This Conference notes that NHS pay has not kept up with the cost of living. With a fall in pay of approximately 10-12% many regions are having major staffing and recruitment problems. Especially in London and the South East where the cost of living tends to be much higher. For example, Oxfordshire is the most […]
Conference motions
Conference notes that negotiations have been taking place with NHS Employers over refreshing Agenda for Change. Conference calls on the Health Service Group Executive to reject any proposals that lead to a detriment to our members.
Health Conference welcomes the growing acknowledgement in the public policy discourse that our health and social care systems are inter-related and interdependent. Health Conference believes that, where there are problems with the availability and quality of social care provision, the knock-on effects are felt in the NHS – both in increased demand for front-end health […]
Health Conference notes with alarm the growing crisis of underfunding in our NHS. The King’s Fund has reported that the share of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) spent on health has dropped from 8.8% in 2009, to 7.3% in 2014/15, and is projected to be just 6.6 percent in 2020. Conference condemns these cuts that do […]
This Conference congratulates UNISON Scotland in their outstanding success in tackling the scourge of low pay in the health service. From October 1st 2016 all staff employed in NHS Scotland on Agenda for Change Band One had their posts reviewed and all were offered Band Two posts with only very minor adjustments to their roles. […]
Conference congratulates Scotland for agreeing the eradication of Band 1, with suitable protection for those not wishing to move to Band 2. This is a major step forward in dealing with low pay. In Cymru/Wales we are beginning those negotiations, but given the difficult financial situation we will be stronger if all devolved nations had […]
Fair pay for apprentices Conference will be well aware of the ever increasing numbers of Apprentices being employed within the NHS. There is concern that Apprentices, in some cases, are being used as a cheaper source of labour, sometimes on minimum wage, instead of being paid the correct rate for the substantive post, as per […]
In today’s climate, within the NHS, changes are constantly happening to turn it into a profit making business, and mergers, staff reductions, and other distressing actions have all occurred. Consultations with staff appear to take place on an ad-hoc basis and lack full and meaningful discussions and negotiation. Staff experience new challenges on an almost […]
Conference welcomes the wealth of policy, good practice, advice and resources that we have built up over the past decades of equality organising. These include much policy and good practice in organising, bargaining and campaigning on Black LGBT equality. However, conference notes the continuing challenge of disseminating information and resources, leading to knowledge gaps and […]
Conference notes that UNISON was founded on the principles of solidarity and equality. These principles are vital for our union and also vital for a strong society where all can thrive. Conference is concerned about the voice and validation given to division and scapegoating in campaigning around the European Union (EU) referendum. The debate paid […]
Conference notes that the subject of stop and search has been debated on many occasions, but nothing has changed. People of African heritage are six times more likely to be stopped and searched by the police in England and Wales under Section 1 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 and 29 times as […]
This conference believes that Sickle Cell disease is the most prevalent blood disease that affects the Black community. Figures from The Sickle Cell Society show 1 in 10 black people are affected by this blood disorder. Insufficient funding is allocated to research into this disease and as a result an inequality exists which impacts on […]
For Black members who are not fully settled in the UK or do not have British Citizenship, immigration is a major issue. Immigration rules come and go and change overnight (as our European migrant worker colleagues are finding out!). A change in a shortage occupation list; a new salary threshold; a new English test requirement […]
Conference notes that recent research has confirmed that all women shortlists (AWS) are an effective means of reducing barriers for women to stand as candidates in elections, and that women elected in this way are diligent and active MPs, who contribute to positive democratic outcomes and help to foster diversity in decision making. Conference further […]
It is important that Black workers and members are equipped for the challenges within the changing and evolving landscape of the UK today. Conference recognises that a high proportion of Black workers eligible to join UNISON work in the “fragmented workforce” where they experience low pay and poor working conditions. Conference believes that recruitment is […]