Sexual harassment isn’t just a problem for celebrities. It’s rife in ordinary workplaces everywhere. It affects us too.

Sexual harassment can have devastating effects, often leading to ill-health and work-related stress, affecting work performance and a survivor’s personal life. 

Half of women have been sexually harassed at work. Two thirds of LGBT+ people have experienced it too. And what’s really shocking is that 4 out of 5 people don’t feel able to report it to their employer.

So after months of campaigning, we welcome the government’s recent announcement that it finally plans to change the law and introduce a mandatory duty on employers to prevent sexual harassment, including third-party harassment. 

It’s an important victory for UNISON and the whole coalition of unions, women’s rights bodies and business organisations working together in the #ThisIsNotWorking alliance. But most importantly, for UNISON members delivering public services, this represents a positive practical step towards stamping out harassment at work from clients, patients and contractors as well as from colleagues. 

The government has stated that it will introduce legislation “as soon as parliamentary time allows”. For workers who continue to suffer, and who currently feel that nothing will be done if they report harassment, it’s action, not words, that will make a difference. 

UNISON will keep a close eye on the government and press for it to introduce a properly enforceable law so that all employers make prevention a priority and are held severely to account when they let their workers down. We will be watching – and we stand ready to act if we don’t see the urgent change we need.

What to do if you are being sexually harassed at work

•  Speak to a trusted friend or family member. 
• Speak to your UNISON rep. 
• Keep a record of what has happened to you (including time, date, location and any witnesses or evidence such as copies of letters, text messages, emails, etc, as well as details of any medical help sought). 
• If you feel sufficiently safe, tell the harasser to stop. You could ask them in writing. Your UNISON rep should be able to support you. Keep a record of any steps you have taken to stop the sexual harassment and of any response from the harasser. 
• Speak to your line manager or, if they are the harasser, to a more senior manager or to the HR department. 
• If the problem is not resolved, make a formal complaint using your workplace grievance procedure or the reporting procedure within your workplace anti-harassment policy (if there is one). Your UNISON rep should be able to support you. 
• If the issue is still not resolved, you may be able to take it to an employment tribunal. Your UNISON rep should be able to support you. You can also contact There for You on 020 7121 5620, email thereforyou@unison.co.uk or speak to your branch welfare officer.
  
  
  

UNISON welcomes government pledge to end violence at work

 

UNISON has welcomed the Westminster government’s announcement that it plans to ratify Convention 190 from the International Labour Organization’s (ILO), which says that everyone has a right to work free from violence and harassment.

It is the first international treaty to recognise this, and specifically includes gender-based violence and harassment. The union is calling on the Conservative government to ensure words are rapidly turned into action.

Read the full story by clicking Here

Black LGBT+ Pride event, Saturday 30 October 2021, 6 to 7 pm, online via MS Teams

Black LGBT+ Pride event celebrating Black History Month, Saturday 30 October 2021, 6 to 7 pm, online via MS Teams, hosted by UNISON Oxford University & Colleges and UNISON Oxfordshire Health Branches.

Equality is at the heart of everything that UNISON does, and we are proud of our work to raise the voices of our Black, LGBT+ and Disabled members. Black History Month this year comes at a time where communities are trying to rebuild and recover from a global pandemic. The pandemic has highlighted inequalities across all equality groups, and has left many Black, LGBT+ and disabled members feeling isolated, having been forced to shield, dealing with the loss of loved ones, suffering genuine fear for their lives as frontline workers. 

Whilst COVID-19 has not gone away, we are gradually returning to more normal activities, and many people are really desperate for something to celebrate.

UNISON Oxford University & Colleges branch and UNISON Oxfordshire Health have come together to sponsor a Black LGBT+ Pride performance, which will take place online on Saturday 30 October, at 6pm.

Through MelanEyes: Say it Loud, Say it Proud

This provocative show features Black LGBT+ performers reclaiming the power of their bodies. Members can expect fun, politics and unapologetic ‘LGBTness’. 

Through MelanEyes are described as a collective of Chosen Family from across borders, coming together to build something better from the arts. 

Expect the unexpected, and bring an open mind! Some acts will be racy, some will be political, and some will explore why Black LGBT+ bodies are taboo in your more mainstream pride events. 

This event is strictly 18+ and is a space for Black members, LGBT+ members and their allies. There is much discussion around what is art and what is lewd, and how to respect everyone’s comfort. All acts will include a content warning and there will be a BSL interpreter and Audio description for all acts. There will also be a chance to chat to all the performers after the show and 5 lucky audience members will win prizes sourced from Black owned businesses!

So get excited! Registration is open now and UNISON members can bring up to 4 guests. This event is just as much a challenge as it is a celebration, and we hope you will enjoy a group that demonstrates what we can do if we all work together! Thank you for your interest in this event! 

The event is limited to UNISON members and up to four guests. In order to attend the event, we require a valid email address for each attendee. 

UNISON members must provide their membership number to register themselves and their guests (up to a maximum of four each) at the same time, and the UNISON member must provide a valid email address for each person being registered.

Please register using this Eventbrite link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/through-melaneyes-an-online-performance-for-black-history-month-tickets-180156191017 

All personal data will only be used for the event and follow up feedback survey. We will not share your data with any other parties. You can read UNISON’s privacy policy here https://www.unison.org.uk/privacy-policy/

Please have a look at the Through MelanEyes Facebook page and website.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MxRomeoDeLaCruz

Website: Through MelanEyes

Home & Hybrid Working - Ensuring an inclusive approach

The permanent switch to more home working following the pandemic will cause rising gender inequality in the workplace, according to experts, unless employers carefully monitor their new working policies to make sure women and disabled workers aren’t disadvantaged.

The switch to working from home necessitated by coronavirus lockdowns has, 18 months on, resulted in a permanent change in workplace culture.

Earlier in the pandemic, there were hopes that the wider adoption of remote working might remove the gender divide, while also reducing the so-called “maternity penalty” and getting rid of a culture of presenteeism.

Yet, many employment experts are warning that the hybrid working model favoured by most large organisations, allowing staff to split their time between home and their desks, could have unintended consequences for gender equality.

Leaving the choice of the workplace entirely in the hands of staff likely will mean those with caring responsibilities or with disabilities will tend to stay at home and other employees will likely go into the office. There is a fear that those at home will look like they’re less committed to their job, they won’t have as a good a relationship with their manager or feel part of a wider team or have the same opportunities.

UNISON would like to explore how this switch to hybrid working has affected you and hear of any concerns that you have about this.

To take part in the survey click HERE

World Mental Health Day and World Homeless Day (Wednesday, October 13)

 

Oxfordshire Mental Health Partnership (OMHP) and Oxfordshire Homeless Movement are joining forces to bring you a webinar to coincide with World Mental Health Day and World Homeless Day.

Wednesday, October 13 @1–2pm - register now

Featuring guest speakers who are true experts by experience, this is a powerful opportunity to explore some of the toughest barriers to good mental health support, and how the partners plan to overcome them at a crucial time.

Oxfordshire’s homelessness problems epitomise the inequality in our county, and lack of access to affordable housing pushes too many people into crisis. At least 50 per cent of people experiencing homelessness are diagnosed with a mental health condition, underlining that these two issues are inextricably linked.

Be inspired and informed by the voices of the people we serve and have your say on what the future of Oxfordshire’s mental wellbeing looks like for you.

Register now for this motivational event commemorating this year’s World Mental Health Day theme: Mental Health in an Unequal World.

Council and school pay

 Please do Note 

Oxford City Council 

Pay is agreed locally 

Despite your courage and sacrifice throughout COVID-19, council and school workers have been offered 1.75%. With inflation at 3.8%, that’s a real terms pay cut. UNISON is launching a consultation and strongly recommends members vote to reject such an unfair offer.

 

 

Free lunchtime webinar for UNISON members on 28 Sept, hosted by our members' charity There for You and delivered by The Money Charity. It's all about financial wellbeing and it'll offer accessible info on things like your credit score, dealing with problem debt and staying on top of your finances.

Register now 👇 

https://www.unison.org.uk/events/financial-wellbeing-for-unison-members/

Save Our Services

Vital local services that you work so hard to deliver are facing catastrophic cuts. Libraries are shutting, waste collections are reducing, and social services are shrinking. More and more essential services that we all rely on every day are crumbling away. 

But nobody knows how much our services need funding better than you. Now, we need to let our friends, families and the whole country know just how much their local services desperately need funding. 

 

 

Local services are facing catastrophic cuts. In the fight against coronavirus, councils had to spend billions to protect the most vulnerable and lost crucial income as the country went into lockdown. After 10 years of cuts, local services were already stretched, particularly in deprived areas where harsher cuts were targeted.

Local services must be resilient and properly funded. Yet even our most basic services are facing drastic cuts.

Cuts to your local area

How bad will cuts be in your local area?

We asked every council in England, Wales and Scotland to tell us how much extra funding they need. Click through to find out the funding gap facing your local council:

Go to councilcuts.unison.org.uk

 South East Region Black History Month

Proud to be in UNISON

• Online Celebration for all Black members in UNISON SE Region!
• Friday 15 October  - Black Leadership Skills course delivered by Sam Raymond, Regional Education Officer 09:30 – 16:30
• Saturday 16 October – Time to celebrate! 09:30 – 13:00
• Rosita Ellis, Chair of Regional Black Members Committee
• A chance to talk Black History with amazing BBC Black Historian, David Olusoga.
• Fun Quiz!!
• Black People who have inspired us – presentations from members of Regional Black Members Committee.
• Email c.Boorman@unison.co.uk to register.

Masks save lives

 Masks save lives so keep yours on when in public or crowded places

Moving to step 4 explained with British Sign Language

 

UNISON member support and services

UNISON can help you in many ways, both at work and at home. 

If you are not sure who you should contact for help, or where to find the information that you need.

There for You (UNISON Welfare) www.unison.org.uk/get-help/services-support/there-for-you/ 

Members experiencing financial and emotional difficulties can contact our welfare charity, There for You, which provides a confidential advice and support service for members and their dependents.

Help from your rep email us office@oxfordcityunison.com 

As a UNISON member you have direct access to representatives, or reps, who are available to support you. There are different kinds of workplace reps and they can each help you in different ways.

Legal services www.unison.org.uk/get-help/services-support/legal-services/

UNISON provides quality legal services for employment-related and non-work issues at no extra cost to members and their families. In fact, UNISON provides the broadest range of legal help to union members in the UK.

Professional registration www.unison.org.uk/get-help/services-support/professional-registration/

Our professional services unit (PSU) represents members who are registered professionals and have their fitness to practise in their profession called into question. We can represent any eligible member who is registered with a regulatory body in order to hold their professional title.

Struggling to make ends meet? Worried about back to school costs. School uniform grants

 

UNISON's very own charity, There for You, has once again set up a fund to help members on low incomes struggling with the cost of school uniforms. Grants of £50 per child are available, up to a maximum of £150 per family. Just one more practical way UNISON is making life better for our members. Applications are to be made via a downloadable form, and are live from today, Thursday 1 July. But act now as this is a limited fund, so once it's gone, it's gone.

Find out more and apply now

Right to disconnect

If you think workers have the right to switch off sign the petition: Introduce a Right to Disconnect for all UK workers.

Research shows that our working days are getting longer, and the conveniences of digital technology mean too many of us have found ourselves in an ‘always on’ work culture. In turn, that is leading to increased stress levels and burnout. 1 in 3 of us say we’re struggling to switch off from work.

Right to Disconnect is becoming a reality in countries from France to the Philippines and Argentina to Ireland – it’s time the UK caught up and now is the time for us to act. Sign petition

Watch and share video: Facebook

Employers will no longer be able to get away with mistreating any employees who take part in union-organised workplace disputes following an important legal decision

 

Employers will no longer be able to mistreat staff who take part in union-organised workplace disputes, following an important legal decision. An employment appeal tribunal heard a case involving a care worker who had been disciplined, suspended and prevented from going into work by her employer, after she took part in a long-running dispute over plans to cut payment for sleep-in shifts. The tribunal found that UK law was not compliant with international human rights law, and has acted to ensure that striking workers are now protected.

Read more

Read the judgment in full

HOW DO TRADE UNIONS WORK?

 Trade unions are groups of working people who join together to defend and improve their working conditions.

Trade unions believe that ‘unity is strength’, because it is by standing together and speaking with one voice that unions can fight and win for members.

Trade unions are democratic, member-led bodies, grounded in the workplace, with reps elected to fight for members at work, and represent them in the union. The union’s priorities, campaigns and policies are decided by members and elected reps through each union’s individual structures.

Lets take care as we go to step 3

 

From 17 May, let's celebrate but protect our new freedom

From the 17th May we can start to enjoy even greater freedom and move a step closer to normality. Socialising indoors in groups of up to six people or two households, overnight stays, and limited international travel are just some of the changes.

Thank you to everyone for pulling together to get to this point. Continuing to follow the hands, face, space, fresh air guidelines, along with testing twice a week, will ensure this is a confident step forward.

Click here to read more info from the OCC

Every mind matters

 

There are things we can all do to look after our mental wellbeing and the Every Mind Matters Mind Plan can provide NHS approved personalised advice on positive steps people can take to help manage anxiety, sleep better and boost your mood. You can share a link to the Every Mind Matters mental health action plan with you networks or embed the Mind Plan on your website – instructions on how to do this can be found here.

Financial assistance From your UNISON

If you are a member and you are experiencing financial difficulties, whether due to coronavirus or other circumstances, There for You can offer you support, including one-off grants.

• COVID-19 response fund
• UNISON benefits calculator
• Help with debt

COVID-19 response fund

The COVID-19 response fund offers grants of up to £500 to help members whose household incomes have been affected by the pandemic.

In addition to There for You funds, we are very grateful to have received generous grants from UNISON and CHSA (the COVID-19 Healthcare Support Appeal) which enable us to support members who are struggling at this time.

Check whether you are eligible and apply online here:

Apply online

By far the quickest way to apply and receive a decision is online.  If you are unable to apply online, please ​check if you are eligible and email covidgrantenquiries@unison.co.uk with your name, membership number and address and we will post a form to you.​ 

 

Other financial assistance

You may have financial difficulties for all sorts of unexpected reasons, such as:

• Loss of income;
• Relationship breakdown;
• Bereavement;
• Suffering from a long illness;
• Needing to buy equipment because of a disability;
• Caring for someone with special needs or an illness.

What we can help with

There for You is proud to support thousands of members and their families every year with things such as:

• general living costs
• household appliances
• urgent repairs
• disability equipment and adaptations
• utility bills
• funeral costs

Check out by clicking HERE to see if your eligible 

International Workers’ Memorial Day

 

Wednesday 28 April is International Workers’ Memorial Day. This is the day when we get together to remember all those who have died through their work, and rededicate ourselves to the fight for the living.

But never has this annual day – and the act of remembrance – felt more important.

Thousands of workers across the UK will be continuing to care for those suffering from COVID-19 or delivering the vital public services that protect us and keep us and our communities going – as they have over the past year of pandemic.

Their health and safety is entwined with everyone’s health and safety. And in working as they have, they’re potentially putting their safety – and possibly even their lives – at risk. UNISON says ‘thank you’ to every single key worker for everything they are doing for our communities during this unprecedented period.

The past year has given a timely reminder that unionised workplaces are safer workplaces. On this International Workers’ Memorial Day UNISON is calling on everyone to hold a minute’s silence, at 11am, specifically to remember those who have died of COVID-19 while carrying out their work.

Other things you can do include:

• Tweet at us – @unisontweets – with your pictures of public service workers, whether of yourselves or colleagues continuing to do the jobs that are keeping us all safe;
• if you are having a problem getting PPE, let us know;
• email any other COVID-19 safety-related issues to healthandsafety@unison.co.uk 

Find out more about health and safety at UNISON 

Become a UNISON safety rep