Let’s say thank you to all our key workers

UNISON has become a partner in the /together coalition, which this weekend will unite the country to celebrate the NHS’ birthday and commemorate all those who have died from the coronavirus.

Click HERE for the full story from UNISON 

Tax relief for homeworking

You may be able to claim tax relief for some of the bills you have to pay because you have to work at home on a regular basis. You cannot claim tax relief if you choose to work from home.

You can only claim for things to do with your work, for example, business telephone calls or the extra cost of gas and electricity for your work area.

You cannot claim for things that you use for both private and business use, for example, rent or broadband access.

From 6 April 2020, your employer can pay you up to £6 a week (£26 a month) to cover your additional costs if you have to work from home. For previous tax years, the rate is £4 a week (£18 a month).

You will not need to keep any records.

Check if you can claim

The trades union congress (TUC) needs your help

Help us keep workers safe when they return to work after lockdown by testing our new website. We need your help to ensure employers are acting responsibly and keeping their employees safe by conducting COVID-Secure risk assessments.

Employers should publish their risk asseements on their websites. But so far, very few employers are publishing them, and we fear many are ignoring their duties altogether. 

We want you to help us report employers that are neglecting their responsibility. So please spare some time to check out our new reporting website https://covidsecurecheck.uk/ 

The website lets workers:

• Add a risk assessment they’ve found, or flag an employer that hasn’t published.
• Join a survey panel to help crowdsource safety data on workplaces as more return.
• Get advice on how to address safety concerns in the workplace.

Your thoughts and help will be hugely useful in building this new resource.

If you’ve got time, please

• Check out the website https://covidsecurecheck.uk/, let us know what you think at info@covidsecurecheck.uk
• Add a record for your employer or another in your sector
• Become a COVID-Secure Monitor, and join our survey panel

 Thanks for your help in making our workplaces safer as members go back to work.

http://www.tuc.org.uk

Wellbeing Webinars

Monday 22 June | 11:00 - 12:00
Friday 10 July | 11:00 - 12:00

We are excited to announce a special course for all UNISON members.

What will this course cover?

How to identify and manage stress
Practical ways to improve wellbeing - from exercise to meditation
How to manage exposure to the media
How to manage your inner critic (inner coach debate)
Additional resources and activities to boost wellbeing
This training is provided free to all members.

To apply, please email your membership number, full name and date you would like to attend to educationse@unison.co.uk.

Open University Mental Health Awareness Webinar

This training is provided free to all members. 

Friday 3 July | 10:00 - 13:00

Open University will be delivering this course, open to all members within the South East. 

What will this course cover?

Discuss facts about mental health and mental health problems 

Challenge myths and misconceptions 

Explore public attitudes and stigma 

Understand social and medical responses to medical distress 

Explore what might be helpful to promote mental health 

Focus on some workplace examples

To apply, please email your membership number and full name to educationse@unison.co.uk.

A pause for thought

Stay safe out there

10 Keys to happier living

https://www.twistwest.org/news/10-keys-happier-living-crisis-and-beyond