An analysis of police financial forecasts has revealed that police forces in the East of England could face a budget shortfall of over £110 million by 2026, potentially putting public safety at risk, says UNISON today. The data, based on medium-term financial plans submitted by individual police forces to their local police and crime panels, reveals […]
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UNISON has welcomed Great Yarmouth Borough Council’s decision to take maintenance of its social housing stock back under direct control. The newly formed cabinet announced this week that repairs and refurbishment work for its 5,000 homes would be transferred from Norse to a council-owned company by September 2024. The agreement with Great Yarmouth Norse, which […]
A Norwich librarian has gained national recognition for her exceptional work in delivering council services, UNISON has announced today. Jo Foster-Murdoch is one of two runners-up for the union’s local service champions awards, which celebrate the incredible difference council staff make to the lives of people in their area. Jo was chosen for the support […]
As we celebrate Year of the Black Worker, it’s fitting that the One Weekend equalities gong should go to someone who’s done an enormous to combat racism in her workplace and contributed so heavily to UNISON Eastern’s work for racial equality. Josette Kennington has helped revolutionise anti-racism at Cambridgeshire County Council. She’s been active in […]
UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea is to visit Ipswich later this week as council and school support staff vote on whether to strike over pay. Christina McAnea will speak at a rally on Friday outside Suffolk County Council headquarters Endeavour House as local government workers call for a pay rise of 2% above inflation. Staff […]
We speak to Chris Swain about becoming UNISON Eastern’s Activist of the Year
Serco workers in North Norfolk and Breckland have accepted a double-digit pay rise, putting an end to the threat of more refuse strikes, UNISON announced today. Refuse, street cleaning, grounds maintenance and cleansing workers approved the two-year deal that includes a 20% rise for the lowest-paid staff. HGV drivers have won a new basic rate […]
Meet the award winners from the UNISON Eastern One Weekend
Nearly 25,000 council and school support staff across the East of England will begin voting today on whether to strike over pay, says UNISON. The wage offer made by employers to local government staff is nowhere near what’s needed to meet rising prices during the cost of living crisis, says the union. UNISON had called […]
Two young UNISON Eastern activists have just returned from a ‘life-changing’ trip to Cuba, witnessing first-hand the socialist island’s struggle to survive and its huge May Day celebrations
UNISON is recognising unsung heroes for their contribution to the community
University support staff in Bedfordshire have voted to strike over a “sub-par” pay offer from the Universities and Colleges Employers Association (UCEA), says UNISON today. Cleaners, IT technicians, library staff and other higher education workers at the University of Bedfordshire and another eight institutions across England will now decide on dates to take action unless […]
There for You, UNISON’s welfare arm, is changing the way members can request financial help. You no longer apply for emergency grants using a separate form, now all applications are made using the Application for Assistance Form. Case managers will then triage the application and respond, hopefully within 48 hours. You can read the full […]
Striking Suffolk primary school staff will take their jobs fight directly to county councillors next week as they hand in a 600-strong petition at the council’s HQ. Hundreds of parents and Sudbury residents have signed the petition urging Pot Kiln Primary leaders and the council to abandon plans to sack classroom assistants and midday supervisors. […]
Colchester’s award-winning grounds maintenance staff have been told their jobs are up for the chop as contractor idverde looks to make cuts, UNISON reveals today. The firm told staff this week that it has to cut six posts after Colchester City Council slashed its budget for grass cutting, flower bed and grass verge maintenance. UNISON […]