Coronavirus Bill must not force healthcare staff to the front line, says UNISON

Responding to the emergency legislation bill published today (Thursday) UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said:

“The UK is facing exceptional circumstances and this emergency legislation will help the country cope with the threat from Covid-19.

“But for the legislation to be truly effective it must enshrine the principle that student and retired health workers are volunteers and not conscripts to the fight against the virus.

“They should not be forced to the front line and must be protected – and paid properly – if they do volunteer.

“The government must work with unions, and professional bodies representing student healthcare staff and doctors, to ensure the interests of these groups are written into the bill.”

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

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Student nurses willing to help NHS but need proper support, says UNISON

Responding to the publication of draft guidance today (Thursday) on the use of nursing students to help the NHS cope with the Covid-19 pandemic, UNISON head of health Sara Gorton said:

“Never before has the NHS faced a challenge on this scale. Combating the coronavirus requires unprecedented measures.

“Making sure the health service has as many staff as possible is paramount.

“Many student nurses want to make their skills available at this time of exceptional need. But in a way that’s as safe as possible for them and patients.

“Under these changes, final-year student nurses can offer to support the NHS on paid placements and join a special section of the nursing register.

“But they must be able to return to learning and complete more supported clinical placements, if needed, once the crisis is over.

“The long-term future of the NHS must also be protected. That means not rushing anyone into becoming a fully qualified registered nurse.”

​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
Liz Chinchen T: 0207 121 5463 M: 07778 158175 E: l.chinchen@unison.co.uk

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UNISON says thank you

Today, UNISON is saying thank you to public service workers “leaving their loved ones to care for ours” in full page adverts in the Daily Mirror and Daily Mail.

The ads recognise and celebrate the role of vital public service workers in the current coronavirus crisis.

UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said:  “Whether they are NHS and emergency services staff working directly with patients; cleaners, caterers and carers keeping our hospitals, care homes and schools going, or council staff providing vital support to our communities in this crisis – our members are public service champions and we want to say thank you.

“UNISON is working hard to continue to provide the support our members need in unprecedented times – whether that’s support and guidance on workplace issues around coronavirus, supporting individual members in workplaces across the UK or helping out with welfare concerns.

“But we also wanted to show the public the amazing work our members are doing.”

Coronavirus: your rights at work

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Schools move must help all parents in essential services

Responding to the government announcement today (Wednesday) on school closures, UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said:

“This has clearly been a difficult decision. Schools are already short-staffed because of Covid-19, but the closures will have a major effect on families across the country.

“Ensuring schools can stay open for children with parents on the front line fighting the pandemic is necessary.

“But this must apply to all workers with jobs in essential and emergency services, from hospital cleaners and porters, to 111 call handlers and social care staff.

“Pupils no longer in school will need extra support so their learning isn’t disrupted.

“The government must work with all education unions on a clear plan to help school staff and pupils make the best of the next few difficult 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:
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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Blog: I’m proud of our members in a national emergency

As you know, we’re in the middle of a national emergency, the likes of which hasn’t been seen since the second world war.

The extent that coronavirus has affected all our lives is unprecedented.

Once again our public service workers are on the frontline fighting to keep our communities and our country safe and well. Fighting, against the odds, to keep services running.

I know how worried you are – for you, your families and those you care for. I want to tell you how proud I am of all of you and all you are doing. It is not going unnoticed and is appreciated more than ever.

I also want to reassure you that UNISON staff are working hard to make sure the union’s business continues and our service to you is maintained. Information is changing rapidly and we are committed to keeping you informed. You can find our latest guidance on our website.

Thank you again for everything you are doing.

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Unions want to work with ministers at this time of crisis

Responding to the Chancellor’s announcement today (Tuesday) that he is to work with businesses and unions to develop a package of employment support for UK workers, UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said:

“The government needs to give people certainty in this rapidly changing situation. Easing the anxiety many people have over their jobs and livelihoods is crucial.

“Unions want to work with ministers in the interests of the country at this unprecedented time.

“But making sure that all workers off ill with the virus or isolated at home have enough money to pay their rent and bills is essential. Raising statutory sick pay to minimum wage rates could happen quickly and have an instant effect.

“The government has promised the NHS everything it needs. Ministers must give councils the necessary funding and powers to ensure social care can be delivered safely and give the utmost support to all public sector workers battling at the forefront of 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:
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

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NPS confirms it cannot pay probation staff 2020 increment on time

Probation unions in England and Wales have demanded talks with the National Probation Service (NPS) today, after it confirmed that it will not be able to pay its staff their expected 2020 increment in April.

UNISON national officer Ben Priestley said: “The failure of the NPS to pay its staff their 2020 increments on time in April sends all the wrong messages to members.

“Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of probation told the service it has got to raise its game on staffing matters, so this is a setback which it could ill-afford.

“UNISON will work with the NPS on the improvement programme which everyone agrees needs to be put in place, but paying staff correctly and on time is pretty basic stuff. Our members deserve better.”

The joint unions – UNISON, Napo, and GMB/SCOOP – were made aware of the possibility of this happening earlier this year.

In 2018, members voted to accept a two-year pay modernisation offer that specifically included a commitment to pay the increment on time.

The unions lobbied chief probation officer Sonia Flynn and prison and director general of probation Amy Rees in a bid to head off any failure to pay the staff their increments.

They also met prisons and probation minister Lucy Frazer last month, and drafted the 2020-2021 pay claim to emphasise the need for the service to pay the increment on time.

Despite all this, the NPS has failed to get the necessary sign-off from the Treasury to pay the increment on time.

The unions are considering the next steps to take and will keep members up to date on developments.

Probation unions submit two-year pay claim

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