told the meeting that, for the third year running, UNISON was the UK’s biggest trade union and that there had been a huge increase in new members joining recently.

“This year, 114,183 new members have joined us. We have a clear strategy for growth and a reputation that we have built together that says UNISON is a union worth joining,” he said.

“And we need this growth to remain strong in every workplace, and we need real unity across the union to make sure we can do what we do best – campaign, organise and support every member that needs our help.”

The general secretary also outlined the way the union has been supporting members throughout the pandemic, with information and advice, pay negotiations, industrial action and disputes in London and the North West, and legal support, including the sleep-in case on behalf of care workers.

‘No other union has a charity like this’

He also focussed on There for You, the union’s charity, noting: “We have had over 2,000 applications for our £250 grants – heartbreaking stories from our members for whom these grants are, quite literally, a lifeline.

“As of today, we have given out more than £250,000 in grants and I’d like to thank all the branches who have donated to the charity. No other union has a charity like this and I am so proud that it is UNISON providing such vital support.”

Mr Prentis also updated the meeting on the reopening of UNISON offices, including the UNISONdirect call centre in Stevenage, which he had visited to welcome staff back to the office.

The NEC discussed the UNISON statement on Black lives and COVID-19, which calls on the UK government to:

• implement the recommendations from the Windrush Lessons Learned review by Wendy Williams, which was published in March 2020. Two years on from the scandal breaking, those affected are still waiting for the promised compensation;
• implement the Lammy Review of the criminal justice system from 2017;
• bring into force Section 1 of the Equality Act 2010 – the public sector socio-economic duty in England. This is already enacted in Scotland and Cymru/Wales;
• Act on Theresa May’s comprehensive Race Disparity Audit published in 2017.

The statement said: “Continued warm words are not enough and action is needed today. Employers, governments, public bodies and regulators must be held to account for their duty of care, legal and lawful responsibilities.”

Mr Prentis added: “This is a strong statement that the whole union signed up to, because we fight racism wherever we find it. We will do everything in our power to protect Black workers.”

Download the full statement here

After the announcement that he is retiring as UNISON general secretary at the end of the year, president Josie Bird paid tribute to Mr Prentis, saying: “Dave is the only general secretary I have ever known and, while today is not the day for tributes, Dave leaves us with a really strong legacy.

“He has led our union through the toughest times and it is a reflection of his leadership and hard work that we came through the years of austerity and we are now the largest and fastest growing union in the UK.

“I have seen first-hand how tirelessly he works for our union – and how much we trust and depend on his experience and expertise.

“We have grown through 10 years of austerity and are well placed to face our future challenges.”

The NEC also:

• agreed the timetable and procedures for the general secretary election, which will be circulated to all activists on Monday;
• noted the service group election timetable and the guidance on UNISON elections during lockdown;
• discussed the pay offer in HE, the union’s social care campaign, NHS pay, local government funding and job losses in the energy sector;
• sent its support to local government members striking in Tower Hamlets, and those in the North West at We are With You (formerly Addaction), who are still in dispute over pay.

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Blog: Will the elderly be expected to pay for COVID-19?

We all know the disastrous impact that COVID-19 has had on older people. Data from outbreaks of the new coronavirus around the world show that older people – and those with certain underlying health conditions – are at greater risk of the serious effects of COVID-19.

Of the excess deaths registered during the pandemic in England and Wales up to the end of May, the Office For National Statistics (ONS) reports that more than four in five were of people aged 70 or over.

When we look at the number of deaths from coronavirus for each 1,000 people, there is an even more stark relationship to age.

• In age groups up to and including 60-69, fewer than one in 1,000 people have died from coronavirus;
• Age 70-79, it’s two in every 1,000;
• Age 80-89, it’s seven in every 1,000;
• Age 90 and over, it’s 18 people in every 1,000.

But as lockdown restrictions lighten and there is a gradual return to how things were before March this year, there may be a further price imposed on older people by COVID-19. 

The pandemic has brought large parts of the economy to a standstill and the government has had to spend billions to support workers, businesses and the NHS.

It is estimated that the final bill may be more than £300 billion. The government is already thinking about how this will be paid and my fear is that the burden could fall disproportionately on older people.

For example, there has been a proposal by the Social Market Foundation that the triple lock used to calculate the state pension (the highest of the following three measures: average earnings, prices or 2.5%) should be scrapped. This could be a foretaste of policies to come.

My personal view is that it is a disgrace to ask the older generation to face cuts in their income before making other proposals such as imposing taxes on extreme wealth.  

Those aged over 75 already received a cruel blow on 9 July when the BBC announced the withdrawal of their free TV licences, except for  those claiming pension credit. We know that many eligible pensioners, for various reasons, fail to claim pension credit. We also know that many pensioners rely on their televisions for company to help combat loneliness.

I know that the bill has to be paid, but let’s all work together to ensure that the cost does not fall on the most vulnerable in society, who have already paid a high price during this pandemic.

Keep vigilant, stay at home if you can, and stay safe.

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More cleaners needed to make ​English schools safe for return of pupils and staff, says UNISON

Some cleaners ​in English schools are ​still having to work without protective kit and not given the ‘deep-clean’ training needed to keep people safe, says a survey published today (Thursday) by UNISON. ​

The union is calling on the government to provide schools with money to hire extra cleaners. Figures released by UNISON show that almost ​three in ten (29%) staff say there has been no increase in cleaning services since many schools reopened at the start of June.

The survey was based on responses from more than 8,000 employees working in primary, nursery and special schools in England. UNISON says the findings are concerning, given schools are preparing to reopen fully in September.

Instead of specialist ‘deep-clean’ teams, regular cleaning staff are expected to carry out this potentially hazardous work, according to nearly two thirds (65%) of school workers. ​

​A fifth (20%) who took part in the survey said cleaners ​at their school had no access to the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). ​

Government guidance states that more rigorous and regular cleansing of classrooms, washrooms and items touched regularly, such as chairs, should be undertaken to limit the infection risk from coronavirus.

UNISON says there is an urgent need for cleaners to be specially trained in how to disinfect buildings properly and ​handle potentially harmful cleaning materials ​correctly.

Without it, premises might not meet safety standards and staff could be put in danger if asked to use products without knowing the hazards, says the union.

Of the survey respondents who said regular cleaning staff were doing deep cleans, more than a quarter (27%) said these workers had not received specialist training on handling hazardous substances* and a similar proportion (26%) said they had not been risk assessed.

Many ​English schools have not hired more cleaners despite the extra demands created by Covid-19​, says UNISON. This means other employees such as teaching assistants are ​having to help clean toilets and sanitise toys, according to the survey.

Four in five (81%) of those ​questioned said non-cleaning staff at their school ​were being asked to clean classrooms and items such as chairs and books. This ​is time​ that should be spent helping pupils, says UNISON.

Many school cleaners are employed by private firms, often paying only the minimum wage and ​statutory sick pay. This can lead to staff continuing to work when ill for fear of financial hardship, says UNISON.

​The government must find more money for training school cleaners and increasing their numbers, the union says.

UNISON head of education Jon Richards said: “Cleaning a school properly is a specialist job, yet the workers doing this are often overlooked, underpaid and haven’t been trained for the extra demands.

“Lots more cleaners are needed. Other staff shouldn’t be expected to step in to help out. Teaching assistants are stretched enough as it is. They should be focusing on supporting pupils, not standing in for cleaners.

“Everyone wants to see children back in the classroom, but this must be done safely. Given the extra cleaning needed, the government must give schools the money to employ cleaners with the necessary training and protective kit to keep the whole school safe.”

Comments made by cleaners who took part in the survey include:

• “The teaching staff are cleaning the desks during the day and the midday supervisory assistants are coming in to empty bins and clean toilets at lunchtime.”
• “We’ve been scrubbing floors, walls and deep cleaning, even though we’re not deep cleaning specialists.”
• “Out of four cleaners, only two have been at work. The workload has trebled and now we have to split our shifts to ensure a cleaner is on site all day.”
• “Due to the sheer quantity being used, I’m struggling to replace hand soap. I’ve never run out before in my career as a cleaning supervisor. It’s physically and emotionally demanding.

Notes to editors:
-*Schools have a responsibility to provide COSHH​ training (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002). This is to prevent cleaners from posing a safety risk to themselves or others.
– Case studies:
Sue Mead (not her real name), who works as a cleaner in a primary school in Bedfordshire, said: “We’re two cleaners down as they’re shielding. It’s unlikely the school will recruit more cleaning staff for September – they and the local authority don’t have the money.” ​
– 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:
Sophie Goodchild M: 07767 325595 E: s.goodchild@unison.co.uk
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: press@unison.co.uk

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Pay announcements mask “something altogether more sinister”

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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Time to give a fair pay rise to all public service workers

Responding to the Chancellor’s announcement that around 900,000 public service workers – including teachers, police and the armed forces – will get a backdated pay increase, UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said today (Tuesday):

“The dedication and hugely important part played by all NHS, care, council, police and school staff during the pandemic is clear for all to see.

“But pay rises must be funded or already-stretched public services will feel an even greater pinch.

“The government must show its appreciation by coming up with the cash now to give the rest of the NHS staff – including nurses, porters, ambulance crew and cleaners – an early pay rise this year.

“Local authorities also need proper funding so council, school support staff and care workers can get a well-deserved wages boost too.

“Investment in staff and public services now will help boost the economy and ensure the UK’s in a better position to withstand a possible second wave.”

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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UNISON extends solidarity to women in pensions appeal hearing

UNISON is sending a message of solidarity and support to women born in the 1950s in their judicial review appeal hearing against pension injustice this week.

The two-day hearing in the Court of Appeal is scheduled for today and tomorrow. UNISON – the UK’s largest trade union, which represents over one million women – sends the message of support and solidarity to affected women, many of whom are members.

UNISON was the first union to support the cause of pension justice for women born in the 1950s and denied their state pension at the age of 60.

It is estimated that 3.8m have had to wait up to six years longer to receive the state pension.

UNISON members (pictured above) have played a leading role in this campaign for justice. The Backto60 campaign lost the first hurdle of the case in the High Court in October 2019, but was granted the right to appeal on all grounds to the Court of Appeal.

The union’s national secretary for equalities, Gloria Mills, said: “1950s-born women deserve full restitution of their state pension.

“Many women have lost their jobs and income and are living in destitution and poverty. The state pension is their only security. We wish them every success with their appeal.”

The case will be live streamed on the Court of Appeal website today and tomorrow here 

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Pupil funding still leaves schools worse off than 10 years ago

The government announced today that school pupils in England are to receive an increase in central government funding of at least 2% next year, but UNISON is concerned that the increase still leaves schools with less than they had a decade ago.

Under the settlement – part of a funding package that had been previously announced – secondary schools will attract a minimum of £5,150 per pupil, up from £5,000 this year, while primary schools will get at least £4,000 per pupil, up from £3,750.

The Department for Education said that the annual increase of £2.2bn would see most local authorities receive rises of at least 3% per pupil. There will be smaller rises for some “historically higher funded” local authorities, while small and remote schools in rural areas will get additional cash.

However, the Institute for Fiscal Studies has said that the increases will still leave schools with less money in real terms than they had a decade ago.

UNISON head of education Jon Richards said: “Government needs to fully reverse the damaging cuts it imposed on school funding over the last 10 years.

“Not only has it failed to do this, but it is even refusing to provide the additional funding needed by schools for increased cleaning required as a result of the COVID pandemic.

“Alongside the other education unions and parent groups, UNISON will continue to campaign for a real terms increase in school funding.”

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UNISON Equality Survey 2020 – tell us about your experiences during the pandemic

Equality is one of UNISON’s core values and since 2016 we have run an annual survey asking members about their experiences of equality and discrimination at work.

With so many UNISON members on the frontline of the coronavirus pandemic, this year we want to hear from you about your experiences during the crisis. The results will be used to direct our work with government, employers and others in keeping workers safe and fighting for better conditions at work.

Your answers matter to us, so if you complete the survey and give us your email address, you will be entered into a prize draw to win up to £100 worth of shopping vouchers. This is optional and the results are confidential and anonymous.

The survey will close on Sunday 9th August 2020.

Take the survey now

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The government must invest in NHS staff too, says UNISON

Responding to the announcement today (Friday) that the NHS is to get £3bn to help prepare for a possible second wave of Covid-19, UNISON head of health Sara Gorton said:

“The NHS needs all the resources available to ensure it’s well-prepared for a resurgence. Securing plentiful supplies of personal protective equipment to keep staff and patients safe and getting the entire NHS running again all come at a price.

“But the government must invest in staff too. Providing the funding so everyone in the NHS can get an early pay rise this year would make health workers feel valued after all they’ve been through. It would prove popular with the public too.

“Increased wages would enable the NHS hold on to experienced employees, attract new ones to fill its many vacancies and help get it through the difficult months ahead.”

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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British Gas behaviour ‘disgraceful’ over new staff contracts, says UNISON

Commenting on the announcement today (Wednesday) that 20,000 British Gas employees face dismissal unless they agree to new contracts, UNISON assistant general secretary Christina McAnea said: “This is disgraceful behaviour. British Gas might be struggling financially but it’s no way to treat loyal staff, many of whom have been with the business for years.

“Employees have worked hard throughout the past few months to ensure customers are well-served, despite the pandemic. This is no way for company directors to repay them.

“With so many jobs being lost across the UK, staff will feel betrayed by the business. Unions will be doing everything in their power to win employees a better deal.”

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
Sophie Goodchild M: 07767 325595 E: s.goodchild@unison.co.uk

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Napier staff to be balloted over planned redundancies

UNISON is to ballot for strike action at Edinburgh Napier University, after the employer moved to make at least 60 staff compulsorily redundant.

The union is also calling on Richard Lochhead, the minister for higher and further education, to intervene and enforce the Scottish government’s much vaunted fair work standards. 

The announcement came as the university made the move before student recruitment income is clear and before less drastic alternatives have been exhausted.

Members at Napier should receive their ballots from the middle of next week, and the union is urging people to back their representatives and return their vote before 16 August.

The minister has previously given written and verbal assurances to education unions that the Holyrood’s fair work standards must be applied to institutions’ responses to the university funding crisis.

UNISON sees Napier’s approach as a clear breach of those Fair Work standards, and expects the minister to use his influence to secure a just outcome in line with the government policy.

Regional organiser Lorcan Mullen said: “If members support our call for industrial action, and if Napier continues down this destructive path, UNISON will be able to call strikes in freshers’ week and the first week of teaching.

“That is not something we take lightly, but we must keep all options open to protect the jobs and incomes of our members.

“We are hopeful the ballot will focus minds and lead Napier to adopt the unions’ very reasonable counter proposal, of pausing the process until student recruitment income is known, and opening a genuinely voluntary severance scheme in the meantime.

“Napier’s finances were strong going into the crisis – they are far from the worst hit university. They have the latitude to stand by their workforce and we are calling on them to use that latitude.”

Calling on the Scottish government to make sure fair work standards are applied, he added: “We welcome the minister’s previous remarks on the importance of this policy in responding to the crisis.

“From time to time, the policy must be re-emphasised so all employers in the sector play by the same rules. Employers making the effort to stand by their workforce should not feel they are being put at a disadvantage.

“We call on Mr Lochhead to use his influence to the utmost to defend the jobs of our members at Edinburgh Napier University.”

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HE executive rejects employers’ proposed pay freeze

UNISON’s higher education service group executive has made it clear that it rejects proposals from the employers for a pay freeze this year.

The new joint negotiating committee for higher education staff (New JNCHES) met earlier this month, following an agreement to end the delay to the pay negotiations caused by the lockdown.

At that meeting the unions called on the employers to make a full offer on pay-related elements of their claim, after arguing against the proposed freeze.

The employers insisted that under current financial circumstances they were not able to increase wages. They offered further meetings with New JNCHES to discuss other elements of the claim.

Meeting yesterday, UNISON’s HE service group executive agreed to continue to engage with the employers at future New JNCHES meetings, to push for a full and meaningful response on all elements of the pay claim.

“The service group executive is angered, dismayed and disappointed that the higher education employers are not making a pay offer for the forthcoming pay round,” said national officer Ruth Levin.

“University staff have worked so hard to keep universities going through lockdown, to ensure that students are supported and that research continues wherever possible.

“We will continue to push for a proper settlement for higher education staff on all aspects of the pay claim, including an end to pay inequality and fairer working conditions for all.”

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Blog: Let’s have an informed discussion about working from home

We’re both disabled workers and UNISON activists. Tansaim works for a big energy company and Graeme works for a small charity. But like so many others, we’ve both worked from home during the pandemic.

Graeme has found working from home quite lonely and isolating. Tansaim has juggled homeworking with looking after her children and sharing workspace with her partner.

But we’ve both managed to do our jobs.

Why is this important?

Because for years, disabled workers have been told by managers that home working is “not our policy” or just wouldn’t be possible.

Many disabled workers knew that they could do their job better – and with less pain – from home. In fact, disabled workers should have the right to work from home as a reasonable adjustment under the Equality Act 2010.

However, the reality has been very different, with countless UNISON disabled members told that home working just wasn’t allowed.

But then COVID-19 came along. All of a sudden, millions of people were told to work from home.

Tansaim welcomed the first month or two working from home as it meant a break from her exhausting daily commute. She could also stay home in her safe place where she can best manage her health.

Survey reveals productivity boost

We recently surveyed almost 5,000 disabled UNISON members and many felt the same as Tansaim.

About half of them said they worked from home every day during the pandemic – proving employers wrong when they claimed it just wasn’t possible.

And almost three quarters said they were more productive or just as productive at home. They can manage their pain and fatigue by taking short breaks or working more flexible hours. Being close to a toilet has meant much less stress and worry. And many reported less need to take time off sick.

COVID-19 has proved that working from home is possible and can be a positive thing for both workers and for business.

That’s why UNISON is calling for a new right to home working for disabled workers who want it.

Tansaim was lucky as she has all her equipment at home. And Access to Work, the government agency that pays for the cost of adjustments for disabled workers, supplied new equipment for Graeme, helping him to represent his clients at telephone and online benefit appeal hearings.

But we know not all disabled workers are getting the help they need to work from home. That’s why UNISON wrote to the Chancellor two weeks ago to demand a big investment in Access to Work so more disabled workers can benefit from working from home.

Of course, not everyone wants to work from home. And we don’t want to let employers off the hook – they need to provide adjustments in the workplace as the law requires.

We’re both managing to do our jobs from home, but we miss that physical connection with colleagues. So we are both looking forward to getting back to work when it’s safe.

But the government must act now. It would be a tragedy if disabled workers were forced back to workplaces that can cause them pain, fatigue and constant worry about getting to the loo on time. If they want to continue to work from home, they should be allowed to.

This virus has had a devastating effect on disabled people. Simply put, we’re twice as likely to die compared to non-disabled people.

But let’s try and take something positive out of this horrific experience. Let’s have a revolution in homeworking for those who need it.

Let’s give disabled people the right to work from home if they want.

Download the full survey report as a Word document here: COVID-19 and Disabled workers: Time for a homeworking revolution?

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UNISONdirect re-opens

The UNISONdirect office re-opened its doors this week after running an online service from home during lockdown.

Some UNISONdirect staff have returned to the office to start taking essential calls from UNISON members on the frontline of the COVID-19 crisis. They were welcomed back by general secretary Dave Prentis (pictured above, with UNISONdirect office) and assistant general secretary Liz Snape.

Head of the member liaison service Liz Conner said: “UNISONdirect has followed strict precautions in reopening, to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all our agents.

“However, this means that there will be a limited service and it may still be quicker to use the online system if members cannot get through to an agent straight away.“

Ms Conner continued: “Although the safety of our team at UNISONdirect is a priority, we know how much it means to our members to be able to speak to our team at UNISONdirect and we are very happy to be able to be speak to our members once again.”

UNISONdirect will be available for the following hours: 8am to 1pm, 1.30pm to 6.30pm and 7pm to 10pm. Breaks between operations ensure that cleaning can be carried out as shifts change over.

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UNISON reports 40,000 calls to members during lockdown

UNISON has made a record number of 41,000 calls to members since the lockdown began, as the union rapidly adjusted to the circumstances created by the pandemic.

In the first few days of lockdown, the union rapidly adapted its member communications plans to make sure it could still be there for members in such an unprecedented time.

It was vital members knew their union was there for them and that there would be no break in contact and support.

As well as launching the COVID-19 Response Fund and keeping all UNISON online channels updated with the latest information, over 300 staff (including UNISON secretary general Dave Prentis, pictured) were quickly trained in how to make member calls using a remote online phone banking tool.

Two initial outbound phone campaigns focussed on welcoming new members and talking to social care members about their concerns.

The welcome calls checked that people had received their UNISON welcome packs, while also signposting them to their branch and to COVID-specific resources.

The social care calls were focused on identifying issues around personal protective equipment (PPE), which UNISON then took to the government.

After three months, this represents a record number of 41,000 calls to members.

UNISON national officer Steve Loweth said: “It is a testament to the clear focus which UNISON has on its members that we were able to so quickly respond to the challenge of maintaining contact with our members and how everyone – regardless of the challenges the whole country and individuals faced – pulled together to support them.”

In that three months, UNISON has already reached over 40% of those who have joined in lockdown – and nearly 10% of its social care membership.

Calls ranged between a couple of minutes to more than half an hour. Early in the process, staff had been briefed to focus on having quality conversations with members.

Since the lockdown began, UNISON has seen a record number of new joiners. Members are more likely to stay as members if they’ve received a welcome call and the union keeps in contact, so it is hoped that these phone campaigns will help to increase retention.

Mr Loweth said: “One of the nicest things about this initiative is the enthusiasm shown by all staff – irrespective of role – and the response from members, with some calling us back to thank us for getting in touch during such a difficult time for all.

“We are now looking at how we can adapt the approach further to identify and support potential new health and safety reps and ensure workplaces remain safe for our members.”

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Immigration changes “a disastrous mistake”, says UNISON

Responding to planned changes to the immigration system announced today (Monday), UNISON assistant general secretary Christina McAnea said:

“​Social care was in crisis long before the pandemic. Refusing to include care workers in the ​new NHS visa is a disastrous mistake that will make ​existing problems spiral.

“The sector is desperately short of staff and​ heavily reliant on the skills of overseas workers. Recruitment will​ now become even harder.

“Ministers must get to grips with the massive issues facing social care, which only an urgent overhaul will fix.

“The huge vacancies in care can’t be filled simply by using newly unemployed workers. This shows how little the government understands the scale of the task ahead.

“Low-paid health and care workers also face a massive blow from changes to the health surcharge that will create an unfair two-tier system.

“Those least able to afford to pay ​will be forced to find the cash upfront and then claim it back.

“Care staff, porters, cleaners and many others who look after us and keep us safe deserve far better.”

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

CL

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Dave Prentis to stand down as UNISON general secretary

The leader of the UK’s largest union has announced that he is to stand down at the end of the year, says UNISON today (Monday).

Dave Prentis, who has been general secretary of UNISON since 2001, is to retire on 31 December, when his term of office ends.

Commenting on his decision, Dave Prentis said: “I’ve been so proud to serve as UNISON general secretary for 20 years. It’s been the honour and privilege of my life to be able to represent our incredible public service workers from across our four nations, and never more so than in the last few difficult months.

“Every day for the past 47 years, I’ve been proud to serve this union. I have always been driven by a belief in fairness and justice for all our members, especially in the past five months when they and our public services have risen to the many challenges posed by the pandemic.

“As the health crisis turns to an economic crisis, I will be here to continue to lead UNISON until the end of this year. There’s much still to do – holding the government to account for its handling of the pandemic, ensuring proper funding for our public services and a decent pay rise for all their hardworking employees.”

A timetable for electing Dave’s successor will be agreed by the union’s NEC by the end of the month.

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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Blog: Why reform of the Gender Recognition Act is essential

Just for a little while during lockdown, the cacophony from UK’s anti-trans media quietened. A few weeks without a scare-mongering headline or ill-informed comment piece was a little respite for a community battle weary from the ceaseless task of defending the most human of rights – our right to be valid, our right to be men, to be women or to be free from the binary.

Then came along JK Rowling (15 million Twitter followers) and government minister Liz Truss. What would unite the Harry Potter scribe and Boris Johnson’s choice for minister for equalities? Well, the answer is seemingly an aversion to rights for transgender people like me.

JK Rowling decided in the middle of Black Lives Matter campaigns to tweet her objections on the term ‘people who menstruate’ – an entirely accurate term that is inclusive of women and trans men. That came on the back of her expressing support for a gender critical employment tribunal claimant who believed they had the right to misgender trans people. The judge in the case, by contrast, said their views were not worthy of respect in a democratic society.

Liz Truss, however, is a real and present danger to trans rights if the leaks from her department about the overdue reforms to the Gender Recognition Act are true. Not only are the reforms apparently not going to be implemented, but the government may be considering weakening rights that are already in place. This, despite an overwhelming 70% of respondents to the consultation supporting progressive reform.

The process was impractical, humiliating, expensive and unfair

It might be worthwhile remembering what the proposed reforms are about.

The Gender Recognition Act, introduced in 2004, was an important piece of law. Welcome at the time, it has quite quickly become an anachronism and totally unfit for purpose.

The main aim of the act was to enable trans people to change their birth certificate to their correct gender. This would help with identity documentation and was supposed to make life easier for trans people. Sadly, it became obvious that the process was impractical, humiliating, expensive and unfair.

First, a trans person cannot start the process until they have been living for two years since socially transitioning (living full time as their true gender). That means they are stuck in limbo. It also implies that gender identity only becomes real after this length of time. This is utter nonsense to the trans people who are very often utterly certain of their gender identity many years before they are able to transition.

Second, it is expensive: costs include paying to get psychiatric reports. Considering that being transgender is not a mental health condition, this is totally unwarranted. Why should I need a psychiatrist to affirm my gender?

As far as I’m concerned, a psychiatrist is no more qualified to pronounce on my gender identity than a postal worker. If I think about it, my postie will at least have seen my name change and prefix use, so maybe they are more qualified.

Having to provide intrusive medical evidence to a faceless panel can be humiliating, and what if they turn you down? How would I cope if a panel of so-called experts did not accept I am a woman? There is no appeal mechanism.

The upshot of all this is that only a small percentage of trans people go through the Gender Recognition Act process. I certainly have not. We have just accepted that we may have to struggle at times: for instance, sorting things when we marry or trying to calculate our pensions.

‘Being trans should never be treated as an illness’

That is why, three years ago, Theresa May’s government proposed the reform starting with, the then prime minister stating: “I want to see a process that is more streamlined and de-medicalised – because being trans should never be treated as an illness.”

The main aspect of the reforms would be to move to self-identification for trans people, which many other nations, including Ireland, have now implemented. It is interesting to note that, as a nation that had previously led the way on progressive LGBT+ rights, we now lag behind many countries.

This failure to improve trans rights has been noted internationally. ILGA (the international LGBTI association) now ranks the UK as 9^th in Europe for LGBT+ rights, when as recently as 2015 we had been ranked 1^st.

Implementing reform of the Gender Recognition Act is more important now than ever. With increased visibility, we have seen a rise in transphobia and hate crime. Trans people need the protection of fair and workable legislation. If these reforms were not to happen, that would be a catastrophic blow for trans and non-binary people of every age.

You can read UNISON’s fact sheet on reform of the Gender Recognition Act here

Find out more about UNISON’s work for LGBT+ equality here

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Fighting on so many fronts

“The Covid outbreak has made everyone realise the value of public services. They’re at the heart of every community and must be protected and strengthened.” Dave Prentis

Fighting to save lives in our hospitals. Caring for our most vulnerable in care homes. Working to get our children returned to schools safely. Collecting our rubbish. While so many people have stayed at home – UNISON members have been on the frontline in the fight against COVID-19.

Coronavirus has put a spotlight on the incredible work UNISON members like you do. Vital, lifesaving work that has kept our country going in the face of a global pandemic.

And while you’ve been fighting coronavirus to keep communities going, UNISON has been fighting for you.

Here’s a snapshot of the rapid response work UNISON has been doing throughout the pandemic:

Financial support for members impacted by COVID-19

As soon as the pandemic hit, UNISON set up an emergency response fund to support members financially hit by COVID-19. The fund provides one-off grants of £250 to help with essential costs like food and bills.

Apply for the COVID-19 response fund here

Pushing for PPE

At the start of the pandemic, UNISON immediately took the government to task on their failure to provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for health and care workers. Setting up a detailed PPE FAQs section on the UNISON website, we fought daily to ensure our members’ concerns were heard.

The daily fight for PPE

Campaigning for a national care service

The pandemic has exposed the deep fault lines in our country’s social care services, which resulted in catastrophic levels of COVID-19 deaths in care homes.

In response, UNISON have outlined the failings and a comprehensive plan for a national care service. It is a plan made by care workers, for care workers and it has five key demands, which UNISON is taking right to the heart of government. 

Read more about our plan for care here

Supporting schools to run safely

When the government first announced their fudged, haphazard plan to re-open schools, without the necessary plans or protection in place, UNISON fought back. Listening to our schools members, we outlined a clear list of conditions that must be met before schools can re-open in the Autumn.

Read UNISON’s demands for schools.

Calling for a 10 billion bailout.

Coronavirus has cost our local authorities billions, as they threw everything down to protect communities and keep vital services going. This emergency response, after ten years of under-funding from government, has left local councils with a ten billion pound black hole for local services.

UNISON is mounting a campaign for significant, emergency funding.

Join us and call on the government for the #10BillionBailout for local services.

Black Lives Matter, and Black workers matter

With COVID-19 disproportionately impacting Black members, our General Secretary called on the Prime Minister to immediately protect Black workers from COVID-19 by closing gaps that create health inequalities, ensure workplaces are safe and addressing systemic racism.

As George Floyd’s appalling death at the hands of US police, UNISON’s head of equality urged the public to ‘step up, stand up and speak out against racism’, while

Read more on the union’s role fighting against racism

Read more about our demands for Black workers safety

Read more about our demands on systemic racism

Building an army of health and safety reps

No workplace should ever be without an independent health and safety rep, to represent workers and assure their safety concerns are addressed. Now that working conditions are adjusting as lockdown eases, we need as many health and safety reps as possible.

Read more here.

Growing our movement

And because it’s times like these that people see how vital unions are, thousands of your colleagues are joining you in UNISON. Every worker needs someone on their side. And that makes you stronger – in your workplace, in our communities and in the broader workers’ movement.

Thousands are joining you.

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Vital health staff must feel valued and supported

Commenting on the Nursing and Midwifery Council’s annual registration report published today (Thursday), UNISON national nursing officer Stuart Tuckwood said:

“Overseas nurses ​have been on the front line providing vital care throughout the pandemic. Ministers must make them feel welcome and treat them fairly by keeping promises to drop the health surcharge and provide refunds ​for fees already incurred.

“Although ​staffing numbers are heading in the right direction, there’s a long way ​​to go before the 100,000 vacancies across the NHS ​are filled.

“​Health workers are facing burnout from the colossal pressures of the past few months. It’s time for proper investment in the NHS with better pay, safe staffing levels and increased emotional support.

“​And building the dwindling number of community nurses is more vital than ever to support and care for people in their ​own homes.”

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
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: l.chinchen@unison.co.uk

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Money for public services would mean a quicker recovery

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

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Prime Minister should take responsibility and not blame others for care home failings

Responding to comments by the Prime Minister that care homes did not follow procedures during the pandemic, UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said today (Tuesday):

“It’s despicable for Boris Johnson to blame incredible, dedicated care workers for his own government’s failings.

“​Care ​staff have kept working ​throughout to help the vulnerable​, putting their own health at risk with little or no protective kit and without testing.

“Many lacked full sick pay ​so couldn’t afford to stop home. Others went unpaid if they became ill, causing real financial headaches for doing the right thing. ​

“This was all the result of poor decisions taken by his government. The Prime Minister should be ashamed, take responsibility and commit to proper, lasting reform of social care.”

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
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: l.chinchen@unison.co.uk

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