Five Questions for LGBT+ History Month: Peter Oates

We’re marking LGBT+ History Month by getting some of our activists to take the Five Questions challenge. Next up is Peter Oates, co-chair of the Eastern region LGBT+ committee and a health worker. Here’s what he had to say. Who are you? I am Peter, a UNISON activist in the Eastern region As a member […]

Lily Martin

Five Questions for LGBT+ History Month: Lily Martin

February is LGBT+ History Month and this year’s is extra special as it takes place in Year of LGBT+ Workers. To mark the occasion we’re speaking to some of the LGBT+ identifying activists across Eastern. Here’s health worker Lily taking the Five Questions challenge. Who are you? I’m Lily Martin (she/they) and I am a […]

Five Questions for LGBT+ History Month: Ben Edwards

Throughout LGBT+ History Month, we’re asking some of our inspirational LGBT+ activists to tell us a bit about themselves. Next up to take the Five Question challenge Norfolk County’s Ben Edwards. Here’s what he had to say. Who are you? Hello, I am Ben. I am a UNISON steward, health and safety rep, LGBT+ branch […]

Activists join Labour’s New Deal for Working People campaign weekend

UNISON Eastern members pounded pavements across the region at the weekend to garner support for Labour’s New Deal for Working People ahead of the general election. Activists turned out for Unions Together-organised events in the east of England, including, Watford, Peterborough, Great Yarmouth, Welwyn and Hatfield and Ipswich. On Saturday, members of UNISON and shopworkers’ […]

Alex Montgomory

Five Questions for LGBT+ History Month: Alex Montgomery

This LGBT+ History Month is extra special as we’re also celebrating UNISON’s Year of LGBT+ Workers. To mark the occasion we’re asking some of our LGBT+ activists to take the five-question challenge. First up is NHS worker Alex Montgomery. Who are you? I’m Alex (he/him). I’m a queer, disabled transman from Eastern region. I’m also […]

Are you registered to vote?

The general election expected this year will be hugely important for UNISON members and everyone working in public services. It’s essential that public services workers use their voices. The first step towards that is to get on the electoral register. Here’s a handy guide to registering to vote and what you’ll need to take with […]

Norfolk County Council-owned care company trying to shortchange staff

A care company fully owned by Norfolk County Council wants to shortchange its staff by over £500, UNISON said today. Arm-length firm Independence Matters is refusing to pass on the full nationally agreed local government pay rise for the first time since it was set up in 2013, says the union. The company provides support […]

Norwich street cleaners and maintenance staff back council vote on insourcing

Outsourced Norwich council workers are urging councillors to back a vote tomorrow exploring whether or not to bring their services back in house, UNISON says today. Norwich City Council contracts out housing maintenance, street sweeping and council office cleaning services to Norwich City Services Limited (NCSL), which is wholly owned by the council. Staff have […]

Yoga teachers pose strike threat at Colchester Council, warns UNISON

Yoga, aerobics and Pilates instructors at Colchester City Council are voting on strike action after nearly a decade without a pay rise, says UNISON today. The Leisure World instructors are all directly employed by the council but their pay is determined differently to the scales used for other staff at the local authority. UNISON says […]

A large group of healthcare support staff in the Bedford Hospital canteen calling for fair banding

‘Ripped off’ Bedfordshire NHS staff vote on strike action

Healthcare support workers at Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust are voting on strike action after years of being “ripped off”, UNISON says today. Hundreds of healthcare assistants, maternity care workers, theatre support assistants and other clinical support workers are calling to be properly paid for their work. The staff are currently paid at band 2, but […]

Last year’s branch of the year receive their gong

Nominations open for One Weekend awards

UNISON Eastern’s One Weekend hosts our annual branch and activist award, a celebration of the fantastic work that goes on in the region. Of course anyone giving up their time and energy to make life better for their colleagues is an award-winner, but we like to pay a special tribute to the branches and activists […]

Job cuts at Essex councils spell disaster for local communities

Essex residents will be hit hard by plans to slash nearly 100 council jobs, UNISON warns today. Redundancy notices were served at Thurrock Council today, with 19 jobs slated to go in the first round of cuts, a week after Southend Council revealed plans to lose 80 jobs. Thurrock is looking to make £18 million […]

A UNISON band on the march

We’re in a fight for our future in 2024

In a New Year message, regional secretary Tim Roberts says this year could be make or break for public service workers

Suffolk County Council cuts ‘take services past breaking point’

Suffolk County Council has announced plans to make £65 million in spending cuts, including lopping £11m off the staffing budget, it revealed today. Responding to the news, UNISON Suffolk County branch secretary Neil Bland said: “Councils have spent the last decade slashing spending to the bone, cuts on this scale will take services in Suffolk past […]

Colchester bin strikes off after workers accept improved pay offer

Council workers in Colchester have accepted an improved pay deal and cancelled the threat of strikes by refuse collectors, UNISON says today. Staff at Colchester City Council and Colchester Borough Homes accepted a rise of £1,925 this week – almost double the council’s original offer. Workers overwhelmingly rejected the council’s initial £1,000 pay offer and […]