Do your politicians care about you?

Ask your local candidates about pay and public services

Before you vote on 8 June, do you know where your local candidates stand on the issues that matter to you? 
UNISON represents people working in 

• local government
• NHS
• social care
• education
• police
• community and voluntary sector
• utilities and transport

That’s why we think it’s important to look at what the parties and candidates who want to be our local MPs have to say about your pay, jobs and public services.

Click this link to 

Email your local candidates and visit the UNISON dedicated web site

Oxford stands with Manchester

After last night's appalling events at the Manchester Arena Oxford City Council have lowered the flag to half mast over Town Hall Oxford.

If you would like to sign a book of condolences, Manchester City Council have created an online book of condolences. 

A despicable act designed to cause maximum pain’

‘Hatred will never triumph,’ says Dave Prentis in response to last night's Manchester Arena atrocity

Responding to the terror attack at Manchester Arena, UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said: “This was a despicable act designed to cause maximum pain and suffering. It’s barbaric beyond words that this happened at a concert attended by so many children and young people. “Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected including the wounded, those searching for loved ones, and those grieving a terrible loss. “We also pay tribute to those public servants involved – their response was incredible. Many worked through the night to save lives or rushed into work to help when news broke of the attack. And they will continue to put Manchester back together in the days and weeks ahead. “Strangers providing young people with a place to stay, taxi drivers taking people to safety and long queues at blood banks this morning tell a simple but important story – that hatred will never triumph.”

Register to vote

Your voice does matter, don't lose it.

Click here to Register-to-vote now.

There For You

UNISON’s welfare service for members and their families

Your union supports you at work, but we know there’s a whole world of other issues that can cause stress, unhappiness, and generally prevent you achieving what you want to achieve.

That’s why UNISON runs a support service covering finances, health, family, personal development and more. This is in addition to the work reps do supporting members at work.

It’s important too that members have a strong voice when it comes to national issues that seriously impact on living standards, such as the welfare system, public services, and jobs. UNISON campaigns in Parliament so policy-makers listen to the voice of public service staff.

How to access There For You

Your branch should have a Welfare Officer trained to support members to find the services they need from UNISON. They’re your first port of call.

Click to find local Branch Finder or check Our facebook page  

UNISON There for You: School Uniform Grant 2017

UNISON There for You: School Uniform Grant 2017

If you have children in full time education, you may be eligible to receive a school uniform grant from UNISON’s charity There for You.  To be considered, you must either be:

In receipt of Housing Benefit; or

Your net annual income is £18,000 or below [Note: We ignore the following income Child benefit, any childcare element included as part of your working tax credits, Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payment].

Also, you will need to have paid a minimum 4 weeks membership subscriptions before 22nd May 2017

To take advantage of this grant please complete the forms below and return to us with all the supporting documentation requested. We’ve also included a Q&A setting out the full conditions and eligibility criteria which should answer any questions that you have.

Please note the closing date is 21st July.

It’s worth a try.  Just log on to www.unison.co.uk/thereforyou 

Need a summer holiday loan?

Thank your champion today

Thank your champion

Every hour of every day, people in public services help make our lives better. They keep us safe, educate our children, and care for our loved ones. Now, all over the UK, people are showing their appreciation for the vital work they do.

Add your thank you now

Non-voters outnumber voters

Celebrating Our Diversity in Oxford and Canterbury

 The busy summer of celebrating UNISON's diversity has officially kicked off with colourful participation at Oxford and Canterbury Prides in the last couple of weeks.

Posted by Ryan Slaughter660sc on June 14, 2016
 

 

The South East Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Group has

been out in full force celebrating the great history UNISON has in fighting for justice and liberation for LGBT communities across the world. On Satuday 4th June UNISON Oxfordshire Health branch led the organisation and sponsorship of Oxford Pride spreading our message of proud to be in UNISON at the event attended by over 5000 people. Members engaged with revelers giving out employments advice, recruiting new members and explaining the pivitol role UNISON campaigning plays in fighting for the rights of LGBT people. On Saturday 11th June UNISON members attended Canterbury Pride a new event on the LGBT calendar, this follows the excellent work our regional LGBT group does at supporting local community based prides.

  

 

 Upcoming UNISON South East supported Pride Events:

    Portsmouth Pride 18th June, Southsea Common

    Brighton Trans Pride 23rd July, Brunswick Gardens

    Margate Pride 13th August, Margate Seafront

    Reading Pride 3rd September, King's Meadow Park

 

    If you want to march with us, help us on our stalls or become active in the UNISON South East LGBT Group please contact Ron Harley

Your vote matters

Having your say through the ballot box is always important.

On 4 May 2017 there are local and county council elections across much of the UK. Additionally, for the first time a number of cities and regions will also be electing mayors. Finally, on the 8 June there will be a general election.

All these elected representatives will make decisions that affect your local public services.

The elections are an opportunity for you to vote for the candidate who will defend public services. Be a Public Service Champion. Vote.

UNISON’s Public Service Champions campaign is all about highlighting the pressures on the vital services that affect our everyday lives after nearly 10 years of austerity.

By speaking to candidates about your concerns you help ensure that these issues are at the top of the agenda in these elections.

Find out about elections where you live, and register to vote.

Back your public service champions

Pledge your support today

Across the NHS, our schools, libraries, care services, police, and all council services, our Public Service Champions do an amazing job. But due to spending cuts, they’re in crisis. That’s why the Public Service Champions campaign is calling for:

• Proper funding for all our public services
• The right number of appropriately trained staff to keep our services safe and effective
• A voice for local communities about how their services are provided
• More openness about the decisions that affect how our public services are delivered
• The economic benefits of public services to be recognised.

Pledge now to back your champions and we’ll keep you up-to-date on how your support makes a difference to the services we all depend on – and the people who deliver them.

Register your support now.

UK Prime Minister Theresa May has announced plans to call snap general election on 8 June.

Some useful tools

YOU ARE HER

Overtime Calculator
Working extra hours without pay? Find out what it could be costing you.

Union Finder
Work out which trade union is relevant to your company or sector.

YOUR MONEY:

Pay Reckoner
Calculate your hourly rate from an annual salary

Tax Calculator
Work out your income tax and National Insurance bill.

Minimum Wage Calculator
Check if you're entitled to the National Minimum Wage, and if so, how much.

Redundancy Pay Calculator
See how much statutory redundancy pay you are entitled to. This site is only a guild, please talk to your steward to find out how to get a true figure.