Blog: As Labour leader, Keir Starmer would take our values back into government

The Labour Party was founded with a clear purpose. To gain power for working people and to be the voice of their priorities, their needs and their hopes. A party of government to change our country for the better.

Against that critical marker – and despite our best efforts – Labour has failed for a decade. Four election defeats in a row, under a variety of leaders. Each one ensuring further years of Conservative rule, cuts and division, damaging the communities our party was founded to represent.

In that decade, public services have suffered like never before. So have those providing them, and those relying on them. Wages and living standards have plummeted and care workers, nurses, teaching assistants and other public servants are forced to do far more, with far less.

And yet exactly a month ago, the party to blame for all this won a landslide majority. This is truly a time for deep, honest and profound reflection, if this cycle of painful decline is to be reversed.

Books will be written on the reasons for Labour’s decline. But the painful truth is that those who need Labour – the party I’ve been a proud member of all my life – rejected us.

They no longer trust in Labour, nor the party’s ability to change their lives for the better. In successive elections, the laudable plans presented to voters didn’t have widespread appeal. Or they were ignored altogether because the party was seen by too many as simply irrelevant.

We need someone who can unite our party, our communities and our country, and win working people back to Labour

Britain’s party of the left is the only realistic alternative to permanent Tory rule. But it stands at a crossroads. The choices the party makes in the days and weeks ahead are critical.

While the challenges Labour faces run deeper than any one leader, manifesto or election – choosing the right person is critical if it’s to take the fastest route back to power. We need someone who can unite our party, our communities and our country, and win working people back to Labour.

For UNISON, the best person to do this is Keir Starmer.

Keir’s story is one of hard work and determination. His values are rooted in socialist principles. When this son of a toolmaker and a nurse – the first person in his family to go to university – became a barrister, he could have used his skills and talents purely for his own benefit.

Yet time and time again, Keir has put them at the service of working people, standing shoulder to shoulder with those fighting injustice. He fought the infamous McLibel case and brought successful legal challenges against the death penalty in the Caribbean.

Victories on behalf of those who most needed his advocacy like Doreen and Neville Lawrence were a critical factor in his rise to becoming director of public prosecutions.

I don’t worry about Keir Starmer abandoning our values, because he has proved time and time again they are clearly his values too.

This article was first published on The Guardian website on Saturday 11 January 2020

The article Blog: As Labour leader, Keir Starmer would take our values back into government first appeared on the UNISON National site.

from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8239598 https://www.unison.org.uk/news/article/2020/01/blog-starmer/
via IFTTT

source https://childrensplayareadesigns.tumblr.com/post/190237032742

Support pregnant UNISON members in casualised work

UNISON and Maternity Action are working together to raise awareness of the impact of casualisation on pregnant women workers and new mothers in terms of maternity rights, job security, and health and wellbeing.

The aim of this project is to achieve policy change, disseminate best practice and equip UNISON reps with information and guidance to improve the situation of casualised women workers.

An important part of our research is to establish the level of awareness among our reps of maternity rights for this group of workers and the kinds of issues and problems these members raise with you in the workplace.

We are asking UNISON reps to complete an online survey – see box below.

It should only take around 10 minutes of your time but will provide us with invaluable information to help us to make sure you have the tools and information you need.

We are also keen to find out about any local successes you have had negotiating improvements that we can share with other reps.

Any information you provide will be kept confidential and anonymised so that you cannot be identified unless you give us your permission.

The survey is open until Friday 31 January so please make sure that you complete it by then.

Fill in the survey now

Maternity Action is a charity working to ending inequality and improving the health and wellbeing of pregnant women, partners and young children – from conception through to the child’s early years.

Find out more about Maternity Action

The article Support pregnant UNISON members in casualised work first appeared on the UNISON National site.

from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8239598 https://www.unison.org.uk/news/article/2020/01/maternity-survey/
via IFTTT

source https://childrensplayareadesigns.tumblr.com/post/190235501387

New low in A&E performance shows NHS needs urgent treatment

Commenting on latest NHS England performance data published today (Thursday), UNISON head of health Sara Gorton said:

“The NHS is under intense strain and crying out for emergency treatment of its own.

“Sick and injured people face unbearable waiting times, often on trolleys in hospital corridors and ambulances are in lengthy queues to hand over patients.

“And this is the picture in a mild winter. The impact of a cold snap would bring the system to its knees.

“The government has to explain urgently how it’s going to fix the health and social care system that clearly can no longer cope.”

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:
Anthony Barnes T: 0207 121 5255  M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk
Garfield Myrie T: 0207 121 5546 M: 07432 741565 E: g.myrie@unison.co.uk

The article New low in A&E performance shows NHS needs urgent treatment first appeared on the UNISON National site.

from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8239598 https://www.unison.org.uk/news/2020/01/new-low-ae-performance-shows-nhs-needs-urgent-treatment/
via IFTTT

source https://childrensplayareadesigns.tumblr.com/post/190161553942

Northumbria Police sign Dying to Work charter to protect terminally ill staff

Northumbria Police and the Northumbria office of the Police and Crime Commissioner have signed the TUC’s Dying to Work Charter, on behalf of 5,092 police officers and police staff.

The Dying to Work campaign aims to protect the rights of individuals at work with a terminal illness. The charter sets out an agreed way in which an employee should be treated and supported in the event of a terminal diagnosis.

The emphasis is on choice, ensuring an individual has help and support however they decide to proceed – whether continuing at work in some way, spending their remaining time with family and friends, or some other option.

UNISON signed the charter in its own role as an employer of 1,200 staff in October 2019.

Ben Priestley, UNISON national officer with the police and justice group, welcomed the Northumbria announcement as “great news”.

And he added: “The charter guarantees the dignity and security of employees who wish to remain at work after receiving a terminal illness diagnosis.

“The Police Staff Council for England and Wales is promoting the charter to all forces as part of the agreement for the 2019 pay award.

“In addition to Northumbria, the Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Nottinghamshire forces have already signed up. UNISON hopes that many more forces will follow suit.”

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness said: “Your job should be the last thing on your mind when you’re given a terminal diagnosis. You need dignity, you need money, you need a responsible employer who will step up and help you through the difficulties that lie ahead.

“Our officers and staff help so many people in their times of need – it’s only right that our organisations do the same.”

The Dying to Work campaign

5 steps to the charter

The article Northumbria Police sign Dying to Work charter to protect terminally ill staff first appeared on the UNISON National site.

from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8239598 https://www.unison.org.uk/news/article/2020/01/northumbria-police-sign-dying-work-charter-protect-terminally-ill-staff/
via IFTTT

source https://childrensplayareadesigns.tumblr.com/post/190145195292

UNISON backs Angela Rayner for deputy leader of the Labour Party

UNISON, the UK’s largest union, has today (Wednesday) backed Angela Rayner to become deputy leader of the Labour Party.

The decision was taken by the union’s Labour Link committee, which is made up of working people from across the country and from all walks of life. All are members of the Labour Party.

UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said: “Angie has a long association with UNISON as a member and a union rep and has an intimate understanding of the day-to-day struggles facing working people and their families across the UK.

“Angie’s popularity across the party means she is the right person to handle the challenges of this job. Angie will make a great deputy leader if elected.”

Vice chair of UNISON’s Labour Link Committee Linda Hobson said: “Angela Rayner has been a care worker and a dynamic campaigner for UNISON, representing the needs of workers, before entering Parliament.

“Unlike so many out-of-touch career politicians, Angie has had a real job, a real life and has faced the sort of difficulties experienced by millions of people in communities across the country. She’s not someone who has spent their career in the Westminster bubble.

“If elected, Angie will be a powerful passionate voice at the top of the party to win back voters and create a brighter future.”

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 T: 0207 121 5463 M: 07778 158175 E: l.chinchen@unison.co.uk
Anthony Barnes T: 0207 121 5255 M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk

The article UNISON backs Angela Rayner for deputy leader of the Labour Party first appeared on the UNISON National site.

from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8239598 https://www.unison.org.uk/news/2020/01/unison-backs-angela-rayner-deputy-leader-labour-party/
via IFTTT

source https://childrensplayareadesigns.tumblr.com/post/190143377032

UNISON backs Keir Starmer to be the next leader of the Labour Party

UNISON – the UK’s largest union – has today (Wednesday) decided to back Keir Starmer to become the next leader of the Labour Party.

The decision was taken by the union’s Labour Link committee, which is made up of working people from across the country and from all walks of life. All are members of the Labour Party.

Commenting on the decision, UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said: “This is a pivotal time for Labour. We believe – if elected by the membership – Keir Starmer would be a leader to bring the party together and win back the trust of the thousands of voters who deserted Labour last month.

“Unions created the Labour Party to give working people a voice in Westminster. But it can only achieve for them, their families, their communities and the country’s public services when in government.

“Keir has a clear vision to get Labour back to the winning ways of the past. He is best placed to take on Boris Johnson, hold his government to account and ensure Labour can return to power and once more change working people’s lives for the better.”

Vice chair of UNISON’s Labour Link Committee Linda Hobson said: “Under Keir Starmer’s leadership Labour could move forward and learn the lessons from – and understand the reasons for – the party’s terrible defeat last month.

“With Keir, Labour could also move the country on from Brexit and start to heal the painful divisions created by the referendum.”

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 T: 0207 121 5463 M: 07778 158175 E: l.chinchen@unison.co.uk<mailto:l.chinchen@unison.co.uk>
Anthony Barnes T: 0207 121 5255 M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk<mailto:a.barnes@unison.co.uk>

The article UNISON backs Keir Starmer to be the next leader of the Labour Party first appeared on the UNISON National site.

from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8239598 https://www.unison.org.uk/news/press-release/2020/01/unison-backs-keir-starmer-next-leader-labour-party/
via IFTTT

source https://childrensplayareadesigns.tumblr.com/post/190143376952

‘I don’t want bailiffs to come to the door’ – how debt affects us and how UNISON can help

For over 20 years, UNISON has been working in partnership with PayPlan to support members struggling with debt, and to destigmatise debt as a whole.

With the intention of helping members ‘live again’ and get away from fear, pressure and letters, PayPlan is a lifeline.

Jason West, a PayPlan advisor said: “There’s always something we can do to help. No matter what the circumstances are. There will always be options for help.”

So how do you access UNISON Debtline as a member? Simply call the UNISON Welfare Debtline on freephone 0800 389 3302. You’ll have an initial chat with one of the trained advisors to get a true reflection of their circumstances.

Gemma Clark, a special advisor, explained: “Some people come to us and they haven’t missed a payment yet, but they’re struggling to cope and are reliant on an overdraft. For others, they haven’t paid debts for months or years. Sometimes they’re panicking because of changing circumstances, like losing a job, separating from a partner or being put on Universal Credit.

“We deal with a really large spectrum of emotion, and we make a note of any vulnerability, like whether they’re suicidal or coping with domestic abuse.

“Some people are happy to go through the whole conversation and others are at their absolute lowest and are saying, ‘I don’t want bailiffs to come to the door’. But we can always offer help. There is always something to be done.”

Gemma spoke to UNISON member Kate [not her real name] who works for the NHS, whose relationship had broken down and was facing overwhelming worries about her monthly repayments.

In a soothing and measured tone, Gemma gently asked a series of questions about incomings, outgoings, debts and personal circumstances. She ran through a monthly budget and built a full profile of the case including salary, value of her home, how much her bills were and whether any family members could help with her repayments.

Meeting non-judgmental ears, Kate was able to give a full picture of her circumstances and hear what her options were.

Find out more about how UNISON can help

Recommendations and solutions are always informed by what’s realistic and what an individual wants, and they’re given an agreed time period to reflect on what route they want to take, from Debt Relief Orders (DROs), Individual Voluntary Agreements (IVAs) or bankruptcy.

There’s an emphasis on letting people take their time, as people are always incredibly stressed when they ring, and it’s vital that they don’t feel rushed into making a decision.

Once a route is taken, Debtline organise an annual check-in, or more regular reviews to make sure that everyone is proceeding as planned, and to check whether adjustments need to be made.

Jason West, specialises in organising Debt Relief Orders (DROs), which are similar to bankruptcy but the fee is less. Under a Debt Relief Order, debts are placed on hold for 12 months, and can be written off then if a person’s situation has not improved.

Jason described how much relief people feel once their debts are finally managed: “We regularly get feedback like ‘this is a massive weight off my shoulders’ and that people are ‘seeing the light at the end’.

“People are panicked and distressed when they call because they don’t see any way out of their situation, they panic and stick their head in the sand. No matter what the circumstances are, we can always do something to help.”

Jackie Dolphin, a 62 year-old branch secretary for Hampshire Health  contacted her branch welfare officer when she was experiencing problems with her benefits payments. He passed her details to There For You, who recommended that she contact Debtline.

“After 18 months of worrying I feel like a huge weight has been lifted,” said Jackie. “Jane Clack at Debtline is absolutely amazing. I can’t praise her enough. Caring, kind, thoughtful and knows her stuff. I would absolutely recommend her.

“She recommended me a way forward that I’ve agreed to, and I feel absolutely relieved. Like a black cloud is gone.”

Jackie described feeling conflicted about reaching out for support: “It’s pride. You think ‘no, I can’t’, and then you’ve got to admit that you’ve got into debt, that you’ve made errors. It’s facing up to the fact that that’s what’s happened. Once you’ve faced it, that’s the way forward.

“And with Debtline and people like Jane to walk you through it, you’re not alone.”

• Find out more

If you’re struggling with debt or money worries, speak to your branch welfare officer or call the UNISON Welfare Debtline freephone 0800 389 3302.

The article ‘I don’t want bailiffs to come to the door’ – how debt affects us and how UNISON can help first appeared on the UNISON National site.

from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8239598 https://www.unison.org.uk/news/article/2020/01/dont-want-bailiffs-come-door-debt-affects-us-unison-can-help/
via IFTTT

source https://childrensplayareadesigns.tumblr.com/post/190139881787