The return to work must be safe, says UNISON

PPE and testing must be properly in place before mass return. Commenting on the Prime Minister’s address to the nation today (Sunday), UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said: “The return to work must be safe. There must be no cutting corners, no playing fast and loose with employees’ safety. The economy is important, but lives are too. […]

Action needed to address higher coronavirus death rates ​for Black people

Higher-risk job roles must be examined. Commenting on figures released today (Thursday) by the Office for National Statistics showing disproportionately high Covid-19 death rates for Black people, UNISON assistant general secretary Christina McAnea said: “Time and again, we’ve seen how people from black and minority ethnic (BAME) communities suffer health problems caused by disadvantage and poverty, which […]

There for You launches COVID-19 response fund

There for You is UNISON’s unique charity, set up to help members in difficulties – and this year, the COVID-19 crisis is making life harder for many of our already-stretched members. Because more of you are struggling, There for You has set up a special fund to respond to calls for help needed especially because […]

Needless care home deaths can be prevented if staff get safety kit, says UNISON

Christina McAnea says it’s not too late to save lives. Responding to figures published today (Tuesday) by the Office for National Statistics showing care home deaths linked to coronavirus have increased by more than 2,500 in a week, UNISON assistant general secretary Christina McAnea said: “Each of these deaths is a tragedy for the families who have […]

Learning update – useful links

UNISON Learning and Organising Services and education staff across the union are working hard so that we can continue to provide trade union learning and training in a safe and effective way during these unprecedented times. You can find more details on our national learning and organising pages here… You might also be interested in […]

A May Day message from Dave Prentis

May Day thank you message from Dave Prentis, General Secretary of UNISON.

Care home death figures are shameful, says UNISON

Society needs to look at how it treats care. Responding to new figures released today (Wednesday) that show a steep rise in coronavirus deaths due to the inclusion of those in care homes, UNISON assistant general secretary Christina McAnea said: “Care workers have been crying out for essential safety equipment, clear guidance and widespread virus testing for […]

UNISON calls for minutes silence for COVID-19 dead this International Workers’ Memorial Day 

Tuesday 28 April is International Workers’ Memorial Day, when we remember all those who have died because of their work – and renew our pledge to fight for the living. In the year of covid-19 the day has never been more important, and that is why UNISON is asking the country to observe a minutes […]

FREE concert for care workers

Paul Heaton & Jacqui Abbot FREE concert for care workers at Sheffield City Hall on Wednesday 28th October 2020. IMPORTANT Those eligible for tickets will be all care home staff working in council or private care homes that are members of UNISON or the GMB Unions in the Sheffield and South Yorkshire area. Eligible staff members […]

Government asked to back minute’s silence to honour all workers who have died from coronavirus

Dave Prentis writes to Dominic Raab asking him to support campaign. The government is being asked by UNISON to give formal backing to a minute’s silence next Tuesday (28 April) to remember all health, care and other key workers who have lost their lives to coronavirus. The union along with the Royal College of Nursing […]