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

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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