More than 500 jobs at risk as Dorset Council announces restructure plan

Dorset Council must avoid compulsory job losses as it today (Monday) announced plans to cut its workforce, says UNISON. “At risk” letters have been sent to employees in five areas of the council including human resources, finance and IT. Staff will now enter a 45-day consultation period. Dorset County Council, East Dorset, North Dorset, Purbeck, […]

Plymouth school support staff set for second day of strike action

Teaching assistants, administration staff and meal time assistants in Plymouth schools will strike over pay today (Wednesday) for the second time in a fortnight. Support staff at Plym Academy Trust are protesting over being paid up to 56 pence less per hour than others in similar roles locally. Their low wages are the result of […]

Tolpuddle: What’s on in the UNIZONE

Organised by Dorset Black Members Group we have a full programme of entertainment in the UNIZONE at Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival.

Plym Academy Trust on strike in pay dispute

Teaching assistants, administration staff and meal time assistants in five Plymouth schools are on strike over pay.

NHS apprentices assemble for UNISON training event

Mental health awareness, confidence building and skills analysis were all on the agenda today as apprentices met in Dorset for UNISON’s inaugural NHS Apprenticeship Conference.

Care staff forced to sleep in offices and not wash

Care staff on overnight shifts are having to bed down at work in offices or on dirty mattresses – sometimes without anywhere to wash, according to a UNISON report published today (Tuesday). The report Sleeping in, losing out – released to coincide with the opening day of the union’s annual conference – presents a shocking picture of […]

Ambulance outside hospital

Court of Appeal finds in favour of UNISON in holiday pay dispute

NHS workers who do overtime on a regular basis or frequently work beyond their normal shifts should now have these extra hours taken into account when their holiday pay is calculated, as a result of a landmark court victory by UNISON today (Monday). The Court of Appeal judgment found in favour of a paramedic and […]

System of second class NHS workers in the South West must end, says UNISON

Three private companies employing thousands of staff in the NHS in the South West are coming under pressure as UNISON’s campaign for fair pay in the health service escalates.

Pride Rainbow Flag

June is Pride Month!

The month of June was chosen for LGBT Pride Month to commemorate the Stonewall riots, which occurred at the end of June 1969. As a result, many pride events are held during this month to recognize the impact LGBT people have had in the world.

Blog: Time for government to start caring about social care

A civilised society cares for the vulnerable and those with special needs, looks after the elderly after their lifetime of contribution to others and does so in a way which puts the needs and dignity of these people first. A civilised society values the skills of caring for others and sees these skills as complex, demanding and worthy of decent pay and conditions. Sadly we seem to have a long way to go before we can call ourselves truly civilised.

Election results show the country is more divided than ever, says UNISON

“These results are proof that the country is as divided as ever and show the depth of frustration at both main political parties. Politicians in Westminster seem to lack the answers to the biggest issue facing the UK and voters have had enough, regardless of how they voted three years ago.”

Overwhelming vote for strike action at Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership Trust

Administrators and medical secretaries employed by Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership Trust have voted overwhelmingly in favour of taking industrial action over a proposed restructure and pay cut of up to 12.5%, says UNISON.

UNISON calls on MP to help block industry regulator’s price hike

The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) has announced it plans to increase its mandatory registration fee by a whopping 18 per cent – despite overwhelming opposition from its members. UNISON is calling on Luke Pollard MP to sign a parliamentary early day motion to oppose the rise.

Probation return to public control is welcome but must be administered locally, says UNISON South West

Grayling’s botched reforms have finally been abandoned.

NHS staff celebrate Operating Department Practitioners Day

Hospital staff at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth celebrated Operating Department Practitioners Day today, paying tribute to an often overlooked part of the NHS team that play a vital role in keeping patients safe. An operating department practitioner (ODP) is a highly trained registered healthcare professional working in a range of critical care environments. ODPs prepare […]