Author: Stirling Websites

The UNISON Migrant Worker Network is a new, informal network of UNISON members across the UK with a first-generation immigrant background including overseas and migrant workers, EU-settled status workers and workers who have subsequently naturalised as British citizens or who have indefinite leave to remain.

Members can now identify and update their membership records as migrant workers using the following link, which will enable UNISON to target advice, support, and information more effectively.

https://www.unison.org.uk/unison-migrant-worker-network/

Below is a leaflet with information and a QR code that members can use to join. It also promotes our free immigration helpline.

International Workers’ Memorial Day, celebrated around the world and annually in Stirling, is held to remember those who have lost their lives at work, or from work-related injuries or diseases. Building on last year’s theme of a safe and healthy work environment as a right for workers, this year’s focus is on the core union priority of organising health and safety.

To mark this annual event, we would like to invite you to attend a short wreath laying service at the memorial tree on the grounds of Old Viewforth, on Friday 28^th April 2023 at 11:00.

The occasion provides an opportunity to remember those who have died, in Scotland and around the world, and the event serves as an important reminder that our collective efforts can and should ensure such tragedies are not repeated.

10:55    Gather on the grounds of Old Viewforth

11:00    Attendees assemble at the memorial tree

• Trade Union representatives invited to speak
  • Laying of the wreaths
  • Minute of silence

11:30    Ceremony ends

Following a meeting of COSLA Leaders on Friday 31^st March we received a pay offer late yesterday afternoon.  Please see SJC pay offer

Your local government committee met immediately to consider this offer and has agreed to consult members on it with a recommendation to reject it.  This consultation will start this week and conclude before the next scheduled meeting of COSLA Leaders on the 28th of April.  Full details of the consultation with supporting FAQs etc will follow.

The full details of the Committee’s reasons for their decision are outlined in our letter to COSLA here Letter to Cosla re pay 030423

This has also on the website here: https://unison-scotland.org/local-government-workers-advised-to-reject-new-pay-offer-say-unison/

As one of UNISON’s approved providers who work with people like yourself, we want to help make all members aware of the fantastic deals and offers that are exclusively available to them via UNISON Living as a key part of their member benefits.

We want to make sure all members get the chance to enter the £250 cash-free prize draw and/or apply for the UNISON NHS Dental Plan.

The UNISON Free Prize Draw to win £250 of Shopping Vouchers is open to enter until the 30th April 2023 so put your name in the hat now – it only takes a few seconds using the button/link below (or simply reply to this email saying “Agree & Enter”).This UNISON free prize draw is available to you, your friends, family and colleagues and there’s no purchase obligation. You may post the prize draw link of https://offers01.unionbenefits.co.uk onto your social media or email it so others can enter for free too.

As some of you will already be aware at the Special Council Meeting today, Elected Members voted for an additional day’s fixed leave on Monday, May 8 in recognition of the Coronation. Those required to work on that day would be able to take it at another time agreed with their manager/service. Colleagues in HR are now drawing up details of how this will work and will update staff next week.
Our understanding is that this will mainly be implemented as it was for the Queen’s Jubilee and the Queen’s funeral.

As you will be aware the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) regulates 15 health and care professions across the UK.  The HCPC is proposing to increase regulation fees by 20%.

The rise means registration fees will be £117.74 per year!

UNISON is calling on the Scottish government to use its powers to stop this unjust increase on hard-working and loyal health staff.

This increase will hit paramedics, occupational therapists, radiographers, ODPs, clinical scientists and other members who are required to register before they are allowed to practise.

The 20% rise in fees outstrips even today’s rocketing inflation. This rise follows the 9% rise implemented in 2021. And, if this year’s increase is imposed HCPC fees will have risen by 47% since 2014.

UNISON believe that:

1. fee increases should not be made unless it is absolutely essential.
2. nor should fees rise when registrants have suffered real terms pay cuts, pay freezes and years of austerity.
3. the HCPC should be made to live within its means.
4. Government should protect hard-working NHS staff and hard one pay rises.

Therefore, we encourage you to act now and encourage members affected by this rise to write directly to the Cab Sec for Health and Social Care. To make this as easy as possible we have created a webpage https://action.unison.org.uk/page/123783/action/1, all you have to do is fill in your details.