New mobile-friendly UNISON website released for testing

Activists invited to test new website design before it is officially launched later this Summer

A new-look UNISON website is now available for testing by activists.

The design of the site has been updated so that it works much better on mobiles and tablets with content re-flowing according to the size of your screen.

There are also some changes behind the scenes that should make the site faster and more flexible. And we’ve taken the opportunity to tidy up a few areas of content too.

To get a sneak peek at the site please visit: http://beta.unison.org.uk

Bug reporting

Though the UNISON team has been working hard to find bugs and get them fixed, we’re certain to have missed some. Activists and members can help us by reporting any bugs or problems we’ve missed before we launch the new site officially.
Anyone can report any bugs, content problems or suggest possible features using our online form.
Report a bug or submit a suggestion

Plans for the future

Following this redesign, we’re planning to deliver new features on a regular basis. We welcome any suggestions on features you’d like us to include in the future.

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.
  

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 

Help to get a better work life balance

	Acas (@acasorguk)
21/06/2015 17:01 To celebrate #FathersDay, we've got a new guide to help dads get a better work-life balance  ow.ly/OzZdL pic.twitter.com/vmjJKiBrUz

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Conference updates 2015

Event outcomes

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

Conference updates 2015

Click  Conference undate for all the latest news from this years conference.

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

• About credit unions
• Common questions
• Directory

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.

Go to our directory and find the one that best suits you. Then contact us or, if you prefer, click on the link to go their website. If you are contacting a credit union directly, please say you are a UNISON member and quote reference T4Y.

Visit our directory or contact us

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

Find out more about credit unions

We can't wait 5 more years for the possibility of an end to cuts and privatisation - we need to act now

We can't wait 5 more years for the possibility of an end to cuts and privatisation - we need to act now

As protests break out across the country...
Oxfordshire Unite Against Austerity! Demonstrate 

Sat 30th May

Assemble 12 noon, Manzil Way green, Cowley Road, East Oxford to March into town.


Facebook event to share to share
Download leaflet and poster
National demonstration London 30th June

Book seats on Oxfordshire transport here

Transport is free to members of supporting unions otherwise £12 waged and £6 concessions.  Book early to help us plan coaches from across Oxfordshire.

postponed Branch Committee

Dear All,

Please note that we have postponed Branch Committee till the 1^st of June due to the funeral for Val Smith as a mark of respect and to allow people to attend if they so wish.

David and I will be going as representatives of the branch. It will take place in Blackbird leys in the Church of the Holy Family, they have asked for donations to the Bladder Cancer Centre.

Best wishes

Caroline and David

Partnership Payment - all your Questions Answered!

It's that time of year again! Do you have a burning question about the annual Partnership Payment? Well it may have been answered below.
When are we getting paid?
Payment will be made in the July payroll, due to credit on 28th July 2015
How do I find out how much money I’m going to receive?
All staff will be written too with the amount confirmed. Letters will be sent in July (before payslips are sent)
What is the appraisal score and absence criteria for payment?
The full criteria can be found by clicking here
I was on probation / maternity leave and as such don’t have an appraisal score for 14/15 – am I eligible to receive payment?
Yes – provided you have met the sickness criteria and there have been no problems with performance.
I’m leaving the council soon – will I get the payment?
You must be employed with the council on 28th July 2015 to be eligible for payment
I’m part-time – is my payment pro-rata?
Yes
I only started with the council part-way through 2014/15 – will my payment be pro-rata?
Yes, you will receive a part-payment calculated to cover how long you were working for the council in 2014/15
I’m a manager, and I think some of my staff won’t be eligible for the payment? What should I do?
In June, HR will contact Heads of Service / Managers to double-check who is and who isn’t receiving the payment. Once fully agreed, HR will provide details of employees who are not getting the payment so you can arrange to speak with them before they receive their letter.
What happens if I don’t get a partnership payment and disagree with that – can I appeal?
Yes – details will be given on the letter received in July.
If I get a Partnership Payment, am I still eligible for the increment in October?
Yes – provided you are paid at the bottom scale point of the grade.
If you have any questions that we may have missed, please email payrollclaims@oxford.gov.uk and we'll answer it or talk to your UNISON steward 

Join today

UNISON represents people employed in all areas of local government. We make sure the needs and rights of workers in this sector and related public services in our service group are recognised and defended. By working together within UNISON, local government workers can achieve more.

Click to email office

Free Learning Event

UNISON and Ruskin College

Free Learning Event 

 10am until 4pm 18 March 2015

 @ Ruskin College,

Dunstan Rd, 

Old Headington, 

Oxford,

OX3 9BZ

The learning event is open to all UNISON members and non-members. It is free of charge but for catering purposes you will need to return an application form. If you are a UNISON member and would like travel costs to be covered, you will need to contact your local UNISON branch.
For more information about the above please contact Katia Widlak on 07508 080 397 or k.widlak@unison.co.uk

To celebrate and promote the benefits of adult learning, UNISON in partnership with Ruskin College is organising a taster day of courses and workshops for everyone.

The event will showcase Ruskin College’s courses ranging from informal short courses to degree level and UNISON’s learning activities and opportunities.

The event will include a market place where you will get information from various stalls about what UNISON and Ruskin College have to offer. The marketplace will be available throughout the day to answer your questions. Please come and join us!