Black workers are vital to the future of our public services, says Dave Prentis

Speaking at UNISON’s annual Black Members Conference in Llandudno, general secretary Dave Prentis said: “Last the NHS celebrated its 70th anniversary, yet the descendants of those that came from Africa, Asia and the Caribbean to help build it are still facing barriers. “NHS figures out this week show Black staff are more likely to suffer abuse from patients and harassment from colleagues. They […]

What a year!

We kicked off 2018 with our annual Get Active event and awards ceremony which saw members from across the region receive awards for their hard work for and on behalf of their fellow members and Plymouth in UNISON were crowned Branch of the Year. In February we saw off privatisation of Southmead Hospital following a hard […]

There for You winter fuel grants

UNISON’s welfare charity There for You is once again making grants available to help low paid members meet winter fuel bills – applications need to be made by 15 February

Cuts to staffing in Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership Trust prompts staff protests

Plans by Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership Trust to impose a new administrative structure will put patient safety at risk, says UNISON today (Thursday). If the proposals go ahead specialised medical secretary roles will disappear and there will be cuts to administrative cover across the Trust. Up to 74 Band 4 posts could disappear, […]

Sirona strikers joined by Dave Prentis as five day action begins

Care workers employed by Sirona began five further days of strike action this morning (Friday) against proposed cuts to their pay. Some of the 170 staff affected joined UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis for a rally outside the Guildhall last night to try to persuade Bath and North East Somerset Council to increase the funding […]

University of Bristol and Bristol Council commit to the real Living Wage

The University of Bristol and Bristol Council have today (Thursday) announced their commitment to paying their staff the real Living Wage, which this week has risen to £9 an hour to keep pace with the cost of living. The Living Wage is an independently set hourly rate of pay for everyone over 18, calculated according […]

UNISON celebrates becoming the UK’s biggest union

UNISON is marking becoming the UK’s biggest union by launching a month of recruitment activity to reach out to every worker in the country providing public services. The union has now more than 1.3 million people in its membership who work in education, local government, the NHS, the police service and the energy sector. Members […]

There must be no hiding place for bullies in the ambulance service

There should soon be no hiding place for anyone who bullies their staff, or colleagues, at the South Western Ambulance Service (SWAS), following the publication today (Thursday) of an independent report, says UNISON. The report, based on a staff survey and interviews conducted by Professor Duncan Lewis, was jointly commissioned by UNISON and the ambulance […]

Rheumatology relocation raises concerns in Cornwall

Patients suffering with arthritis, muscle and joint pain will struggle to access support if services relocate in Cornwall, says UNISON today (Thursday).

Sirona care workers facing pay cut or dismissal

Sirona care workers in Bath are considering further strike action after their employer Sirona rejected a counter proposal from UNISON.

Plymouth City Council signs UNISON’s ethical care charter

Plymouth City Council has become the latest local authority to sign up to UNISON’s ethical care charter today (Monday). Council leaders joined UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis to formally sign the charter at Ballard House this afternoon. The charter commits the Council to continue working with the city’s care companies to help them end zero-hours […]

Decimation of vital Getset services will leave Somerset children in crisis

There must be a full review of services that offer support to children, young people and families across Somerset before the County Council takes any decision to make cuts, says UNISON today (Wednesday).

UNISON demands emergency meeting to debate reckless cuts in Somerset

UNISON is calling for Somerset County Council to hold an emergency meeting to debate new cuts to services, due to be agreed by the cabinet tomorrow (Wednesday).

Outsourcing Salisbury hospital staff will create two-tier workforce

Dedicated NHS staff face being transferred to a new arms-length private company if plans by Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust go ahead, UNISON has warned.

NHS70 celebrations in Cornwall

The Health Service’s seventieth birthday will be marked on 5 July by health workers in public service union UNISON with events across Cornwall. UNISON at the Royal Cornwall Hospital Treliske will invite staff and the public to sign a giant birthday card for the NHS. A photo with 70 people each holding up a “candle” […]