Monday 13 July 2015

Are your staff or colleagues observing Ramadan this month? See guidance from Acas

What is Ramadan?

In Islamic tradition Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar, when the first verses of the Koran/Qur'an were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. Observing Ramadan is regarded as one of the five pillars of Islam.

When is Ramadan?

The dates of Ramadan change each year and commences on Thursday 18 June in 2015, although this can vary slightly depending upon regional customs and when the new moon is first sighted. It lasts for 29-30 days and ends with the celebration of Eid-Ul-Fitr. The Islamic calendar is lunar, which means that days start at sunset.

What do people do during Ramadan?

Many Muslims will fast each day from sunrise to sunset. This includes not eating food, drinking liquids or smoking. It is common to have one meal known as the suhoor just before sunrise and an evening meal known as Iftar after sunset.
Ramadan is a time of prayer and self-reflection, where Muslims are encouraged to read the entire Qur'an.
Ramadan is also a time for charity-giving, which can involve both making donations and participating in charitable events.

Key workplace considerations during Ramadan



  • Observing Ramadan may be noticeable (for example not eating at lunchtime) and so it is often sensible for employees to inform their managers of the fact they are fasting. 
  • Fasting may affect people in different ways (for example some people may understandably become a little irritable or slightly tired at times) and some understanding from managers and colleagues can be helpful. 
  • The effects of fasting may be felt most strongly in the afternoon so it can help to use the morning for meetings and intellectually challenging work, and perform routine tasks later. Also when Ramadan falls in the summer months it can be particularly challenging as the days are longer. 
  • Although breaks should be kept, a shorter lunch may make it easier for an employee to manage their workload if they wish to take time off to carry out additional prayer or worship. 
  • Colleagues may want to avoid offer food and drink to those who fast if sharing food with other colleagues, or eating during meetings. 
  • It would be helpful to avoid meeting / social events etc that ALL staff must attend during Ramadan as it may people would still be fasting. 
  • In certain years, a considerable portion of annual leave may be used by employees wishing to observe the Ramadan rules. Where the leave timings can be accommodated, it is also important to ensure an employee has adequate leave days available for these needs. 
  • Awareness and understanding of Ramadan and other religious festivals can be aided by posting information on staff notice boards or newsletters etc. 
  • Ramadan may offer an opportunity for closer team relations and teamwork - for example by avoiding cakes / biscuits during a team meeting.

Sunday 28 June 2015

ACAS advice

Time off for antenatal appointments

Antenatal care is the care given to women during pregnancy. The number of antenatal appointments will be between seven and ten. Under certain circumstances, and for certain medical reason, some women may require more.

Key points

  • Pregnant employees are entitled to reasonable paid time off for antenatal care.
  • Fathers and partners of pregnant women are entitled to unpaid time off to attend two ante-natal appointments.
  • Time off is capped at six and a half hours for each appointment.
  • Adopters are allowed time off for adoption appointments.
  • Surrogacy parents will be allowed unpaid time off for two antenatal visits.

Pregnant employees

Pregnant employees are entitled to reasonable time off with pay for antenatal care made on the advice of a registered medical practitioner. This may include relaxation classes and parent-craft classes. Except for the first appointment, employees should show the employer (if requested), an appointment card or other documents showing that an appointment has been made. For a first baby women can expect to have up to 10 antenatal appointments. If an employee has previously had a baby then they may have about 7 antenatal appointments.

Fathers and partners

Fathers, partners and civil partners of a pregnant woman are entitled to unpaid time off during working hours to accompany her to 2 ante-natal appointments.
There is no legal right to paid time off for antenatal appointments. However, employers may allow this time off with pay under the terms and conditions of employment, or allow employees to take annual leave, swap shifts or make up time.

Adopters and surrogacy parents

The main adopter will be able to take paid time off for up to 5 adoption appointments. The secondary adopter will be entitled to take unpaid time off for up to 2 appointments.
The right to 2 unpaid antenatal appointments will also extend to those who will become parents though a surrogacy arrangement, if they expect to satisfy the conditions for, and intend to apply for a Parental Order for the child

https://twitter.com/acasorguk/status/615165407855575046 

Sunday 21 June 2015

Saturday 20 June 2015

Conference updates 2015

Event outcomes

A full list of decisions taken at this conference will appear here soon.

Tuesday 16 June 2015

Tuesday 2 June 2015

Credit unions

Credit unions

Our There for You credit union service offers UNISON members access to low-interest loans and a range of savings products through our UK network of partner credit unions

Simple savings, sensible loans

Our There for You credit union service offers UNISON members access to low-interest loans and a range of savings products through our UK network of partner credit unions. Whether you're dissatisfied with current banking arrangements, are struggling with exorbitant interest rates charged by payday and other lenders or simply looking for an ethical alternative, credit unions may provide just the solution.
UNISON has established a network of credit unions covering the UK where members and their families can both save and take out low-interest loans - in many cases, through payroll deductions.
We already know just how many members are using payday loans and other high-interest loan products - often getting caught in a trap of spiralling debt. UNISON is promoting credit unions as financial and ethical co-operatives that will serve members in a safe and responsible way and promote financial wellbeing.

The benefits for UNISON members


1. Saving with a credit union
As little as £1 may be all you need to open a savings account. This could be a sensible option if you can only afford to save a small amount each week or every now and then. And your reward for saving will be that you receive a dividend each year - often in the region of 2-3% of the amount you have saved.
2. Borrowing from a credit union

Our credit union partners can offer loan products - including emergency loans - to members who do not necessarily meet the criteria to borrow from high street lenders such as banks and building societies, many of which have tightened their lending criteria as a consequence of the credit crunch. Loans come with no hidden charges and no penalties for early repayment.

Is a credit union right for me?

Joining a credit union could be for you if you are interested in being part of a democratically-led organisation that:
  • is for people and not for profit;
  • serves its members first and foremost; 
  • appeals to anyone wanting to support their local community and economy;
  • is committed to helping its members improve their financial situation; 
  • offers fairly-priced loans including to people with imperfect, limited or no credit history;
  • offers a broader range of savings and loan products than many other lenders; 
  • understands the differing banking needs that reflect a wide range of income groups;
  • is appropriately regulated - so is a safe place to save. 

How do I join a credit union?

Some credit unions are based on where you live or work and others, such as police credit unions, on the job you do.

Find out more

For more information read our Common Questions section.
For more details of the product range each credit union provides see our directory.
Alternatively, contact us and we will be happy to answer any questions that you may have.  

There for You (UNISON Welfare)

Financial assistance

If you are a member and you are experiencing financial difficulties, whatever the circumstances, There for You can offer you support.
You may have financial problems for reasons including:
  • relationship breakdown;
  • loss of income;
  • suffering from a long illness;
  • needing to buy equipment because of a disability;
  • caring for someone with special needs or an illness. 

Grants and funding


There is no guarantee that we can offer you financial help, but thousands of members and their families do benefit from our support every year. For example, in 2012, There for You gave more than 4,000 grants to members totalling nearly £750,000.
For more information contact us on 020 7121 5620 or email thereforyou@unison.co.uk or contact your branch welfare officer.

Credit unions


Our There for You credit union service offers UNISON members access to low-interest loans and a range of savings products through our UK network of partner credit unions



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