-
1 week ago | 
unison.org.uk | Anthony Barnes
Commenting on a government commitment announced today (Thursday) to invest £9bn a year to fix crumbling schools, hospitals and prisons, UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said:“Years of inaction have left public buildings in a shocking state. “Dilapidated hospitals and schools in disrepair are no longer safe places for patients, pupils and staff. And that’s a huge problem.
-
1 week ago | 
unison.org.uk | Anthony Barnes
Delivering the keynote speech at UNISON’s annual conference in Liverpool today (Wednesday), UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said:“This time last year we were only weeks away from a general election. After 14 years of the Tories, the country was crying out for change. “There’s been some significant changes, like the Employment Rights Bill, the biggest boost to workers’ rights in 70 years. “It spells an end to zero-hours contracts, and fire and rehire.
-
1 week ago | 
unison.org.uk | Anthony Barnes
Addressing delegates at UNISON’s annual energy conference in Liverpool today (Monday), general secretary Christina McAnea said:“Energy is at the very heart of our lives. It warms our homes. It drives the industries and services on which everything depends, and it’ll be at the forefront of the UK’s economic recovery. “There needs to be a fair energy policy. One that helps consumers and staff.
-
1 week ago | 
unison.org.uk | Anthony Barnes
Four council and college staff have been celebrated for their dedicated and outstanding service by UNISON. The union presented them with awards as “champions” in their fields at UNISON’s annual local government conference, which began yesterday (Sunday) in Liverpool. Each year colleagues nominate their choices for unsung employees worthy of special recognition for their effort, devotion and outstanding work to be crowned as Local Service Champions and Champions In Our Colleges.
-
2 weeks ago | 
unison.org.uk | Anthony Barnes
Commenting on the investment plans announced in the spending review today (Wednesday), UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said:“The chancellor is trying to turn the page on the austerity disaster inflicted on communities across the UK by successive Conservative governments. “Ministers know investing in key public services is the best way to undo the damage of the past and grow the economy of the future.
-
3 weeks ago | 
unison.org.uk | Anthony Barnes
Commenting on the publication of the government’s urgent and emergency care plan today (Friday), UNISON head of health Helga Pile said:“This long-overdue plan recognises the nightmare conditions facing patients and staff at emergency units. “The greatest pressure used to be in winter but underfunding and staff shortages now mean it’s frantic all year round. “Allocating some cash for buildings and equipment to treat those who don’t require a hospital stay and for mental health patients is good.
-
3 weeks ago | 
unison.org.uk | Anthony Barnes
Commenting on new rules blocking six water companies from paying bonuses to senior bosses for failing to meet environmental, consumer or financial standards, UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said today (Thursday):“This sends a strong message that failure shouldn’t be rewarded. “Most people are aghast at the idea of lucrative bonuses being paid to water executives while customer bills soar and companies continue to pump millions of gallons of raw sewage into UK rivers and coastlines.
-
3 weeks ago | 
unison.org.uk | Anthony Barnes
Commenting on remarks made by Richard Tice about preventing new recruits to Reform-controlled councils from joining the local government pension scheme alongside threats to cut the pay of existing employees, UNISON assistant general secretary Jon Richards said today (Thursday):“This looks like another Reform UK policy scribbled on the back of a beer mat. “Local authorities are obliged to offer access to the local government pension scheme to all new starters.
-
3 weeks ago | 
unison.org.uk | Anthony Barnes
Commenting on chancellor Rachel Reeves’ commitment to ensure more pensioners qualify for this year’s winter fuel payment, UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said today (Wednesday):“Pensioners who struggled to keep warm during the cold months for fear of running up huge bills will be pleased the government has listened. “But until it’s clear exactly who is getting their fuel allowance reinstated, many will continue to worry.
-
3 weeks ago | 
unison.org.uk | Anthony Barnes
Commenting on chancellor Rachel Reeves’ announcements about increased funding for public transport projects, UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said:“Vast swathes of the UK are poorly served by transport links. This substantial investment will make a huge difference to working people and their communities.
