What have the Trade Unions done for us?

Dress codes and sex discrimination guidance

New guidance on Dress Codes and Sex Discrimination has been published by the Government Equalities Offices.

The guidance reminds employers that dress policies for men and women do not have to be identical, but standards imposed should be equivalent.

It also warns that requiring any gender-specific items, such as high heels, make up or have manicured nails, is likely to be unlawful.

GOV.UK- Dress codes and sex discrimination – what you need to know (pdf)

TUC WorkSmart app

The TUC has launched a pilot version of a new app – WorkSmart – that helps young people to progress at work, build relationships with co-workers, and learn about their rights. 

A thousand workers have already signed up. TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said: “Joining together in a trade union is still the best way to get a better deal at work. But unions need to reach out to the young workers in workplaces where there isn’t a union. “That’s why today we’ve launched a new pilot, WorkSmart – to find a way to get the benefits of trade unions to the young workers who need us most.”

Click here to download the WorkSmart App

Helping with the cost of school uniforms

There for You has once again got a limited fund to help members deal with the costs of school uniforms

UNISON is once more launching a scheme to help members on low incomes deal with the cost of buying school uniforms.

Families living on low income with children struggle constantly to make ends meet – and this can be particularly acute before the new school year begins when the extra costs hit hard.

The union’s welfare charity There for You has once again got a limited fund to help members deal with the costs of school uniforms.

Download the applications form Here

The closing date for receipt of completed application forms is Friday 20 July.

Survey about cuts to local council budgets and your working lives

We have recently launched a survey of our members about the impact of local government cuts on services, and the impact on their working lives – including workplace stress, use of food banks, and undertaking unpaid overtime. This forms part of our campaigning and lobbying strategy to secure more money for local government in the Autumn Budget. It is essential that we receive as many responses as possible from members, so that we have results for all branches that can be used for campaigning. Please share this survey with your colleagues and encourage them to fill it in. The deadline is 11th June.

CLICK HERE TO START SURVEY

Check out www.ambulanceLGBT.org

There's lots to get involved with this summer... Pride events, a photo competition and the first ever LGBT staff survey!

Check out www.ambulanceLGBT.org for all the latest

Discrimination and protected characteristics at work