Saturday 20 June 2015

Conference updates 2015

Event outcomes

A full list of decisions taken at this conference will appear here soon.

Tuesday 16 June 2015

Tuesday 2 June 2015

Credit unions

Credit unions

Our There for You credit union service offers UNISON members access to low-interest loans and a range of savings products through our UK network of partner credit unions

Simple savings, sensible loans

Our There for You credit union service offers UNISON members access to low-interest loans and a range of savings products through our UK network of partner credit unions. Whether you're dissatisfied with current banking arrangements, are struggling with exorbitant interest rates charged by payday and other lenders or simply looking for an ethical alternative, credit unions may provide just the solution.
UNISON has established a network of credit unions covering the UK where members and their families can both save and take out low-interest loans - in many cases, through payroll deductions.
We already know just how many members are using payday loans and other high-interest loan products - often getting caught in a trap of spiralling debt. UNISON is promoting credit unions as financial and ethical co-operatives that will serve members in a safe and responsible way and promote financial wellbeing.

The benefits for UNISON members


1. Saving with a credit union
As little as £1 may be all you need to open a savings account. This could be a sensible option if you can only afford to save a small amount each week or every now and then. And your reward for saving will be that you receive a dividend each year - often in the region of 2-3% of the amount you have saved.
2. Borrowing from a credit union

Our credit union partners can offer loan products - including emergency loans - to members who do not necessarily meet the criteria to borrow from high street lenders such as banks and building societies, many of which have tightened their lending criteria as a consequence of the credit crunch. Loans come with no hidden charges and no penalties for early repayment.

Is a credit union right for me?

Joining a credit union could be for you if you are interested in being part of a democratically-led organisation that:
  • is for people and not for profit;
  • serves its members first and foremost; 
  • appeals to anyone wanting to support their local community and economy;
  • is committed to helping its members improve their financial situation; 
  • offers fairly-priced loans including to people with imperfect, limited or no credit history;
  • offers a broader range of savings and loan products than many other lenders; 
  • understands the differing banking needs that reflect a wide range of income groups;
  • is appropriately regulated - so is a safe place to save. 

How do I join a credit union?

Some credit unions are based on where you live or work and others, such as police credit unions, on the job you do.

Find out more

For more information read our Common Questions section.
For more details of the product range each credit union provides see our directory.
Alternatively, contact us and we will be happy to answer any questions that you may have.  

There for You (UNISON Welfare)

Financial assistance

If you are a member and you are experiencing financial difficulties, whatever the circumstances, There for You can offer you support.
You may have financial problems for reasons including:
  • relationship breakdown;
  • loss of income;
  • suffering from a long illness;
  • needing to buy equipment because of a disability;
  • caring for someone with special needs or an illness. 

Grants and funding


There is no guarantee that we can offer you financial help, but thousands of members and their families do benefit from our support every year. For example, in 2012, There for You gave more than 4,000 grants to members totalling nearly £750,000.
For more information contact us on 020 7121 5620 or email thereforyou@unison.co.uk or contact your branch welfare officer.

Credit unions


Our There for You credit union service offers UNISON members access to low-interest loans and a range of savings products through our UK network of partner credit unions



    Tuesday 26 May 2015

    We can't wait 5 more years for the possibility of an end to cuts and privatisation - we need to act now

    We can't wait 5 more years for the possibility of an end to cuts and privatisation - we need to act now

    As protests break out across the country...
    Oxfordshire Unite Against Austerity! Demonstrate 
    Sat 30th May
    Assemble 12 noon, Manzil Way green, Cowley Road, East Oxford to March into town.


    Facebook event to share to share
    Download leaflet and poster
    National demonstration London 30th June

    Book seats on Oxfordshire transport here

    Transport is free to members of supporting unions otherwise £12 waged and £6 concessions.  Book early to help us plan coaches from across Oxfordshire.


    Wednesday 20 May 2015

    postponed Branch Committee

    Dear All,

    Please note that we have postponed Branch Committee till the 1st of June due to the funeral for Val Smith as a mark of respect and to allow people to attend if they so wish.

    David and I will be going as representatives of the branch. It will take place in Blackbird leys in the Church of the Holy Family, they have asked for donations to the Bladder Cancer Centre.

    Best wishes


    Caroline and David


    Tuesday 19 May 2015

    Partnership Payment - all your Questions Answered!

    It's that time of year again! Do you have a burning question about the annual Partnership Payment? Well it may have been answered below.
    When are we getting paid?
    Payment will be made in the July payroll, due to credit on 28th July 2015
    How do I find out how much money I’m going to receive?
    All staff will be written too with the amount confirmed. Letters will be sent in July (before payslips are sent)
    What is the appraisal score and absence criteria for payment?
    The full criteria can be found by clicking here
    I was on probation / maternity leave and as such don’t have an appraisal score for 14/15 – am I eligible to receive payment?
    Yes – provided you have met the sickness criteria and there have been no problems with performance.
    I’m leaving the council soon – will I get the payment?
    You must be employed with the council on 28th July 2015 to be eligible for payment
    I’m part-time – is my payment pro-rata?
    Yes
    I only started with the council part-way through 2014/15 – will my payment be pro-rata?
    Yes, you will receive a part-payment calculated to cover how long you were working for the council in 2014/15
    I’m a manager, and I think some of my staff won’t be eligible for the payment? What should I do?
    In June, HR will contact Heads of Service / Managers to double-check who is and who isn’t receiving the payment. Once fully agreed, HR will provide details of employees who are not getting the payment so you can arrange to speak with them before they receive their letter.
    What happens if I don’t get a partnership payment and disagree with that – can I appeal?
    Yes – details will be given on the letter received in July.
    If I get a Partnership Payment, am I still eligible for the increment in October?
    Yes – provided you are paid at the bottom scale point of the grade.
    If you have any questions that we may have missed, please email payrollclaims@oxford.gov.uk and we'll answer it or talk to your UNISON steward 

    2024 Annual General Meeting

      2024 Annual General Meeting   Thursday 28 March 2024 15:00 till 16:00 St Aldates Tavern, St Aldates or online via Teams   One of the most ...