UNISON Voices

From the Congo to Norfolk, nursing apprentice John Kasensa tells his story

John Kasensa is an assistant practitioner at Hellesdon Hospital in Norwich. In February he started his journey on the Nursing Degree Apprenticeship. John came to the UK as a 22-year-old refugee from the Congo, settling in Norfolk. We talk to him about his background, his journey into working in mental health and his plans for […]

Want to get back into learning? Live in or near Hertfordshire? We can help

Women’s Lives is a course designed for women who may have been away from learning for some time.   It will help you gain the skills and confidence to study, learn or do something new. It is particularly suitable for women who have been out of education for a long time and have had few […]

Working together to reduce stress at Cambridgeshire and Peterborough CCG

In a great example of partnership working, UNISON has been working closely with the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Clinical Commissioning Group to run a series of stress management workshops for their staff. The topic of reducing staff stress levels was raised at a recent meeting with the employer and Jo Rust, regional organiser, suggested UNISON’s Staying […]

Norfolk County branch EU members’ film shows how Brexit will affect them and public services

The government is playing Jenga with my future and if they pull the piece I could become illegal in this country overnight International workers in the Norfolk County branch have made a short film telling the story of their fears and apprehensions following the UK’s vote to leave the EU. A branch steward, an EU […]

Message from the regional secretary Chris Jenkinson

I was recently appointed as regional secretary for UNISON Eastern following the retirement of my predecessor Glyn Hawker. Glyn did a great job in her time as regional secretary and she’s handed over a region in great shape. I look forward to working alongside branches and activists, helping to organise and support our members in […]

Regional convenor Becky Tye’s conference report

First of all, on behalf of the lay membership in the region I’d like to welcome our new regional secretary, Chris Jenkinson. Chris was appointed to the role following the retirement in May of Glyn Hawker. I know we all look forward to working with Chris and send our very best wishes to Glyn for […]

Are you struggling to make ends meet?

BBC2 has commissioned a documentary on the impact of austerity on ‘just about managing’ households. They want to interview people currently working (or who were until recently) and have been hit hard by pay freezes/caps. The programme is being made by Keo Films. It’s a major project filmed sympathetically from the viewpoint of the individuals/families […]

Holocaust Memorial Day

Earlier today general secretary Dave Prentis attended a special event to mark Holocaust Memorial Day organised by Camden Council and hosted at the British Library. He shared a platform with Lord Alf Dubs and Rachel Century of the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust to speak on the importance of the day, and to sign a joint statement […]

Supporting mental health in Cambridge

UNISON Cambs Acute Health Branch sponsored an Open Mind Night –  a mental health arts cabaret to raise money for SANE a mental health charity. The event took place on World Mental Health Day (10 October) at Addenbrookes Hospital, in Cambridge.  Around 70 people attended and the event raised over £200. UNISON young member and Cambs Acute […]

Georgia attended her first UNISON meeting—see what happened next!

Georgia Norton, young members’ officer at Colchester Borough Council branch, tells us about how she became involved in UNISON In my branch I am not just the young members’ officer but hold the role as branch treasurer and steward. Having only been a member for two years, I knew I wanted to get involved in the […]

There for You 2017 charity challenge

Our Catalan Pyrenean challenge 25 miles in 3 days walking in the stunning Pyrenees of Catalonia and raising funds for UNISON’s own charity From the coast to the mountains, from sea to crag, from sandy beach to shady Mediterranean forest – take in the diverse and changing natural landscapes in Catalonia. Furthermore walks have a relaxed pace with time to take […]

Violence against NHS staff – tell us what it’s like where you work

We all know that violence against NHS staff is a problem. But for every case that gets reported or makes the news how many others are never heard about? UNISON has been asked by BBC Radio 5 Live’s Investigates programme to help them discover what it’s really like for NHS staff experiencing violence at work. […]

Interested in promoting education? Get involved as a union learning rep

Union learning reps (ULRs) are enthusiasts and advocates for learning and have an important role to play in finding out what learning opportunities are available in the workplace, and help members develop new skills.  The role varies according to individual circumstances but ULRs are involved in a range of activities promoting learning. Initial training is available […]

Why UNISON supports a vote to remain in the EU

On 23 June we will take part in a referendum that will determine whether or not the UK remains in or leaves the European Union. UNISON has held a branch consultation and concluded that to leave would put our employment rights, public services and the economy at significant risk. This is not to suggest that UNISON is an uncritical supporter […]

UNISON Equality Survey 2016

Are we making progress on equality in your workplace? Help us find out by completing the 2016 UNISON equality survey Our survey asks about your own experience of equality and discrimination where you work, and your answers will help us identify where things are going well, and where we can do better. The survey is […]