Promises of protective equipment alone won’t keep people safe, says UNISON

Promises of personal protective equipment (PPE) alone won’t keep NHS, care, police and other essential workers safe, says UNISON today (Tuesday) as the union urges the Prime Minister to ensure all staff get the protection they need.

UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis has written to Boris Johnson demanding he takes action to ensure all hospitals, care homes, police forces and council services have the sanitiser, gowns, masks and gloves needed to keep staff safe.

While supplies of PPE have clearly got through to parts of the UK’s public services, UNISON is concerned there are still many workers who have little or no PPE at all.

Demanding an urgent call with the Prime Minister, Dave Prentis says in the letter: “Public service workers are particularly affected as they seek to keep the country running, ensure our loved ones are cared for and our communities are clean and safe.

“As you have repeatedly said, the value of public service workers has never been clearer. UNISON is demanding you provide them with protection, as they seek to protect us all.

“Public service employees are still in their workplaces because they need and want to be. But their selfless acts must not place them ​at risk.

“Too many feel like they’ve been forgotten – their safety ​a mere afterthought, despite the critical work they continue to do.

“Many promises have been made by your government, but promises don’t protect people. Every public service worker without adequate PPE is a potential spreader of this deadly virus, or even a ​future patient.

“Every public service worker who catches the virus is another vital cog removed from the machinery of a society already struggling to cope.

“UNISON will ​continue to work with you to tackle this unprecedented crisis and ensure public service employees can continue to work safely.

“But we can only do this if all public service workers can be assured they’re not ​putting themselves, their family members or those they care for and support at risk through a lack of necessary protective equipment.”

UNISON is setting up a hotline to allow public service workers to share their concerns about PPE, so the critical issues can be raised with ministers.

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 both the public 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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Care workers put at risk by lack of face masks and basic safety kit, says UNISON

Social care workers across the country are at breaking point with many being given just plastic aprons and gloves to protect against coronavirus as they support the vulnerable and elderly, says UNISON today (Tuesday).

Care workers say some managers are either refusing to issue face masks or not providing training in how to use them, and not supplying hand sanitiser.

This has triggered widespread anxiety among staff that they and their families may become infected or they may spread the virus among the people they care for, says UNISON.

The union has also received reports of some employees being asked to work even if they have underlying health issues, and to bring their children in if they cannot get childcare.

In one case, a care home worker was told he and colleagues would have to nurse residents who become sick despite not being issued with proper personal protective equipment (PPE).

He said: “When I walk through my work doors, it’s as though there’s no such thing as a global pandemic happening on the outside. I’m coming home to a 22-month-old every day and am so anxious going to work. The managers are even suggesting we take our children in if we can’t find childcare.”

Another worker in a children’s home revealed she has only been issued with gloves and is down to her last bottle of hand sanitiser. She added: “I’ve shared my own bottle of sanitiser with young people and colleagues, and only have enough to last one more shift. I worry I may take the virus home and give it my elderly mother.”

Another major concern among care staff in residential homes and those supporting people in their own accommodation is that advice from managers differs from the official government guidance on PPE.

One support worker said: “There’s a woman with dementia (and symptoms) who doesn’t cover her mouth when coughing and constantly tries to touch staff. I believe there’s a high risk of droplet transfer and have asked for eye-protection or a full-face visor only to be told they’re not required.”

Other issues include families still being allowed by managers to make daily visits to residents, despite official restrictions limiting movement and social interaction.

Local councils commission home and residential care from thousands of different private and not-for-profit providers. The concern is this fragmented, understaffed and underfunded system is struggling to cope with the coronavirus crisis, says UNISON.

UNISON assistant general secretary Christina McAnea said: “Care workers are being treated as though their safety and that of their loved ones doesn’t matter.

“They feel they’ve been forgotten about and are at the bottom of the pile despite doing a vital job. Many are being denied access to vital protective kit that helps prevent the spread of the virus to them, their families and the people they look after.

“A more co-ordinated approach is needed desperately, with managers all following official guidance. Every care worker who needs masks and other safety gear must be supplied with it as a matter of urgency.”

Notes to editors:
– More case studies are available on request from the press office.
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union, with more than 1.3 million members providing public services – in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in both the public and private sectors.

Media contacts:
Sophie Goodchild M: 07767 325595 E: s.goodchild@unison.co.uk
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: l.chinchen@unison.co.uk

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Analytical Chemistry Strategies For Elementary Students

Analytical chemistry is amongst the fundamental subjects of chemistry that we’ve to teach our students.

We will need to equip them together with the most basic ideas to help them learn and apply it correctly. But, the classroom can not teach us every little thing. So, how do we impart crucial fundamental ideas to our students?

The first step is usually to bring up the students to recognize that a ph will be defined because the chemical entity getting a single or much more phenyl-sulfonyl (or P-S) groups. They ought to realize that a mixture of your unit components is known as a compound. Since, there are actually lots of compounds and it might confuse students if we speak concerning the unique forms of compounds.

Chemistry will not just involve a widespread set of basic ideas, nevertheless it might be applied in quite a few various fields of study. Given that, chemistry can teach us a lot, and it helps us discover the fundamental aspects of chemistry and its application within the field of study.

essay writer online If we’re trying to teach our students the ideas in analytical chemistry, then we have to have to make use of the two fundamental actions, evaluation and synthesis. We want to explain to our http://www.purdue.edu/gradschool/prospective/ students the distinction amongst these two measures and they need to have to be in a position to understand the differences in between the two stages in chemistry.

The entire course of action of analytical chemistry is basically a combination in the two steps. An analysis will bring out facts about the chemical entities by way of the use of spectroscopy and other laboratory instruments. Synthesis is going to be accomplished using pure substances then some sample is required to carry out the synthesis.

In the second step, we have to have to understand what exactly is mg in chemistry. That signifies we will be applying analytical chemistry in different challenges.

The subsequent step would be to define and classify the scientific units, including a molecule, mole, kilogram, liter, gallon, gram, cubic meter, pound, square meter, U.S. gallon, U.S. ounce, and so forth. So, as a student of analytical chemistry, we have to have to know these units before we begin the analysis.

We also need to have to understand the symbols applied for analyzing the components, and tips on how to recognize the unique colors of light. We need to have to understand the name of your molecules, which include carbon dioxide, nitrogen, oxygen, carbon monoxide, hydroxyl, nitrous oxide, sulfuric acid, benzene, hydrochloric acid, mercaptan, sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, acetaldehyde, acetone, ethane, propane, propionyl chloride, sulfate, acetone, and hexane. We need to become familiar with those substances so that we are able to understand the other symbols utilized in analyzing.

Students ought to know how to perform an analysis by initially figuring out the fundamental steps of analytical chemistry, after which they can easily apply those concepts to resolve the issue presented within a laboratory experiment. They must also be familiar with the terminology utilised within the course of analysis and synthesis, which include base, bases, alcohols, organic solvents, or organic compounds.

Students ought to be able to determine the concentration and precise gravity of a substance, and can also decide the % level of salt, as well as the quantitative content of a compound or perhaps a mixture of molecules. And they ought to also be capable of figure out if a material is metallic, which consists of atoms containing metal ions or metals.

The next step in the analysis and synthesis of analytical chemistry is always to prove when the element is present within the resolution by determining its composition. By performing this, they are going to have the ability to come across the appropriate sample, and also the precise chemical structure and atomic quantity of the substance. Then, the quantity of that material should really be calculated and they could then examine the volume of the remedy and the worth from the distinct gravity.

It is important to teach our students the diverse analytical chemistry techniques, which ewriters.pro will enable them cope with issues in science. In brief, it’s an critical topic that need to be taught by any student who desires to go into science.

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What Is Periscope in Physics? Component 2

Periscope in Physics is a new addition to the well known Television show “Dancing with the Stars.”

Periscope was originally created by two MIT students, Evan Williams and Chris O’Brien, who joined the Major Brother telecasting group. Although functioning on the show, they realized that the use of a handheld video camera could assistance contestants get a lot more questions out of their hosts and significantly less boring answers.

The producers had been initially skeptical in regards to the idea, but ultimately relented and permitted the duo to practice telecasting their usual Q&A format. When a successful broadcast was made, the show made them an offer to be involved in its telecasting. The producers then became excited in regards to the possibilities.

The pair came up with a roomy housing which they showed to the producers. They had a hand held camera for each contestant to hold and put their fingers around buy essay online the lens of the camera. The cameras used included whiteboards that resembled “thescreens.” It permitted the cameramen to communicate using the other contestants and was a good way to identify the hands that have been holding the camera during the telecast.

The setup allowed the contestants to “suck in” air from the floor’s tension and the floor itself. In the same manner, the air in the room was sucked in by the contestants as well, thus avoiding the possibility of viewers losing balance due to uneven ground.

The “vertical rise” technique was a Halloween’s trick seen during the show as well. In this technique, the live feed was taken off the cable network and then shown through the air ducts of the New York studios. Because of the building’s high ceiling, the cable can come in contact with dirt, grime, or hair and these would cause it to shake back and forth.

The elevation system would pick up on this motion and send the signal for the brain of the camera, which in turn, would take the video feed from the channel. Thus, the contestant’s body movements would be recorded.

In what is called the “rose quartz” effect, the building’s staff could also place rose quartz (a translucent quartz crystal) into the air ducts to attract bird droppings and other bits of debris. Using a system that could do this, the production crew http://www.me.upenn.edu/ was able to capture every minute movement of the contestants.

This new technology was a blessing for the show. Not only did it produce a fun show, but it also provided extra fun in what is physics Machanics and engineering. One of the great things about using periscopes in physics is that there is a lot of movement from the perspective of the audience.

The act of watching the show and identifying the www.buyessay.net movements of the people makes physics easier to understand. Without this ability, people might not be able to understand what is going on and also might not notice that their eye movements are registering something different than others.

As a student of this science, I was surprised that the periscope was used at all by the engineers, especially because many years ago the rose quartz was invented. But because it worked so well, they chose to use it again.

We should all take advantage of this new technology and use it to learn about physics and engineering. By showing the viewers the process of how the instruments work, and also showing them how each movement works in the show, we will better understand the physics and engineering we see every day.

Actors, musicians, architects, geologists, and even those who just like learning regarding the world can all use this new technology. We need to use the technology, even if we don’t actually have a Tv in our home.

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A Basic Understanding of Organic Chemistry

Carbon chemistry refers for the study on the elements, which type the base for organic chemistry.

Components in carbon chemistry are broken down into fundamental components or compounds. Some components may well be subject to scientific properties, which are writing paper a lot more important than other folks. The basis of organic chemistry is definitely the study of those components and their reactions.

The basis of base chemistry is the bases of your chemical components, which tends to make up carbon in organic chemistry. The basis may be the nuclei in the elements which are carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, sulfur, potassium, and boron. The three recognized bases are adenine, cytosine, and guanine.

In carbon http://careers.gmu.edu/ chemistry, individual base molecules are broken down into molecules of diverse bases. Other atoms usually are not observed within the solutions with the base chemistry, which creates a unique home for carbon chemistry. The bases is usually combined to kind compounds, which may well contain other elements too.

The basic description of carbon chemistry is the position on the nuclei. The positions of your nuclei to decide the positioning from the nucleic acids. The hydrogen and hydroxyls are held together by the atoms, which are bonded with each other. Molecules are held collectively by hydrogen bonding.

Elements are split into 4 elements, which include things like water, strong, liquid, and gas. The solid and the liquid aren’t the identical substance. The atom in the gas is in an intermediate position plus the liquid, which cannot exist without the need of the atomic composition, is located under water.

Organic chemistry will be the study of compounds that contain other compounds. Solids and liquids are made of unique atoms. In organic chemistry, these are considered as well, and they are differentiated with diverse levels. Two types of bonds may possibly exist. These are the unipathic plus the bipathic bonds.

An unipathic bond will be the kind in which two atoms from the same element are joined collectively. In this case, the atoms in the components are held together by the base atoms on the elements. That is the weakest variety of bond. A https://www.essay-company.com/ bipathic bond is in which the atoms of the components are held with each other by other base atoms.

The bases could bind with each other other compounds. The carbon may be the easiest material to convert into a compound because it has no base. Carbon chemistry is often a extremely common topic in organic chemistry.

The standard components of its organic chemistry include carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, and oxygen. The initial spot will be the most basic element as well as the next location could be the most distinct element. Each of your components has a particular concentration. In organic chemistry, the concentration is defined because the concentration with the element in an organometallic compound.

The carbon in ots organic chemistry might be identified as a very good conductor of electricity. Certainly one of the necessary components in organic chemistry is definitely the balancing with the bonds. The bonds would be the various atoms using the common bonds. The bonds may perhaps turn into weak or they might turn into powerful.

The importance from the bonds is definitely an important element in organic chemistry. Chemical compounds are formed by the formation on the bonded components. The basic concept of organic chemistry is that the elements within the compounds are grouped with each other and they are categorized according to the bonds they contain. Organic chemistry relates all of the components together in order that the compounds could type. Organic chemistry is often a branch of chemistry that describes the properties of a substance by its molecular structure.

New combinations from the bonds might occur amongst different components and their compounds. The chemistry may possibly be based on the bonds that form among the elements. The bonds may well alter the fundamental nature from the substance in order that it might be a chemical compound. Organic chemistry is among the branches of chemistry that contains all the simple elements that form a chemical compound.

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Introducing new remote learning opportunities

UNISON is keen to ensure that members still have access to the high-quality training that the union provides, even though it’s not possible to meet face-to-face during the current coronavirus crisis.

That’s why the union has formed a partnership with the Skills Academy to give members access to over 550 free online courses, from time priority management to how to manage virtual teams to remote workers’ security.

In this time of heightened anxiety and stress, it’s more important than ever to take care of ourselves and our own wellbeing, so the union has also produced an online version of our popular Staying Strong stress awareness course.

UNISON’s friends at the TUC, the Open University and Digital Unite also have plenty of free courses online. You can find those, together with all UNISON’s online learning opportunities here.

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Ending child poverty: 20 years on

Eradicating child poverty was rightly at the forefront of Labour policy in 1997 and its pledge to end child poverty by 2020 was universally welcomed.

To mark the original 2020 deadline for ending child poverty in the UK, UNISON is proud to have produced a collection of essays by leading researchers and policy leads on where we are now and what we need to do next to help eradicate child poverty in the UK.

View the collection of essays here

UNISON General Secretary Dave Prentis said: “Child Poverty is a blight on our wealthy nation – it affects the life chances of the very foundation of our society.

“At this time more than any in recent history we see the vital need to address inequality of all kinds so we can all weather the shocks and trials thrown at us on an equal footing.

“UNISON is proud to have produced this timely booklet looking at what still needs to be done in this vital area.”

The most recent statistics show that there were 4.1 million children living in poverty in the UK in 2017-18. That’s 30 per cent of children, or nine in a classroom of 30.

The last Labour government cut child poverty on a scale and at a pace unmatched by other industrial nations during the period 1998–2010.

But those gains now seem hopelessly off track in the face of the Conservative led coalition government abandoning the Child Poverty Act soon after entering office, and then spending ten years pursuing an austerity agenda which has consistently impacted children.

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UNISON postpones annual conference

UNISON’s annual national delegate conference (NDC), due to take place in Brighton in June, has been postponed because of the crucial role that the union’s members and activists are playing in tackling the coronavirus crisis, together with government restrictions.

NDC is the union’s annual parliament and members of the national executive council (NEC) unanimously endorsed the difficult decision taken by UNISON’s general secretary Dave Prentis and president Josie Bird.

The annual conferences for the local government, water, environment and transport (WET) and energy service groups will also not now take place as planned.

UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said: “We have been keen to explore every option available to ensure we maintain our proud tradition of lay democracy across the union. Our intention is to restart the democratic processes and reschedule the conference as soon as it is safe to do so.

“We cannot at this stage determine when that will be and in what form it could take. We will also have discussions with the other service groups to agree a way forward in relation to their conferences.

“We are all living through the most difficult and worrying times, but I want to place on record again my personal thanks to UNISON members for what they are doing for all our communities across the UK.”

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Free parking is an important recognition of vital health workers, says UNISON

Commenting on the suspension of parking fees by councils and NHS trusts for health and social care workers during the coronavirus pandemic, UNISON assistant general secretary Christina McAnea said today (Thursday):

“Free parking will make a huge difference to the thousands of staff whose work is so critical to the pandemic response.

“Cutting out the worry about cost and time restrictions for parking is one pressure less as people work around the clock to fight this deadly virus. They can travel safely without risking infection on reduced public transport services.

“This support from local councils and NHS trusts is important recognition that so many staff are going above and beyond to save lives.”

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Free parking is important recognition of vital health workers, says UNISON

Commenting on the suspension of parking fees by councils and NHS trusts for health and social care workers during the coronavirus pandemic, UNISON assistant general secretary Christina McAnea said today (Thursday):

“Free parking will make a huge difference to the thousands of staff whose work is so critical to the pandemic response.

“Cutting out the worry about cost and time restrictions for parking is one pressure less as our members work around the clock to fight this deadly virus.  They can travel safely without risking infection on reduced public transport services.

“This support from local councils and health trusts, in response to UNISON’s call for free parking, is important recognition that so many staff are going above and beyond to save lives.”

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UNISON continues to push the government over PPE

UNISON has pushed the NHS in England to provide assurances on the protective equipment our members working in healthcare have been calling for and on ensuring our members are kept as safe as possible.

Members working across the NHS have voiced concerns about their access to personal protective equipment (PPE), such as masks, aprons and gloves, and being able to keep themselves safe.

UNISON wrote to the government yesterday (25 March) asking for clarity on previous guidance, to ensure the priority remains keeping staff safe so they’re able to support the public.

In response to UNISON’s concerns, NHS England and NHS Improvement have now announced that there has been an increase in PPE being delivered for use by frontline healthcare workers in England.

They also clarified guidance on where full gowns are required.

To date, 24.6 million gloves, 7.5 million face masks and 1.9 million eye protectors and other protective equipment have been delivered, with a further 7.6 million facemasks going to 236 NHS organisations today, alongside other key protective equipment.

Every GP practice, dental practice and community pharmacy has now had a PPE delivery.

All care homes, hospices, and home care providers will also have a PPE delivery, and these began earlier this week.

A 24-hour, seven-day-a-week helpline has also been set up for healthcare providers to contact should they have concerns about their PPE stock levels.

UNISON has been told that the NHS Supply Chain and NHS England is successfully identifying additional products and is bulk ordering them at pace.

In addition, NHS Supply Chain and Public Health England continue to explore UK-based manufacturing options to provide further security of supply.

UNISON continues to urge government to make sure that members in the devolved nations and social care have access to adequate PPE.

“Over the coming weeks, the entire country will be relying on NHS and social care staff,” said head of health Sara Gorton. “It’s vital the government acts immediately to reassure all health workers they’ll soon have everything necessary.”

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Unions announce COVID-19 support for nursing students

The unprecedented challenge facing the NHS means emergency arrangements have been put in place regarding nursing students.

The trade unions representing nursing students – UNISON, the Royal College of Nursing and Unite – have made an agreement with The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and chief nursing officers across the UK that enables more experienced students to be able to help their NHS colleagues where they can, be paid and have this work count towards their learning.

UNISON has also been given assurances that longer-term learning is protected. Nursing students will be given adequate time and support to reach their full potential once this emergency has passed.

The message to student nurses about the emergency arrangements are as follows:

• These measures are voluntary. Because the clinical context has changed, some of you may not wish to go into placement or possibly will need to be at home caring for family. This is OK and universities will do their best to support you in those circumstances.

• You will be entitled to all the same protections and support as NHS staff. If you do go into practice, you are providing a helpful service and should be supported by your colleagues.

• You are always entitled to supervision and will work within a delegated framework. The Nursing and Midwifery Council has acknowledged these are emergency conditions and will take this into account in any issue that may arise.

• You will not be rushed to join the full NMC register until you are ready. Assurances have been given that you will be able to ask for further protected time and learning once the emergency has passed, if you need it – without being disadvantaged for doing so.

• UNISON will stand with you. You can raise concerns to us at any time and we will do our best to support you.

The full union statement information is available here.

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‘Managers are bringing tea to us’: inside the 111 service during COVID-19

Stella Quentin is a 111 call handler for the South East Coast ambulance service.

In normal times, the 300 call handlers in Stella’s office take around two to three thousand calls a day. The severity of calls ranges from sore throats and coughs to people who have taken drug overdoses. A 111 call handler has to be ready to deal with whatever is on the other end of the phone.

As COVID-19 has emerged, the volume of calls has doubled, with some days seeing 7,000 calls.

“Normally, it’s quite a brutal place to work,” says Stella. “The pressure is constant and, as soon as you finish one call you have to pick up the next.

“You never know what you’re getting on the next call. We have targets to answer calls within 60 seconds and we have timed 10-minute breaks. It’s a high-pressure workplace, and that pressure has increased over the years because people can’t get GP appointments.

“If you’re not logged on and taking calls, managers will come and find out why.

“But once the call levels started to go up through the roof with COVID, the pressure from management has stopped. We already have overtime policies in place, but now managers give us extra breaks and, this Saturday, my manager was pushing a tea trolley round to bring us hot drinks while we were taking calls.”

And Stella continues: “Managers have been emailing us with really positive affirmations, saying ‘you’re all doing great, you’re doing a really good job – just take each call at it comes and pace yourselves’. It’s really outstanding and their approach has made a huge difference.”

She notes that the vast majority of the calls she picks up are related to COVID.

“On Saturday, I got through 26 calls in six hours. And I think only three were non-coronavirus. Now it feels like a relief to get a non-COVID call”.

The office is also taking precautionary measures for call handlers. Every day, Stella and her colleagues get their temperature taken when they arrive.

“If you test over 37.5, you’re sent home. We’re all having to wipe our desks down, and we’re told to space ourselves among the desks and not sit directly next to each other if we can avoid it.”

Despite the pressure of the pandemic and the weight it’s placing on an already over-burdened 111 service, Stella is proud to do the job she does – and proud of the way that managers are supporting frontline staff.

“Our managers are bringing tea to us. It feels like we’re really being looked after.”

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Show support for ‘amazing’ NHS staff risking their lives on front line, says UNISON

Everyone across the country is being urged to join a mass round of applause later today (Thursday) for NHS and care staff in a campaign backed by UNISON.

UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said: “The Clap for Our Carers initiative is a chance to thank all employees who are working around the clock to treat people affected by coronavirus.

“I’m humbled at the bravery, hard work and dedication of staff on the front line. They’re doing an amazing job caring for us and our loved ones in incredibly difficult and often harrowing circumstances.

“Let’s put our hands together to show our gratitude for health service employees in these challenging times. Along with applauding their heroism, the best way to lend them support is to stay at home.”

Notes to editors:
– Clap for Our Carers takes place at 8pm on Thursday 26 March to show solidarity for doctors, nurses, carers, GPs, pharmacists and other NHS staff. People across the UK can clap from their gardens, front doors and balconies to show their support.
– Residents in other European countries including Spain, France and Italy have taken part in similar rounds of applause to show gratitude to healthcare workers in these challenging times.
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union, with more than 1.3 million members providing public services – in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in both the public and private sectors.

Media contacts:
Sophie Goodchild M: 07767 325595 E: s.goodchild@unison.co.uk
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: l.chinchen@unison.co.uk

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Government must reassure anxious NHS staff about equipment concerns, says UNISON

The government must win back the confidence of NHS and social care staff amid growing anxiety over protective kit shortages, says UNISON today (Wednesday).

A letter from the union to health secretary Matt Hancock urges the government to step up communication with health workers.

It says widespread confusion exists over what personal protective equipment (PPE) staff should be using. Contradictions between Public Health England and World Health Organisation advice are only adding to this uncertainty, says the letter.

Concerns are also growing that shortages are compromising employees’ and patients’ safety. UNISON is asking ministers to work with NHS trusts to clarify guidance urgently on PPE.

The union wants the government to ensure staff receive clear communication from senior managers and infection control leads within each trust or health board. Health workers need to know what masks, gowns and gloves they’re meant to have, when more supplies are arriving, and what to do in the absence of the correct PPE.

UNISON has also written today to the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives outlining similar concerns. Ambulance crews countrywide have reported an absence of PPE and often won’t know until they get to the scene whether someone is displaying Covid-19 symptoms.

UNISON head of health Sara Gorton said: “Over the coming weeks the entire country will be relying on NHS and social care staff. It’s vital the government acts immediately to reassure all health workers they’ll soon have everything necessary.

“While supply problems are being addressed, staff need to know that the government and their senior managers are doing everything possible to sort issues.

“Health workers need urgent clarification on what protective equipment is needed to do their jobs. Those in hospitals without the right supplies need to know when kit will arrive. And most importantly they need to know what to do if the equipment has yet to turn up or runs out.

“This crucial issue must be sorted now before the country hits the pandemic’s peak. Staff in hospitals, health clinics and ambulance stations are the ones who’ll be looking after us all, risking their lives to save others. They need a guarantee everything is being done now to keep them as safe as possible.”

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 both the public 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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Protection equipment for care workers is essential, says UNISON

Social care staff looking after the elderly and vulnerable are ‘frightened and frustrated’ at not getting access to protective equipment, says UNISON today (Wednesday).

The union has received reports from workers that employers are denying them masks and basic protection such as hand gel, and that supplies of other kit are running low. These safety essentials are vital in cutting the risk of them infecting the frail people they support, says UNISON.

Some staff have been driven to tears for fear they will infect their own families. One care worker, whose daughter has underlying health issues, said: “I feel guilty that I’ll be the one who puts her life at risk, every time I go to look after someone else’s parent.”

UNISON is urging employees to call the new government hotline set up to ensure personal protection equipment (PPE) reaches care workers who need it. This includes anyone who is experiencing shortages or no safety kit at all, and those concerned they are not receiving the correct guidance.

Local councils commission home and residential care from thousands of different private and not-for-profit providers. The concern is this fragmented, understaffed and underfunded system is struggling to cope with the coronavirus crisis.

UNISON assistant general secretary Christina McAnea said: “Care workers and their employers have huge concerns about getting their hands on the equipment they need. It’s too easy for staff to fall through the net given councils are dealing with many different care providers.

“Supplies for the NHS have rightly been given a lot of attention. But any shortages in social care are equally crucial. Solving this problem could help reassure thousands of care staff that they’re not putting themselves or the people they look after at risk.”

“We’d urge everyone who has a concern about PPE to call the new government hotline. This way we can ensure all providers have adequate supplies to protect staff and the people they care for.”

Notes to editors:
– Comments received by UNISON from care staff:
One home care worker said: “Me and my colleagues are frightened and frustrated. We’re told we can only have protective masks if someone is showing signs of coronavirus or has it. This is far too late. It feels as though we’re not important as long as the shifts are covered. I find myself crying before my shift and worried going home to my loved ones. My daughter, who lives with me, has underlying health issues. I feel guilty that I’ll be the one who puts her life at risk, every time I go to look after someone else’s parent. I’m not trying to shirk my duties – I love my job. But I’m worried to the point my mental health is being affected.”

Another employee at a council-run care home said: “We asked for masks been told no one is allowed to use them as no service user has coronavirus yet. It’s very distressing because the people we care for are not in control of their bodily functions, such as sneezing and coughing. We see updates on the news about the virus daily. But I fear our management team are dictating when we should take the right precautions.”

Other feedback includes: “We have no hand gel, gloves and aprons are running low, and none of us have masks. Our health is at risk.”

– Guidance from Public Health England says care staff “will be trained in hand hygiene”. It goes on: “Much of the care delivered in care homes will require close personal contact. Where a resident is showing symptoms of COVID-19, steps should be taken to minimise the risk of transmission through safe working procedures. Staff should use personal protective equipment (PPE) for activities that bring them into close personal contact, such as washing and bathing, personal hygiene and contact with bodily fluids. Aprons, gloves and fluid repellent surgical masks should be used in these situations. If there is a risk of splashing, then eye protection will minimise risk.”

– UNISON is the UK’s largest union, with more than 1.3 million members providing public services – in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in both the public and private sectors.

Media contacts:
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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HE unions submit a ‘timely and serious’ pay claim for 2020/21

Higher education unions have submitted their joint pay claim for 2020/21, against a backdrop of five disputes over the past six years on pay and related matters in the sector.

The new claim calls for a pay increase of the retail price index plus 5% on all 49 points of the national pay spine.

The five unions state that: “Our claim is timely and serious and argues the case that all staff deserve a decent pay rise that both keeps up with the increasing cost of living as well as catching up with pay lost over the past 10 years.

“Whether HE staff work in pre- or post-1992 universities, the contribution of all staff should be properly recognised and rewarded and their collective contribution to higher education should result in net pay rises, not pay decline.

“The unions believe that reaching an agreement on this claim will start to address falling standards of living, pay equality, precarious employment and increasing workloads. All of these are issues in our claim that need to be addressed and we challenge UCEA to be bold in responding to each of them.”

Due to the coronavirus crisis the national employers and trade union side have agreed that the pay talks scheduled to start on 31 March and end on 29 April will need to be delayed.

They have agreed a joint union/employer mechanism for monitoring the situation and to determine when they can restart the pay process for the forthcoming year. The annual pay rise takes effect from 1 August each year.

Details of the claim

• An increase in all salaries by the retail price index plus 5% on all 49 points of the national pay spine and on all pay-related allowances, including London weighting.
• The minimum hourly rate of pay for staff employed by universities and other higher education institutions to be £10.50 an hour, whether the standard full-time weekly employment contract is 35 hours a week or more.
• All universities to become Living Wage Foundation accredited employers, ensuring that outsourced workers receive at least the foundation’s rate.
• The standard weekly full-time contract of employment to be 35 hours a week at all higher education institutions.
• Ending pay injustice – meaningful, agreed action to tackle the race, gender and disability pay gap.
• Meaningful, agreed action to address excessive workloads and unpaid work, including their impact on stress and mental ill-health.
• Setting up working groups to look at career development, progression issues and training opportunities.
• Agreeing a framework to eliminate precarious employment practises and casualised contracts from higher education, including zero-hours contract.
• Converting hourly paid staff onto fractional contract.
• Agreeing national guidance to end the outsourcing of support services and to bring staff into in-house employment.

The claim notes that the pay offer in 2019/20 for most HE staff was yet another below-inflation increase when measured against RPI.

This was at a time when staff were reporting ever-increasing workloads and working hours, increased work-related stress and casualisation.

The joint unions make clear that  pay needs to increase by both a ‘keep up’ and ‘catch up’ amount this year.

Read the full higher education pay claim

Joint statement on delay in negotiation meetings

 

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Shopping centres, pubs and other businesses urged to provide free parking to NHS and care staff, says UNISON

Businesses including retail outlets, bars and gyms are being urged to make their now empty car parks available to all health and care employees to use without charge, says UNISON today (Tuesday).

The union, which represents NHS, school, police, care and other essential key public service workers, is calling on local businesses closed because of the lockdown to help key workers drive to work and avoid public transport.

UNISON is also asking parking operators to follow the example of National Car Parks, which has opened up for free more than 150 sites around the country.

UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said: “Tubes, trains and buses are rammed with passengers including health and care staff. It’s essential they can get to work without putting their lives and those of patients and the people they care for at risk.

“Local business owners whose premises are closed should do the right thing and free up their parking spaces – especially those situated near hospitals. As many staff that can should be able to drive in to do their jobs.

“Travelling by car would help keep NHS and care employees safe, and protect those they’re caring for.

“Parking spaces at hospitals and clinics are limited especially in cities and towns. Any additional capacity donated by local businesses could literally be a lifesaver.”

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 both the public and private sectors.

Media contacts:
Sophie Goodchild M: 07767 325595 E: s.goodchild@unison.co.uk
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: l.chinchen@unison.co.uk

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While you’re helping the nation, UNISON is working for you

UNISON nationally and regionally is working hard to ensure that the union is supporting members to the best of its ability during the coronavirus crisis. These are extraordinary and unprecedented times – and we are acting accordingly.

Amongst the union’s key aims has been to negotiate around the impact of the pandemic on members at work.

Christina McAnea, assistant general secretary responsible for bargaining, negotiations and equalities said today: “Giving advice and support to our members during this time of crisis has been of paramount importance to our bargaining teams.

“We are well aware that the majority of UNISON members will be continuing to provide vital public services at this time. In health, social care, police and ambulance services, but also through keeping schools open, ensuring energy, water and transport services continue to run and through keeping a whole range of other essential services going that keep our communities safe and well – refuse collectors, staff in the food standards and environment agencies and, of course, cleaning staff across all sectors, to name just a few.”

To support them, UNISON staff involved in national negotiations across the UK and across all of the union’s sectors have been seeking agreements and guidance on the impact of COVID-19.

The union has sought clear guidance on key issues – pay during closures, sickness absence, self-isolation or caring for dependants, access to PPE and other critical health & safety issues.

Even where agreements and joint guidance have gone out, the changing advice from governments across the UK and the issues coming through from sectors and workplaces has meant we are having to continually update information to members.

The UNISON website has information on the agreements and guidance reached in all our main sectors. In addition, information on the coronavirus section on the website is being updated daily – including information on health & safety, employment and legal advice, key workers and school closures.

The Coronavirus page is updated regularly

We have also set up a central log for issues and queries being raised through regions. A team of staff monitor these daily, either answering them or directing people to the appropriate part of the union. We will also turn some of these into FAQs.

Added Ms McAnea: “Even where national agreements or guidance are in place, we know that practices will vary across workplaces or agreements may not be implemented. If members are unsure or need advice, please check on the UNISON website – if you think your employer is not acting in accordance with a national agreement or guidance, please let your branch or region know. We can give advice and support.”

Here is just some of the other work currently being undertaken.

Local Government

• NJC and SJC joint guidance and UNISON advice on working from home, pay during self-isolation and sickness absence, PPE and other health & safety issues
• Ongoing monitoring of issues across local government services.

Schools

• In daily contact with the UK education departments and local government employers’ bodies such as the LGA/COSLA/WLGA and others, such as academies
• Ensuring school issues are clear in jointly agreed local government employer/union circulars. Working with employers on specific advice following the decision to shut schools, including the implications for staff
• Involved in discussions on continuing to deliver education services to children of key workers and vulnerable children, and some schools remaining open over Easter.

Higher Education

• Working towards a national joint workforce agreement in HE
• Monitoring HE sectors so as to target resources and work with regions to protect members
• Produced a negotiating checklist for branches in HE
• Signposting sector advice from both Universities UK (UUK) and UCEA, the national HE employers’ association

Further Education

• Working jointly with the Association of Colleges (AOC) in England and will support any measures it takes that are in the best interests of staff
• The AoC has requested extra funding from the secretary of state and this has been shared with regional leads to send to local colleges.

Health

• Joint guidance across the four countries and specific UNISON advice on pay, sickness absence, health & safety and PPE
• Worked to broker an agreement on how plans to open the nursing register to third-year nursing students will be managed. The key priority has been to protect students and ensure this is a voluntary initiative. The next phase will involve negotiating around employment status, pay, and scope of practice
• Seeking to put on hold any restructuring or organisational change issues
• Seeking extension of all agreements to outsourced staff working in the NHS.

Police & Justice

• UNISON is being consulted on all issues affecting police staff through the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) stakeholder group, and the bronze group which has recently been set up to manage all COVID-19 related issues
• The union is also being consulted by Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation service on exceptional delivery models in England and Wales and a package of staffing measures to cope with the crisis in the probation service.

Social Care

This is a major sector for us and one where there will continue to be  issues regarding pay and conditions and health & safety. Additional resources have gone into dealing with this. Ongoing work includes:

• Publication of new UK-wide guidance specific to social care members, signposting advice and addressing frequently asked questions. This guidance will be updated as the situation changes. Social care members will be asked to report on issues in their sector, so that trends can be identified and advice updated. We have set up a central reporting point for this and all issues and queries should be sent to care@unison.co.uk
• Sector specific advice and examples of agreements have been circulated to regional social care leads.
• A letter has been sent to the secretary of state for health and social care, calling for UNISON to be more closely involved in planning and local bodies coordinating the response in social care
• UNISON is on the department for health & social care group dealing with issues related to the social care workforce
• We are raising issues about the lack of coordination in the sector with government, providers and commissioners and continue to push for care workers to have full access to PPE and health & safety risk assessments.

Energy

• Primary focus has been on effective engagement with employers and providing support to members to deal with their key concerns
• Agreements reached with all the main energy employers, but with some difficulties with temp agencies
• Key issues include ensuring no detriment during sickness absence and self-isolation, arrangements for exceptional working, additional payments and home working.

Environment Agency

• Engagement within the agency on potential impacts of COVID-19 commenced around two weeks ago. The internal system facilitates employees putting forward questions, so that FAQs can be constantly updated with relevant information
• Issues have centred around the ineffectiveness of some systems related to remote working.

Water

• Primary focus has been on effective engagement with employers and providing support to members to deal with key identified concerns
• Regional Officers have a close relationship with most of the key employers.

NHS: coronavirus advice

Community

Most of the negotiating relationships within the sector are held by regions, which are providing support for branches and members.

In engaging with employers, regional leads are focused on securing:

• Agreement to payment of sick pay for people required to self-isolate;
• No adverse employment consequences for people absent through being ill or required not to work because of coronavirus
• Agreement to extend paid special leave if workers have to stay home as a result of coronavirus and government/council decisions.

These priorities are being taken forward with the employers where the negotiating relationship is held by National Office. Model guidance has been produced.

Scotland

All sections of UNISON Scotland are active at the moment.

• Health Partnership working in the NHS means there is consultation with every Scottish health board – and in a number of these the employee director is a UNISON rep, so we are able to convey members’ concerns directly to decisions makers. A combination of this and direct meetings with the Scottish Government has allowed a number of issues around staffing to be clarified. All of this work is ongoing
• Local government UNISON Is represented on The Scottish Joint Council (SJC) which determines terms and conditions. This has been meeting daily and has allowed us to successfully insist on, for example, self isolation not being counted towards councils’ sickness absence procedures
• Police We have staff reps present at the daily ‘gold command’ Police Scotland meetings
• Utilities We have worked with the energy companies to promote home working – and for those ‘mission critical’ staff who have to go into work, to try and minimise risks through staggered shift handovers and such like.

UNISON Scotland has also been part of the Scottish TUC’s efforts to get the Scottish Government to prioritise testing of frontline and emergency staff.

Regions

The regions have been informed that it is “business as usual” – work locations may have changed, but members will still be represented. Regions have been divided into four groups, with designated reporting officers to collate all information received.

Coronavirus: UNISON helping members financially

Equalities Unit

Specific advice has been produced on coronavirus related to:

• Impact on disabled workers
• Mental health issues
• Pregnant women at work.

National Communications

• The Communications team is continuing to work off site, producing various UNISON publications. And the press team is continuing to convey the union’s views and concerns to politicians, press and the public
• An advice note has been issued to regions and staff on communications and media responses to the crisis
• Lead officers are communicating with chair/vice chair of national committees on a weekly basis
• FAQs are being updated around the clock on the union’s website, signposting members to further information
• Updates on what UNISON is doing have been sent to all members and activists
• Advertisements were placed on social media and in the press, publicly acknowledging the work of our members and thanking them on behalf of the public.

Recruitment, Organising & Learning

There continues to be a significant growth in recruitment to the union as public service workers worry about the impact of the current crisis on their jobs, terms and conditions and, of course, their health.

Work is taking place through the Strategic Organising Unit on how to ensure that this membership growth is maintained once the current health crisis ends. As face-to-face organising has all but ceased for the time being, this work includes the trial of digital methods of organising that can be used once the initial emergency diminishes.

Similarly, as face-to-face training courses for activists and members have all been postponed (and March through to June is always the heaviest period for courses) contingencies are being put in place by Learning and Organising Services (LAOS) to ensure that once the crisis is over stewards are trained at the earliest opportunity.

And LAOS is currently extending its online courses, making them more widely available across sectors. These will be provided for free.

Coronavirus: your rights at work

Coronavirus: UNISON helping members financially

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We must all abide by the lockdown rules, says UNISON

Commenting on the news today (Monday) that the UK is to go into lockdown, UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said:

“Now the UK has also gone into lockdown, we must all abide by the rules. Irresponsible behaviour will spread the virus and place an intolerable burden on the NHS.

“Health workers are on the front line trying to save lives. By staying home we can all do our bit and help keep them safe too.”

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 both the public and private sectors.

Media contacts:
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: press@unison.co.uk

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Supporting our reps and members online

Online training and support for activists

UNISON is setting up an online system to continue key training for activist during the current crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic, when we have had to postpone all face-to-face training and learning opportunities for members.

In the meantime, we have quadrupled the capacity of our online couse for new stewards. There are now 100 places available – click on the link below to find out how to register.

Our online new stewards’ course is supported by both a TUC tutor and a UNISON learning and organising staff member. We will be there to support you, especially if you’ve not considered or taken part in online learning before now.

If you became a new steward in the last six months and haven’t yet taken part in the stewards’ induction training, UNISON will be in touch shortly about how to register for the online course.

Keep a watch for news at learning.unison.org.uk.

We also have a range of other online support available for all activists.

Learning and organising staff will be working with colleagues across all the union’s service groups over the coming days and weeks to make sure we can provide the training our activists and repos need to keep their knowledge and skills up to date and carry out their union role.

All UNISON members and activists can refresh their union skills and knowledge with online modules on our e-learning site – https://e-learning.unison.org.uk, (use your My.UNISON account to log in).

The TUC also has a great range of e-notes and online courses available at www.tuceducation.org.uk.

Learning opportunities for members

We have also secured a new learning and development opportunity for all our members.

We all need something positive and constructive to focus on in this difficult climate and we are pleased  to help members  continue  to improve and develop their knowledge and skills – and even add to their continuing professional development.

UNISON has  initially  procured 100 licences for The Skills Academy for our members,which  give access to more than 550  free  online  courses,  all of which are fully accredited for continuing professional development. 

These include industry-specific training, general and personal skills  development, health and wellbeing  training  – and more.

These licences include unlimited access to all courses for 12 months and are completely free for UNISON members. 

Members who are interested should email l.organising@unison.co.uk, letting us know their name, membership number or date of birth and write Skills Academy in the subject header of the email and we will be in touch.

And there’s more

As well as the new courses, we already have a number of online learning resources available to all members.

If you’re a UNISON member, you are just  are just a click away from a range of free online learning opportunities.

You might want to brush up on your digital, literacy and numeracy skills. Or why not explore our short general and continuing professional development courses such as:

• an introduction to online security;
• dyslexia awareness;
• raising awareness – menopause in the workplace;
• Raising Awareness: Mental Health;
• everyday English – punctuation;
• GCSE maths and English.

And remember that the Open University has a huge number of online courses available through its OpenLearn site. 

More information on UNISON courses can be found in our unique A-Z guide to learning at learning.unison.org.uk/a-z-of-unison-learning-resources/. 

We are rearranging our activist and member learning programmes so that we can restart face-to-face training and learning later in the year.

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Failure to social distance ‘insulting to health and care staff’, says UNISON

Responding to reports that some tourist attractions at the weekend were busier than on a bank holiday, UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said:

“Don’t be foolish and think social distancing applies to someone else, not to you and your family. It’s insulting to brave healthcare staff on the front line.

“NHS and care employees are putting their lives in danger every day at work. This is so we can all stay safe at home with our loved ones.

“But selfish people taking risks are adding to the immense burden on hospitals. We’ve all seen the horrendous situation in Italy with intensive care units overwhelmed.

“Going out increases your chances of catching this deadly virus and infecting others. Do what’s right – stay away from other people. It’s the greatest tribute you can pay health and care staff through this crisis.”

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 both the public and private sectors.

Media contacts:
Sophie Goodchild T: 0207 121 5555 M: 07767 325595 E: s.goodchild@unison.co.uk
Liz Chinchen T: 0207 121 5463 M: 07778 158175 E: l.chinchen@unison.co.uk

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Addaction strikers suspend pay campaign

UNISON members running Wigan and Leigh’s drug and alcohol rehabilitation service have suspended their strike action at We Are With You (formerly Addaction).

The service was taken over by the charity in April 2018, having been run by Wigan council, with workers who were part of the NHS.

But members have been in dispute with We Are With You after it reneged on promises to pay NHS rates to staff whose roles were transferred.

The dispute is a long-running one, with 11 days of strike action in 2019. A recent five-day strike came to an end at the beginning of March, shortly before the coronavirus outbreak hit.

But now says UNISON rep and support worker Paul Almond, “our campaign can wait until we get through the current coronavirus situation”.

He says the workers are “all still determined to see this through and get the pay rise that was promised to us”.

But “we are very committed to this service. Many of us have been working in it for a long time and we know we are key workers, that is our belief and that of our employers.

“We understand the need to protect the vulnerable service users now more than ever and that has been the rationale behind our decision to suspend further action.”

Addaction strikers with general secretary Dave Prentis and local MP Angela Rayner

A staff survey in 2019 showed that 70% of 30 employees who responded wouldn’t be happy with the standard of care if it was provided for a family member or friend.

“There simply are not enough staff to provide the services that Addaction have promised as part of this contract,” said one, adding that staff were working at “dangerous and unsustainable levels”.

Despite the claims of squeezed budgets We Are With You is splashing out more than £140,000 on rebranding after changing its name from Addaction. That is more than enough to resolve the dispute.

Before the recent five-day strike, UNISON North West regional organiser Paddy Cleary said: “The organisation may have changed its name to We Are With You, but for employees a more appropriate name is ‘We Won’t Pay You’.

“Staff are so demoralised by management’s refusal to pay them the NHS rates, they have no option but to take industrial action.

“To discover bosses are splashing out on a costly rebrand rather than paying them fairly is incredibly galling.”

You can support the dispute by donating to the strike fund either via bank transfer to Unity Bank, sort code 60 83 01, account number 20244354, or by cheque, payable to ‘UNISON Wigan Metropolitan Branch hardship fund’ and posted to:

UNISON Branch Office

Wigan Life Centre

The Wiend

Wigan WN1 1NH.

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Blog: Our response is vital, impressive and truly humbling

It is hard to continue to find the words to express what an extraordinary time this is. Coronavirus is disrupting the lives of all of us in ways unimaginable just a few short weeks ago.

Safe to say, none of us have experienced anything like this and none of us really know what will happen next.

But in such uncertain times for our communities and our country, there are positives and examples of real hope, courage, leadership and selflessness.

UNISON is at the forefront of this positive response. Whether it’s working tirelessly behind the scenes with other unions, the TUC and with government to make sure the policies are in place to protect workers and worker’s pay during this national emergency, or practically supporting our members who are on the frontline of the response.

As I’ve said before, I am so incredibly proud of how this union is pulling together. In the most extreme circumstances the work done by our members in stepping up to the ultimate challenge of saving lives and keeping essential services running wherever possible is truly humbling. And the work done by our activists, and our staff to support our members in that endeavour is just as vital, important and impressive.

We are witnessing true public service every minute of every day during this crisis. Thank you.

I am so proud of the part being played by the UK’s biggest union – members, activists and staff working together – in this national emergency.

Whatever comes next, we have to keep going. And I know we will.

Thank you, as ever, for all you are doing.

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Don’t push key workers and the vulnerable to the back of the queue, says UNISON

Ministers and supermarkets must work together to ensure key workers and the vulnerable get the food they need, says UNISON today (Friday).

The union says there must be co-ordinated measures to prioritise health staff and other public service workers who are unable to buy even the basics at the end of their shifts because of the widespread panic buying.

UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said: “Sadly the time has come for ministers to take more decisive action to avoid key workers and vulnerable people being left without food after selfish and irresponsible stockpiling.

“Government calls for people not to hoard food and to consider others when shopping have fallen on deaf ears, leaving many to suffer.

“Supermarket shelves are stripped bare by the early morning. Shop staff are abused and the people putting themselves at risk to look after us are left with little or nothing.

“While some supermarkets must be praised for setting aside dedicated time for key workers and the elderly to shop, the initiative is patchy and doesn’t take account of shift patterns. If people can’t make the early morning window, they miss out on food.

“More must be done now. Ministers and the supermarkets must get a grip of this problem and shoppers need to change their behaviour to protect the people protecting us.”

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 both the public and private 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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Coronavirus: UNISON helping members financially

UNISON is responding to the national coronavirus crisis by offering practical help to members experiencing financial hardship.

Staff at the union’s dedicated charity, There for You, are seeking to reassure members that they are still offering a service to them.

And UNISON branches should divert all welfare support requests to There for You, so that there is one, consistent process at this time.

General secretary Dave Prentis said: “The union would like to be as flexible as possible. However branches should not be setting aside or establishing their own welfare funds for this purpose, as this could lead to some confusion for our members on how to seek support.”

And branches must also remember not to use industrial action funds or property funds to finance hardship – this is not permitted.

Mr Prentis added: “These are unprecedented times, so that’s why I’m asking all branches to consider making a donation to support our charity There for You.

“Members need our help right now – your donation could make a huge difference to so many lives.”

Helping members

The team at There for You is fully committed to providing a complete service throughout the current crisis. The charity remains open and fully operational. 

However, some adjustments on how things normally work may be necessary:

1. Wherever possible, please scan all applications for financial assistance and supporting paperwork and send to  thereforyou@unison.co.uk.  This will ensure there are no undue delays in processing an application.
2. If you find yourself unable to support members due to work, family or other pressures, a reminder that members can apply directly with an application form without going through the branch.
3. If you are dealing with an emergency situation – either linked to COVID-19 or other financial pressures – and your member has no money at all,  call 020 7121 5620. During these unprecedented times, members can apply to us directly for an emergency payment.
4. If your enquiry concerns an existing case, please in the first instance email thereforyou@unison.co.uk quoting the relevant case number.  Our aim is to get back to you within 2-3 working days at the very latest.

If you require advice and/or are unsure if someone would be eligible for support, call 020 7121 5620 or email thereforyou@unison.co.uk.

When phoning, callers will be asked to leave a message. In emergency situations, we aim to be in touch on the same or next day.

Please regularly check your mailbox (including junk folder) and the UNISON website for further updates in the event that new measures are introduced.

Forms are downloadable from There for You online.

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Key worker provisions welcome to ensure public services operate, says UNISON

Responding to the list published by the Department for Education, which sets out the key workers whose children can continue to go to school, UNISON assistant general secretary Christina McAnea said today:

“Essential and emergency staff working across our NHS, schools, police forces, care and other local services are at the forefront of the fight against the pandemic.

“Keeping schools open for their children means these public service champions can focus on their jobs and keeping the country going. But many questions still remain about when schools will open, and the role and availability of staff.

“It’s only right we look after the people who’ll be doing so much to look after us all in the coming weeks and months.”

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 both the public and private sectors.

Media contacts:
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: l.chinchen@unison.co.uk
Anthony Barnes T: 0207 121 5255 M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk

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