Author's posts
Observe One Minutes Silence 11am 28 April 2020
We all come to work to earn a living. None of us come to work to die or get seriously injured. On the 28th April every year we remember the dead and vow to fight for the living at International Workers’ Memorial Day events all around the world. The COVID-19 crisis has focussed everyone’s minds on …
Permanent link to this article: http://www.sandwellunison.co.uk/observe-one-minutes-silence-11am-28-april-2020/
New NJC Pay Offer for 2020
The Local Government Association has made an increased pay offer for staff on NJC pay and conditions, which covers schools support staff and council workers. The offer is now 2.75% on all pay points from 1 April 2020, plus an extra days leave for just those on the minimum leave entitlement. This has increased from …
Permanent link to this article: http://www.sandwellunison.co.uk/new-njc-pay-offer-for-2020/
Permanent link to this article: http://www.sandwellunison.co.uk/unison-in-schools-during-covid-19-crisis/
Social Distancing and PPE
Please see the latest National Joint Council guidance on social distancing and PPE. NJC Circ Coronavirus and Social Distancing and PPE 03Apr20[8607] Below is a national Press Release – UNISON is challenging the Government over PPE at the highest levels. Government must up its game on PPE to protect health and care workers’ lives, demands UNISON NHS, …
Permanent link to this article: http://www.sandwellunison.co.uk/social-distancing-and-ppe/
Stand-By Payments Increase
From 1 April Stand-By payments in Sandwell Council are increasing from £20 (where they have been since 2010) to £24.52. UNISON successfully negotiated this increase after members working in Mental Health voted 100% for industrial action short of strike action in a consultative ballot. This payment is received by 300 workers across the Council and …
Permanent link to this article: http://www.sandwellunison.co.uk/stand-by-payments-increase/
Advice and Guidance for Social Care Workers
Please see the link to national advice and guidance for social care workers. If you need to contact the Branch – please see the numbers on the front page of this website or email sandwellunison@btconnect.com Stay safe. https://www.unison.org.uk/care-workers-your-rights/coronavirus-advice-social-care-workers/
Permanent link to this article: http://www.sandwellunison.co.uk/advice-and-guidance-for-social-care-workers/
COVID-19 and Critical Workers – NJC circular for Local Government Workers +Private Sector
Please see the attached latest circular for local government workers. On 23 March the National Joint Council (NJC) trade unions agreed a further joint NJC circular with the employers’ side, and this was circulated to employers. The circular is attached. It is important that branches read the circular carefully, but its key points are summarised …
Permanent link to this article: http://www.sandwellunison.co.uk/covid-19-and-critical-workers-njc-circular-for-local-government-workers/
Blackheath Library Staff Invoke Section 44 of the Employment Rights Act 1996
Despite pubs, clubs and restaurants being shut on Friday 20 March, six main Town libraries were expected to open on Monday 23 March. So whilst the Government believed it is not appropriate to gather in a pub – it was OK to gather and socialise in a Library. This was clearly placing staff and the …
Permanent link to this article: http://www.sandwellunison.co.uk/blackheath-library-staff-invoke-section-44-of-the-employment-rights-act-1996/
National Guidance on Coronavirus and working from home
NJC Circ Coronavirus and Working at Home 17Mar20 Please see the attached guidance. On 17 March, the NJC Joint Secretaries agreed and issued a joint circular on COVID-19, with a particular focus on provisions for working from home. The joint circular covers: • Guidance on ensuring staff well-being is safeguarded during periods of home working …
Permanent link to this article: http://www.sandwellunison.co.uk/national-guidance-on-coronavirus-and-working-from-home/
Coronavirus COVID-19 Negotiations in Sandwell
UNISON activists have been challenging employers and management to have the necessary plans in place to keep both staff and the public safe during this time of crisis. At the time of writing we have secured agreement from Sandwell MBC, Sandwell Leisure Trust, Sandwell Children’s Trust, SIPS and for the TUPE’d Serco employees, confirming that …
Permanent link to this article: http://www.sandwellunison.co.uk/coronavirus-covid-19-negotiations-in-sandwell/