Martin Lewis: Working from home due to coronavirus, even for a day? Claim TWO years' worth of tax relief

 IMPORTANT UPDATE 28 Jan 2022: Unconfirmed reports in the Telegraph suggest the Treasury may close the working-from-home tax rebate microsite, so employees can no longer claim a whole year's rebate if they've worked from home at any point, even for just a day in this or the last tax year – similar changes would likely affect self-assessment claims too. While there’s no date attached, for safety, if you haven't claimed yet and are eligible, read below and do it now...

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If you are requires you to work from home, you've always been able to claim for

increased costs, eg, heat or electricity, for the specific time at home. Yet during 

the 2020 lockdown, 

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) launched a 'microservice' which, even if you only

needed to work from home for a day, allowed you to get a WHOLE year's tax relief.

More information can be found here

Viedo explaining how to claim below

Local government: Nominate your local service champion

 

UNISON's annual awards for its local services champions launched this week, giving members the opportunity to nominate someone working in local authority services who have gone above and beyond.  It's a great opportunity to celebrate both colleagues and the services they provide. Nominations close on Friday 4 February.     Read the story     Nominate your champion

HeartUnions week

#HeartUnions week, 14-20 February 2022

Help us tell the story about why unions are vital for everyone at work and encourage people who aren't yet in a union to join. 

Click HERE to join us today

Annual General Meeting (AGM) for the Oxford City Branch of UNISON

This year's Annual General Meeting (AGM) for the Oxford City Branch of UNISON 

is on Thursday 31 March 2022. 

At this time take place online via Teams unless current restrictions change then we may do it in person.

The AGM is an important meeting for all members. It provides an opportunity for you to ask questions about the work of the union, see how branch finances have been used and you as members can help to set policy and agree on priorities for the year ahead.

The AGM also provides an opportunity for you to elect officials to lead the branch and represent your interests.

So if you would like to join us on Thursday 31 March 2022 from 15:00 until 16:00 and work for Oxford City Council or ODS you will need to register and book yourself a place here.  

A link to the meeting or location if we can do an in-person meeting, along with all paperwork will be sent to you closer to the date.

Motions and Rule Changes
If you would like to submit a motion for consideration or a change in the rules of the Branch please email office@oxfordcityunison.com and we will send you a form or click here please return by 13:00 on Monday 21 March 2022.


Electing your Branch Officials and Workplace Reps
One of the most important functions of the AGM is to elect officials to lead the branch for the year ahead. A whole range of different jobs are available in the branch each one of carries a really important set of responsibilities. Whether you’re face to face with managers in negotiations, representing members in a disciplinary, or helping members with a welfare claim – all are necessary to create an effective union team.

Any full member of the union can stand for election to any of the Branch Officer Positions (except for the Labour Link Officer who must be a member of the Labour Party), subject to obtaining the appropriate number of members to support the nomination.

Nominations should be received at the Branch Office no later than 13:00 on Wednesday 02 March 2022. In the event of there being more than one nomination for any officer post, a ballot will be held of all full members to determine the successful candidate, in the case of Labour Link Officer any election will be held of Labour Link members only.

If you would like to stand or like more info please email office@oxfordcityunison.com or click here to download a form or click here for a list of job roles

Branch AGM and Election Timetable

1. Motions, Rule Amendments, to be received by 13:00 on 21 March 2022
2. Branch Officer Nominations, Steward nominations etc. to be received by 13:00 on Wednesday 02 March 2022
3. Monday 27 March 2021 Ballots papers issued, if required
4. Final Agenda published Friday 25 March 2022
5. AGM – Thursday 31 March 2022, subject to the meetings being quorate.

Free Raffle
Every person that attends and books their place via the Eventbrite link will be automatically entered into a free raffle with a top prize of £100

Finally, just to remind you that UNISON is a democratic organisation that is member-led and the AGM and election process is important in ensuring that the union is and remains accountable to its members, not just for its policies and its activities but also in determining those members who will go on and speak for the union and our members. We, therefore, encourage you to play a full part in the process and to ask your colleagues to do likewise.

‘I don’t feel powerless anymore’

 

Young Black members on why they joined UNISON – and the many benefits

2022/24 Consultative Pay Ballot Results

 

Below is the pay ballot results as promised:- 

93.3% in favour

6.7% against

WHAT HAVE TRADE UNIONS EVER DONE FOR US?

 

For a start, unions stopped child labour. Unionised workplaces are safer, with 50% fewer accidents. Every year unions train 10,000 safety reps. Union members earn, on average, 12.5 per cent more than non-members. They have better job security and stay in their jobs for an average of five years longer than non-members. Unionised workplaces have higher productivity and fewer industrial tribunals.

Apart from that, though, trade unions have only gained us paid holidays, maternity and paternity leave, paid sick leave, equal pay legislation, pensions, and workplace anti-discrimination laws. Oh, and the weekend. It was unions that fought for a five-day working week.

And, of course, furlough was a result of unions negotiating with the government. We’ve all benefited by keeping the economy afloat.

The good news is that trade union membership is rising – with a net increase of 200,000 over the past three years. If you want to join a union, click here to join UNISON today.

Local pay ballot

Ballot papers have now been sent out via email to ask your view on the 2-year pay offer on the table, if you have not received your please email office@oxfordcityunison.com  to get your details updated.

Government must act right away to prevent disruption in schools, say unions

 Support staff, teachers, school leaders and families have united to urge the Westminster government to do more to protect pupils and staff from COVID-19 in the run-up to Christmas.

With increased concern over the Omicron variant, and classroom absences rising, UNISON, GMB, Unite and NASUWT have called for speedy action.

Read the full story here

Update your details today

 

We are in the process of arranging a ballot to ask you if your willing to except this years pay offer from Oxford City Council, so it’s now time to make sure your contact details are correct so we don’t leave you out.

To check your detail Click here or email office@oxfordcityunison.com

Your voice matters 

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