Moments of truth: Sophie - clinical trials coordinator

Long hours, lack of staff and increasing stress have become a fact of life for public service workers.

Click this link to watch https://momentsoftruth.unison.org.uk/

Step up on 12 May in London

To book a seat on the Oxford City branch of UNISON's coach email 12maycaoch@gmail.com

Free travel paid for by Oxford City Branch of UNISON

Stress awareness

Our anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow but only empties today of its strengths. 

– Charles H. Spurgeon

Is it worth the money to be in UNISON?

A question we are asked a lot, and it is always great to receive feedback from our members, proving that when you need us we are there to support You, during and after your time of need.

Dear Unison

I just wanted to thank Unison for the recent support I received during a disciplinary investigation/hearing. I was until recently wondering whether to cancel my membership as I thought it was not that important to me and i wanted to try and skim my finances down slightly however I’m really glad i didn’t as the support i received from Lorraine Francis was brilliant and I really appreciated someone so knowledgeable to help and support me through the matter.

Lorraine was not only supportive but gave tremendous empathy as she knew my job role. My experience was positive and I really appreciated the help.

Well done Unison and Lorraine !!  

If you ever struggle to pay your membership subs or are thinking of leaving us, please talk to us first, we may be able to help or guild. 

National Table Tennis Day

Save the Date - Wednesday July 18

The date for National Table Tennis Day has been announced! Register your interest to be the first to hear about our exciting plans for the day and how you can get involved!

Click here to register your interest in national table tennis day

We are here to help, all you need to do is ask..

Workplace stress top 10 sources

1. 
   

UK bosses are risking workforce stress burnout

With April marking Stress Awareness Month, a new report has found UK businesses are in danger of having their workforces experience burnout, as despite a huge number feeling stressed at work, few bosses are doing anything to help.

For those British adults in employment, work is by far the most common cause of stress (59 per cent). Yet almost one in two (45 per cent) of British businesses do not offer anything to help alleviate this, according to a study of 3,000 UK workers carried out by Perkbox, the UK’s fastest growing employee benefits platform, as part of the 2018 UK Workplace Stress Report.

This is despite the fact that one in four (25 per cent) struggle to be as productive at work when stressed, and almost the same number find themselves disengaged with work as a result. In fact, at least one in 10 (10 per cent) of us will call in sick due to stress, while seven per cent will look for a new job.

Check out the full story at https://www.fmj.co.uk/perkbox-study-reveals-uk-bosses-risking-workforce-stress-burnout/

Changes to UNISON's membership form

There has been some changes to the UNISON membership form, and this is why.

The Workplace Stress Solution

17 Science-Backed Ways to Relieve Stress Right Now!

Spare 5 minutes? 

Minimum wage and national living wage

The national living wage and national minimum wage set minimum hourly rates that employers must legally pay workers in the UK.

How much is the national minimumwage?

National minimum wage levels vary, depending on your age and whether you are an apprentice. It is reviewed every year, with changes introduced every April.

From 1 April 2018, the hourly national minimum wage rates are:

• £7.83 for workers aged 25 and above (the so-called national living wage);
• £7.38 for workers aged 21-24;
• £5.90 for workers aged 18-20;
• £4.20 for workers aged 16-17;
• £3.70 for apprentices under 19, or in the first year of their apprenticeship.

Before this, from 1 April 2017, they were:

• £7.50 for workers aged 25 and above;
• £7.05 for workers aged 21-24;
• £5.60 for workers aged 18-20;
• £4.05 for workers aged 16-17;
• £3.50 for apprentices under 19, or in the first year of their apprenticeship.

“National living wage”

The top tier of the national minimum wage, payable to workers aged 25 and over, was labelled as a “national living wage” when it was introduced by the government in April 2016.

The government has set a target for this wage to rise to 60% of average earnings by 2020. However, the wage does not truly reflect a living wage, since it is not based on the cost of living.

Living wage

The Living Wage Foundation, an independent organisation that campaigns for a living wage  based on the true cost of living, announces its independently calculated wage rate at the beginning of living Wage Week, which takes place over the first week of November every year.

The living wage currently stands at £8.75 an hour outside London, and £10.20 an hour in London.

Who is eligible for the national minimum wage ?

Most workers are eligible for the national minimum wage – even if you agree to work for less or your contract says you are entitled to less. Employers are legally required to pay at least the national minimum wage.

What to do if you are paid less than the national minimum wage

If you are being paid less than the national minimum wage, speak to your UNISON representative. They can help you receive the correct amount of pay.