Welsh schools must remain closed until February

School support staff want Welsh schools to remain closed to face-to-face teaching for the whole of January and UNISON urges Welsh government to urgently consider, as in England, staying closed until after the February half-term because public safety is at risk with spiralling infection rates.

UNISON reaction to statement by Welsh education minister

Responding to the announcement from the Education Minister, UNISON Cymru Wales lead officer for schools Rosie Lewis said, “UNISON welcomes the announcement by the Education Minister this afternoon that all secondary schools in Wales will close to pupils and move to online learning for the remainder of term. “Earlier this month, we  wrote to the […]

Nine health unions issue plea in desperate bid to protect NHS

Nine unions representing frontline healthcare workers have joined forces to highlight the impact the rise in cases is having on the staff providing care, and to urge the public to do all they can to protect the NHS

Two thirds of Black NHS Wales workers have experienced racism at work

Two thirds of NHS Wales’ Black workers have experienced racism at work, a joint survey between UNISON and ITV Wales has found.

First Minister delivers heartfelt message to ‘Stars in Our Schools’

The First Minister has recorded a special video praising the vital work of school support staff for UNISON’s ‘Stars in our Schools’ celebration today (Friday). Each year in November, the public services union holds a UK-wide Stars in our Schools event to shine a light on the often unheralded work of school support staff who help […]

Betsi Cadwaladr: Staff reaction as health board comes out of special measures

UNISON staff representatives at Betsi Cadwaladr have praised the efforts of healthcare workers as central to transforming the working culture at the Health Board.

UNISON Cymru Wales calls for payment of a homeworking allowance for all public sector workers having to work from home

UNISON Wales has been in ongoing discussions with employers at local and all Wales levels, and also with Welsh Government Ministers, seeking agreement that all staff who are required by their employer to work from home, should be paid an allowance by their employer to cover the extra costs incurred by home working. Since the […]

UNISON Cymru Wales regional committee nominates Christina McAnea for general secretary

The Cymru Wales Committee agreed on 21 September to nominate Christina McAnea for the General secretary election for the following reasons: Christina is the woman to lead the UK’s largest union. She has the influence, profile and experience on the national stage and understands devolution. A tough negotiator, determined campaigner and no nonsense communicator, Christina will stand up for public services in Wales and across the UK. […]

Housing association Bron Afon forces ‘miserly’ pay deal on Covid heroes

Bron Afon are happy talk about how hard their staff have worked throughout the pandemic – but won’t reward them, say GMB & UNISON 

UNISON responds to Daily Post story: Betsi hospital masks

As a public services trade union, the safety of our members in the workplace is paramount and that’s why we have been working in partnership with Betsi Cadwaladr to ensure the highest protections for NHS staff.

Health workers in Wales urge local MPs to back early pay rise for exhausted staff and to protect the NHS  

Hundreds of health staff across Wales – including nurses, paramedics, cleaners, domestics and porters – are writing to the region’s 22 MPs asking them to back UNISON’s call for NHS staff to get an early pay rise in time for Christmas.  

Jobs cut threatens access to Cardiff leisure services

  A decision by Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) to cut 35 full-time jobs across Cardiff leisure services will damage people’s access to sports centres and the quality of service provided, UNISON Cymru Wales has said. Emma Garson, UNISON Cardiff County branch secretary said, “Everyone appreciates how leisure services have been affected by the pandemic but […]

Union slams Prime Minister for not valuing care workers

Thousands of mainly female, low paid care workers will be incensed to learn today (Friday), the Prime Minister has refused to waive tax and National Insurance deductions from the £500 Covid bonus granted by Welsh government.

Appointment of Mental Health Minister welcome

UNISON has welcomed the appointment of a Mental Health Minister by Welsh Government as an important step forward in tacking mental health and wellbeing in Wales. Carmen Bezzina, UNISON Cymru Wales mental health lead, said: “UNISON has long campaigned in Wales for the need for a Mental Health Minister to form part of the Welsh […]

Bangor University to slash 200 jobs

Staff at Bangor University were yesterday (Wednesday) informed that 200 people are to be made redundant.