Next up in our Black History Month series is Hetty Okonji. Hetty works in the NHS in Bedfordshire and is Black members officer and health and safety officer for her branch. Who are you? Hetty Okonji — I’m an assistant service manager in the NHS and Bedfordshire Health branch Black members officer, health and safety […]
equalities
We’re celebrating Black History Month 2023 by asking our Black activists five questions. First up, Josette Kennington. She was UNISON Eastern’s equalities activist of the year and is Black members officer at Cambridgeshire County branch. Who are you? Josette Kennington, Cambridgeshire County branch. Why is Black History Month important to you? It is important to […]
We talk to Basildon Council branch secretary Louisa Lewis about what Black History Month means to her
Ipswich Borough Council has signed UNISON’s Anti-Racism Charter at an event held at Grafton House this week. The charter commits the council to: Recognising the need and benefit in championing a racially diverse workforce. Challenging racism internally and externally wherever it arises in relation to the organisation. Recognising the impact of racism upon staff members’ […]
The East of England Probation Service has become the first government body to sign a new charter aimed at combatting racism in the public sector, UNISON announces today. UNISON’s Anti-Racism Charter commits the organisation and its leaders to a range of pledges designed to prevent racial bias. It includes championing a racially diverse workforce, having […]
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 […]
Inspire Education Group (IEG) has become the first further education provider in the country to sign up to a new Anti-Racism Charter from trade union UNISON. IEG, home to Peterborough College, Stamford College and University Centre Peterborough, signed the charter today, committing the organisation and its leaders to a range of pledges designed to prevent […]
UNISON Eastern’s retired members’ committee is pleased to launch a brand new pocket book to guide public service workers through retirement — and explain why they should stay in UNISON. The booklet was drawn up by a small working party at the suggestion of UNISON Essex retired members’ secretary John Abrehart and laid out by […]
Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT) has pledged support to tackle all forms of racism after signing UNISON’s anti-racism charter today. As part of UN Anti-Racism Day, which took place last week, EPUT today signed the trade union’s charter which commits the organisation and its leaders to a range of pledges designed to prevent […]
The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) has become the first NHS hospital in Essex to sign up to a new anti-racism charter. PAHT has signed the anti-racism charter, developed by trade union representative UNISON, at a special ceremony that commits the hospital to a range of pledges designed to prevent racial bias. The charter […]
The NHS clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) across Suffolk and north east Essex have become the first in the country to sign up to UNISON’s anti-racism charter. The pledge ensures, within the first 12 months, the organisation has implemented a clear and visible race equality policy, a programme of anti-racism initiatives and actions and ensures there […]
We’re proud to present our new equality calendar! The interactive calendar will help UNISON Eastern members and activists keep on top of the big events in the union as well as national and international equalities dates. The calendar will be updated regularly so check back for the latest and please get in touch if you’ve […]
UNISON Eastern Black members group co-chairs Firdy Finch and Brian Pereira and regional secretary Tim Roberts report on the launch of UNISON Eastern’s new Anti-Racism Charter
Women in key worker positions across the East of England are losing sleep, spending more on household bills, and worrying about the pandemic’s impact on their children’s education and mental health, according to a survey published today by UNISON. The findings are based on responses from over 2,000 women including teaching assistants, nurses, council workers and police staff. They provide a comprehensive insight […]
We speak to Karen Clark about the contribution UNISON’s retired members make to the union