northumbria healthcare unison

2010-11-08T14:21:00.000-08:00

New Northumbria Healthcare Website @ http://healthunion.wordpress.com

UNISON NURSING - HEALTH CARE ASSISTANTS CONFERENCE 2010

2010-07-18T15:23:00.000-07:00

UNISON has announced it will be holding its next healthcare assistants conference on 21 September at the TUC in London.

The conference is for and about HCAs working in all settings and will cover a range of themes including:

What are HCAs doing in the service today?

What is the future of the role?

What lessons can we learn from the devolved countries?

What competencies should all HCAs have irrespective of where they work?

What is the difference between skill levels and pay bands?

What should HCAs do if are asked to undertake something they do not feel they can do safely and effectively?

How might HCAs be regulated in the future?

Why are HCAs fundamental to patient care?

How to register

Registration is open to anyone, if you are a UNISON member you should speak to your local branch about attending this conference as they may be able to assist in your travel and accommodation if needed.

Download a registration form (PDF) and return it with payment to Gail Adams, head of nursing, at the address detailed.

ON CALL REVIEW

2010-07-18T15:07:00.000-07:00

Latest documents from the National 'on-call' payments review.

http://www.nhsemployers.org/SiteCollectionDocuments/OnCall_Draft_Principles_ap150710.pdf

http://www.nhsemployers.org/SiteCollectionDocuments/On-Call_Key_Findings_ap150710.pdf

The Grapevine

2010-07-18T15:05:00.000-07:00

The latest issue of our newsletter 'The Grapevine' is out now. Available from your local rep or the union office.

ISA UNDER REVIEW

2010-06-20T12:45:00.000-07:00

Home Secretary, Theresa May, announced on 15 June that the rollout of the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) Vetting and Barring Scheme (due to start 26 July 2010) has been halted to allow the Government to “redraw the Scheme to common sense levels”.

UNISON has sent a letter (on behalf of a joint TUC coalition) to the Home Office seeking a meeting to discuss the government’s ideas, the timescale for the review and to raise our concerns including the impact of the cost of ISA registration on individuals, the duplication with existing regulation by professional registration bodies, and the need to ensure that individuals have the right to a fair hearing. At the moment we do not know how far the review may go toward addressing these concerns.

The announcement of the review does not alter the current process. Existing requirements for criminal record checks remain in place and employers are still legally obliged to refer information to the ISA if an individual has harmed or demonstrated a risk of harm to a child or vulnerable adult. The ISA continues to investigate relevant information which is referred to it. The ISA will write to individuals who are under investigation and inform them whether it is ‘minded to bar’. If branches become aware of any members who receive a letter from the ISA, please inform your regional office and UNISON’s Professional Registration - Representation Unit.

Further details of the process for remodelling the Scheme will be announced shortly and we will provide Branches with this information as soon as it is available.

INDEPENDENT SAFEGUARDING AUTHORITY

2010-05-13T16:19:00.000-07:00

Copies of the presentations given at the popular Vetting and Barring Focus Group at UNISON Health Conference 2010 are now available.

Download them here:

Presentation from John Brown, Policy Officer, Independent Safeguarding Authority

Presentation from Gail Adams, Head of Nursing, UNISON

Newsletter for Health Conference delegates on Vetting and Barring issues

ADMINISTRATIVE AND CLERICAL STAFF LEAFLET

2010-05-13T14:48:00.000-07:00

A new leaflet for Administrative and Clerical Sector staff is available at www.unison.org.uk/acrobat/19067.pdf

ANCILLARY STAFF LEAFLET

2010-05-13T14:37:00.000-07:00

To download a copy of the new ancillary sector leaflet go to www.unison.org.uk/acrobat/19014.pdf

2010-04-14T15:37:00.000-07:00

UNISON Nursing Updates

2010-04-14T15:20:00.000-07:00

Professional Indemnity Insurance

Factsheet for nurses on the legal responsibilities of employers regarding professional malpractice, and the extent of UNISON’s Professional Indemnity cover. For more information, click here

http://www.unison.org.uk/file/Professional%20Indemnity%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf

Online Social Networking Sites and Work

More and more people are registering with and using social networking sites like Facebook, MySpace, Friendsters to stay in touch with friends & families, join interest groups and/or share information. However, nurses, healthcare assistants, students and midwives should be careful as these online conversations are stored permanently and searchable by the public and can be used by employers against staff if they feel that you have acted inappropriately or breached patient confidentiality.

We have provided a Factsheet on this, for briefing on Online social networking sites & work: click here 11023.pdf

Nursing Matters Newsletter

This edition if full of current and topical issues. To read click here http://www.unison.org.uk/acrobat/19136.pdf

Raising and Escalating Concerns

The NMC says that the guidance will support nurses and midwives who wish to raise or escalate concerns about the safety or wellbeing of people in their care.

UNISON has responded to the NMC's consultation. To see our Response to NMC's consultation: click here 11011.pdf.

Mary Seacole Development and Leadership Awards 2010

Applications are now available for the Mary Seacole Awards.

We would encourage all UNISON nurses, midwives and health visitors to consider applying for these awards. Click here for details for Mary Seacole Awards.

For further information contact either Gail Adams (Head of Nursing) or Jennie West (Supporting Officer) on 020 7551 1317 or 020 7551 1357 respectively.

Ancillary Newsletter

2010-04-14T15:12:00.001-07:00

THE attached file contains the Winter 2010 edition of the Ancillary Matters Newsletter for all members working in the ancillary and maintenance sector. PDF: Winter 10

Knowledge and Skills Framework

2010-04-14T14:59:00.000-07:00

A presentation on the Knowledge and Skills Framework www.unison.org.uk/healthcare

At a Cross Roads

2010-04-14T14:39:00.000-07:00

In December 2009 UNISON held its second Medical Secretary's Conference.

The latest issue of UNISON's Admin Matters is devoted to a report on the events of this conference. To read this and the the presentations that accompained the conference click on the links below.

Admin Matters Spring 2010

Career Development

2010-03-03T15:02:00.000-08:00

Managers in Partnership

2010-03-03T14:56:00.000-08:00

MiP is the UK's only trade union organisation specifically for healthcare managers. We give you an influential voice, personal support and employment advice, management skills and access to leadership networks.

Join MiP http://www.miphealth.org.uk/Joinus/Join-MiP.aspx

Healthcare Manager Magazine http://www.miphealth.org.uk/hcm/

Occupational Therapy Staff

2010-03-03T14:45:00.000-08:00

Membership brochure and application form for the British Association of Occupational Therapists http://www.cot.org.uk/Mainwebsite/Resources/Document/MemberRecruitmentLeaflet.pdf

British Association of Occupational Therapists/UNISON OT Stewards induction pack

http://www.unison.org.uk/file/OT%20Steward%20induction%20pack%20-%20Nov%202008.pdf

Ancillary Matters Newsletter

2010-03-03T14:29:00.000-08:00

The latest issue of the Ancillary Sector newsletter is available below

http://www.unison.org.uk/file/HC-01-10%20Ancillary%20Matters.pdf

2010-03-02T15:26:00.001-08:00

Health Care Assistants Project 2010

2010-03-02T15:09:00.000-08:00

As the leading union for Healthcare Assistants (HCAs) – UNISON is delighted to highlight a new national project for and about HCAs.

This project is about highlighting the vital role that HCAs play in delivering care, it has a number of strands to the work and we would welcome your contribution.

1. Identifying and benchmarking core national competencies for the Health Care Assistant (HCA) role, irrespective of where they work across health and social care.

2. Link the competencies to the pay bands of agenda for change to ensure clarify about what staff should do within their sphere of responsibility

3. Develop guidance on how to seek a grading review if you are being asked to work outside your normal duties or to take on additional responsibilities

4. Revise UNISON’s national code of conduct for HCAs

5. Undertake a literature review of the evidence on the role and benefit of HCAs

6. Map what could be a regulatory framework based on the work that HCAs do and where they do it but that takes account of existing legislation background.

At the moment the HCAs’ role and employers’ expectations on the role and responsibilities varies widely across the United Kingdom. It’s been described as a postcode lottery as to what you do and your pay band. This poses a number of problems as it means that job descriptions, standards, responsibilities and knowledge are inconsistent. As a result if you move employer very often staff find themselves having to start their career over again.

We will also be looking at developing a model job description for HCAs on bands 2 and 3. The benefits that this would bring include recognition of the role and responsibilities that comes with HCAs’ work. The national modelling of HCAs’ role will help to identify training and training needs for HCAs.

In the UNISON Healthcare Assistant Survey (2008), it revealed that there was widespread dissatisfaction felt by HCAs at the level of training offered to them. Two-thirds of those who participated in the survey believed that the training was insufficient to enable them to reach their potential.

As part of this project, we hope to address some of these issues but also to repeat our survey to see if views and opinions have altered. UNISON will also be developing some guidance for employers which identifies what steps they should take if they want to develop HCAs further or to look at their responsibilities. We want HCAs to be recognised for taking on additional duties, and therefore will also be developing guidance on how to seek a grading review if your role or responsibilities have changed. Another issue that needs to be addressed, and which received strong backing from those who participated in the survey, is the regulation of the HCA profession.

The Nursing and Midwifery Council have independently commissioned research on the risks and benefits of regulation of HCAs who work to nurses and midwives by undertaking delegated duties. The union continues to be proactive with this work and in early March UNISON will be meeting with the project group of HCAs. We will be using their experience and job roles to identify core competencies, best practice and training needs.

We plan to further consult with HCAs at the UNISON Health Care Conference in July. This piece of work is being undertaken by HCAs. Their role has changed significantly over the last 10 years but more often than not it’s been as a result of their determination and dedication. We want HCAs to be in control of their role.

If you are interested in being part of a wider virtual group reviewing and helping to develop our policy please email Gail Adams Head of Nursing or Jennifer West gail.adams@unison.co.uk or j.west@unison.co.uk

BAPO and UNISON join forces

2010-02-24T14:59:00.000-08:00

The British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists (BAPO), has signed an agreement with UNISON, the UK’s largest healthcae union, linking the two organisations together.

The 700+ members of BAPO will be able to take advantage of the broad range of member benefits, the experienced officers and increased influence that comes with being linked to a large union.

Welcoming BAPO into the union, General Secretary, Dave Prentis, praised the work of its members saying: “I am proud that UNISON will be able to represent such a unique and valued group of professionals in the health service. Prosthetists and Orthotists play a vital role, helping many severely disabled and injured people, giving them hope and enabling them to get on with their work and lives. “The advanced work that BAPO members do in helping the public and our injured service men and women is truly amazing. No one can fail to be impressed when you see the technology and expertise that allows limbless athletes to compete in the paralympics and other sporting events or enables independent living for many who would otherwise be dependent members of our society. “This innovative partnership demonstrates clearly that the trade union movement resonates strongly with health workers. We will be stronger together and I look forward to working with BAPO and its members for many years to come.”

Steve Mottram, Chair of the BAPO said: “We are delighted to enter into this agreement with UNISON as we believe that our combined efforts will ensure that it will strengthen our ability to offer the treatments and services that our members can offer.“As one of the smallest of the Allied Health Profession groups we have found it challenging to engage with the many broad sweep initiatives that the NHS undertakes and we are certain that this partnership will be of immense benefit to our members and their patients by improving our ability to engage more effectively. “In addition to the normal benefits of membership of the Professional Association, our members are now also able to access all benefits of on offer from the UK's largest public sector union. We believe that this will be the start of an exciting period of development as the profession faces the challenges of the future.”

http://www.bapo.org/site/

BAPO membership forms http://www.bapo.org/site/content/view/36/65/

NMC Consultation on Standards for Pre-registration Nursing Education

2010-02-24T14:34:00.000-08:00

The Nursing and Midwifery Council has launched a consultation on their proposal to introduce new standards for pre-registration nursing education.

The consultation is in the form of a questionnaire in which respondents are being asked to provide their views on the framework of the proposed standards and competencies. As part of our consultation we are keen to hear your views, UNISON will be submitting a formal response to the NMC.

http://www.unison.org.uk/healthcare/nursing/pages_view.asp?did=10787

PAY 2010

2010-02-24T14:20:00.000-08:00

As a result of tough national negotiations between the government and NHS unions our pay rates will rise by 2.25% on 1st April 2010. This is one of the biggest increases in the public sector. There will be additional monies for Band 1, 2 and 3 staff and for some pay points on Bands 5 & 6 making the total value of the uplift 2.5%. Band 1 staff will gain 3% from a £420 flat rate increase for Bands 1, 2 and 3.

UNISON CLEANERS CONFERENCE

2009-11-30T13:45:00.000-08:00

Information from UNISON's Cleaners Conference is available at http://www.unison.org.uk/healthcare/ancillary/index.asp

CHRISTMAS PAY ARRANGEMENTS

2009-11-29T15:52:00.000-08:00

All monthly paid staff will be paid on Tuesday 22nd of December 2009.

Friday 25th December - if this day is worked it is to be claimed as bank holiday enhanced

Saturday 26th December - if this day is worked claim bank holiday enhancement. If due to work Monday claim Saturday enhanced for Monday.

If Saturday 26th December is a rostered/scheduled day off then Monday becomes the bank holiday. If Monday is worked claim bank holiday enhancement.

Friday 1st January - if this day is worked claim bank holiday enhancement

£1000 A MONTH

2009-11-02T14:48:00.000-08:00

Join the UNISON Welfare monthly prize draw, with monthly prizes of £1000, £500, £250 and 50 x £50.

http://www.unison.org.uk/octopus/

Members Legal Services

2009-10-21T13:55:00.000-07:00

A useful guide to the free legal services available to members and their families can be found at:

http://www.unison.org.uk/acrobat/16921.pdf

Swine Flu Vaccination

2009-10-21T13:29:00.000-07:00

The vaccination programme is commencing today. UNISON is encouraging its
members to take up the opportunity to be immunised against swine flu, in
addition to the seasonal winter flu virus.

Organisations should be making plans
for the vaccine to be readily available to staff without them having to travel or to
come in to work in their own time to have it. In addition detailed information will
be available to staff to enable them to make an informed judgement on the
vaccine.

UNISON wants to stress that there is no compulsion what so ever to
have this. However we hope that staff will see this as an opportunity to protect
them selves, their families and those in their care.

More detailed information about the vaccine is available on the department of
health’s web site,
http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publichealth/Flu/Swineflu/InformationandGuidance/ind
ex.htm. This includes information about the vaccination programme within
health and social care.

A training video clip on preparation of the vaccine prior
to administration can be found at
http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/News/Media/DH_107265

A range of publicity material has been produced and can be accessed at
http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publichealth/Flu/Swineflu/Campaignresources/index.htm

UNION RESPONSE TO MENTAL HEALTH CONSULTATION

2009-10-19T15:22:00.000-07:00

The union has published its response to the Department of Healths consultation on mental health 'New Horizons'

http://www.unison.org.uk/healthcare/nursing/pages_view.asp?did=9623

Nursing & Midwifery submission

2009-10-12T14:58:00.000-07:00

UNISON has made a submission to the Prime Ministers Commission into Nursing & Midwifery.

Gail Adams, Head of Nursing, said: "As a result of responses from members from all areas of practise we have been able to develop a comprehensive submission that covers a range of nursing and midwifery practices. We were delighted to hear from so many students and HCAs - their feedback has made our evidence stronger.

"The commission will now move into a series of SHA engagement events. If you are interested in attending one of these please speak to your local chief nurse or contact Gail via email gail.adams@unison.co.uk

Nursing & Midwifery submission - PDF

UNISON TAKES CHILLING MESSAGE TO TORY PARTY CONFERENCE

2009-10-07T13:57:00.000-07:00

UNISON took a chilling warning about the dangers of making cuts to the public sector, to the Tory party conference in Manchester today.

An ice sculpture of a hospital porter, together with his NHS wheelchair, will melt throughout the day, promoting the union’s Million Voices campaign message.

The appearance and disappearance of the hospital porter is a stark reminder that if cuts are made to the public sector, the workers that people rely on will vanish before their eyes.

Dave Prentis, UNISON General Secretary, said: “The disappearance of our hospital porter made of ice is a chilling reminder that if cuts are made to the public sector, the services people rely on will vanish. Every day, people depend on public services and public service workers to help them live their lives. Public services are crucial to helping people cope in the recession, and will encourage economic recovery in communities hit hard by the downturn. “The Tories are threatening cuts to the public sector that run into billions, but there is an alternative. They could have more than tough words for the bailed out bankers, and for the tax avoiders, who get away with more than £25 billion of taxpayer’s money each year.”

Government honours 3 year health pay deal

2009-10-06T13:42:00.000-07:00

UNISON today welcomed the Government’s assurance that it would honour a 3-year pay deal for the UK’s health workers.

The assurance came as the Government submitted evidence to pay review bodies covering senior civil servants, NHS managers and magistrates, calling for a pay freeze.

Head of Health, Karen Jennings, said:“We are pleased that the Government is honouring the three-year pay deal for our hard-working health members – many of whom are low-paid women. “They will breathe a sigh of relief that they won’t have their pay frozen. “

The deal has given a decent increase for our members and established a new minimum wage of £6.77 an hour.”“The 3 year deal gave 2.75% from April 2008; 2.54% in year 2 and a minimum wage of £6.77 an hour and, in year 3, an increase of 2.5%, including a flat rate increase of £420 for the bottom three grades.”

Payo sa Imigrasyon para sa mga Miyembro ng UNISON

2009-10-01T14:02:00.000-07:00

Ikaw ba ay migranteng manggagawa mula sa bansa sa labas ng Europa?

Kailangan mo ba ng tulong sa usapin ng imigrasyon na nakakaapekto sa iyong trabaho o
karapatan mo na magtrabaho dito sa UK?

Nagbibigay ng libreng serbisyo ang UNISON kung saan maaari kayong tawagan sa telepono
upang magbigay ng payo sa usapin ng imigrasyon. Ito ay para lang sa miyembro ng UNISON na
galing mula sa mga bansa sa labas ng Europa at nagpunta dito upang magtrabaho sa UK.
Katulong ng UNISON and Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants (JCWI) na siyang
magbibigay ng suportang ito.

Kung kayo ay miyenbro ng UNISON ng mahigit na sa apat na lingo at kailangan ninyo ng payo at
inpormasyon tungkol sa usapin ng imigrasyon, tumawag lamang sa UNISON Direct sa 0845 355
0845. Ipapasa namin ang inyong detalye sa Tagapayo ng JCWI na siyang tatawag sa inyo kada
Martes 10-1500 ng umaga.

Pag-tawag ninyo sa UNISON Direct, maaari lamang na ibigay ang inyong buong pangalan, numero ng telepono at ang numero ng inyong kasapian.

OVERSEAS STAFF

2009-10-01T13:55:00.000-07:00

The union has set up a dedicated website for members from overseas

http://www.unison.org.uk/migrantworkers/

Independent Safeguarding Authority

2009-09-30T13:57:00.000-07:00

The Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) is a new public body which has been created to help prevent unsuitable people from working with children and vulnerable adults. All individuals starting in Regulated activity or moving to a new role can register from 26 July 2010.From 1 November 2010 all individuals starting in Regulated activity or moving to a new role must register.

A union web page about ISA can be accessed at http://www.unison.org.uk/professionalservices/isa.asp

UNISON Evidence to NHS Pay Review Body

2009-09-30T13:48:00.000-07:00

Following the survey of UNISON Health members conducted during July / August, 1,756 responses were received. These responses have now been analysed and written up into the attached report that provides a comprehensive picture of the views and experiences of the staff who deliver our health service.

This report has now been submitted to the NHS Pay Review Body as part of the annual evidence gathering process whereby the Review Body assesses whether there is a case for seeking a remit from the Secretary of State for Health to reopen the multi-year pay deal, and will compliment the document that the NHS Trade Unions will submit as joint staff side evidence. The staff side document will give evidence on the wider economic context, labour market conditions, recruitment and retention and staff morale.

Both the staff side evidence (attached) and the UNISON survey analysis will support UNISON’s position that the multi-year deal for NHS staff should not be disturbed and that the pay rates scheduled to come into effect on 1 April for 2010 in the final year of the multi-year deal should remain as agreed.

The evidence submitted by NHS employers can be found at:2010/2011 Agenda for Change staff and the evidence submitted by the Health Departments at:NHS Pay Review Body: Review for 2010

UNISON evidence to the NHS pay review body - UNISON member survey 2009

Joint Staff Side’s evidence to the NHSPRB for 2010-11

CALL FOR EVIDENCE ON THE FUTURE OF NURSING AND MIDWIFERY

2009-09-14T13:50:00.000-07:00

The Commission on the Future of Nursing and Midwifery is calling for evidence.The Commission in particular would like to hear your views on:

1. What are the knowledge, skills and attributes that nurses / midwives require to take a central role in the design and delivery of 21st century services?

2. What would you like to see nurses and midwives doing more of and/or doing differently in the future - whether in people’s own homes, in the community or in hospital?

3. What might be preventing nurses and midwives from doing this now?

4. How can these barriers be overcome?

For more details on the Commission, what it is asking for and where to send your views please click on the link belowCall for evidence(click here)

FLU PANDEMIC

2009-09-14T13:44:00.000-07:00

The union has set up a new mini website on swine flu at http://www.unison.org.uk/healthcare/swineflu.asp

CLEANERS CONFERENCE 2009

2009-08-02T10:02:00.000-07:00

IF you work as a cleaner in the health service or represent cleaners, don’t miss UNISON’s Cleaners Conference this November.

This flagship event in UNISON’s ongoing campaign to recognise and celebrate the role that cleaners play in today’s NHS takes place at TUC Congress Centre in London on Tuesday 3 November 2009.

The conference will place under the spotlight all the key issues facing health service cleaning staff and their critical role in finding real solutions to tackling healthcare associated infections. Sessions will emphasise the practical steps for binging together the experience, skills and knowledge of cleaning staff to influence decision making positively at a local level. The conference will offer the stimulating views of expert speakers, but most importantly there will be plenty of chances for delegates to contribute to the debate in plenary sessions and a variety of workshops.We very much hope that you can join us.

The attached files provide publicity for the event through a poster and leaflet (a limited supply of colour copies can also be obtained by contacting Kevin Russell on k.russell@unison.co.uk) along with the registration form for attending the conference.

Poster.pdf Form.pdf Flyer.pdf df

Completed forms must be returned to Dave Godson, UNISON Health Group, 1 Mabledon Place, London WC1H 9AJ, by 12 August 2009 to book your place

FLU PANDEMIC

2009-07-27T11:09:00.000-07:00

Latest information on Swine Flu from UNISON http://www.unison.org.uk/file/A4652.pdf

2009-06-18T03:57:00.000-07:00

LEGAL BROCHURES

2009-05-18T05:10:00.000-07:00

Link to a number of Legal Advice brochures from UNISON legal services http://www.nwasunison.com/nwas_legal.html

FLU PANDEMIC

2009-05-18T05:04:00.000-07:00

Latest information on swine flu @ http://www.unison.org.uk/healthcare/pages_view.asp?did=8677

EQUAL PAY CLAIMS

2009-05-18T04:53:00.000-07:00

INFORMATION FOR NORTHUMBRIA UNISON MEMBERS – STEFAN CROSS SOLICITORS LETTERS

A number of members have approached us having received a letter from Stefan Cross Solicitors about the Equal Pay claims which they had lodged through him.

NORTHUMBRIA HEALTHCARE UNISON cannot advise you on how to respond to this letter – Stefan Cross Solicitors is your legal representative and not UNISON – but you may find the following information helpful.

Q1. Stefan Cross Solicitors says that the unions supported the employers in the Hartley case which means that my case was lost for the period after Agenda for Change. Why did my union do this?

A1. We did not support the employers. The union was attacked by Stefan Cross Solicitors, who lodged Tribunal cases against us. UNISON members had voted twice in ballots for the introduction of Agenda for Change and we wanted to ensure that the agreement was maintained We defended the union and the agreement that our members had signed up for. Our advice was that Agenda for Change is a proper and robust job evaluation scheme and our view was that the Hartley case would cause unnecessary delay in looking at any potential cases pre-Agenda for Change. This has proven to be correct.

UNISON has always considered the claim misconceived on the basis of the advice we have received from 2005, which is that such a claim had no reasonable prospects of success. We have, of course, given all of our members in the NHS the chance to submit a claim for the period before Agenda for Change was introduced and we are pursuing those claims now – though they were all put on hold for a very long period because of the Hartley case that Stefan Cross Solicitors brought.

Q2. Stefan Cross Solicitors says that I can seek alternative representation – will UNISON represent me?

A2.NORTHUMBRIA HEALTHCARE UNISON recognises the very difficult situation members have been put in because of this letter from Stefan Cross Solicitors. We are assessing the position but it is likely that we will consider taking up any pre-AFC part of your claim, if one was lodged by Stefan Cross Solicitors, subject to our usual criteria.

Q3. What are your “usual criteria”?

A3. We consider all tribunal claims on the basis of whether or not we believe there are reasonable prospects of success. We will also need you to confirm that no other solicitor is acting for you before we consider your case. We do not make any deduction from any compensation you may be awarded.

Q4. Why did I have to return my form to Stefan Cross Solicitors by 13th May?

A4. The date for return of the options form was set by Stefan Cross Solicitors and not by UNISON – it is linked to the time limit for registering an appeal against the Hartley Tribunal decision and not to continuing your claim for the period before Agenda For Change. UNISON only became aware of the letter that Stefan Cross Solicitors had sent out to members on 11 May.
Q5. Stefan Cross Solicitors has given me 3 options – which should I choose?

A5. As you are a client of Stefan Cross Solicitors we cannot advise you which option to choose – you should read his letter carefully and decide which option to go for. However we can tell you that if you wish to continue your Equal Pay Claim for the pre AFC period you should not agree to withdraw your claim.

Q6. What happens next if I decide to go for alternative representation?

A6. If you ask UNISON to support your case we will refer it to Thompsons, who are already dealing with other claims against your trust for UNISON members. UNISON does not charge any legal fees for this.

If you decide to go to another solicitor, UNISON will not be responsible for any of the legal fees you may be charged.

Q7. What happens if I change solicitors?

A7. You will need to authorise Stefan Cross Solicitors to send their file to your new solicitor. If you ask UNISON to take on your case this will be Thompsons, who will assess your case to see that it has a reasonable prospect of success. We can only do this once you have decided to change your solicitor.

Q8. What if I want to continue to challenge Agenda for Change and the Hartley decision?

A8. You will have to instruct other solicitors immediately as outlined in the letter from Stefan Cross Solicitors. UNISON will not support an appeal against the Hartley decision for the reasons given in A1 above. You will need to make your decision on this on the basis of the advice in the letter from Stefan Cross Solicitors.

Q9. Will I be charged anything by Stefan Cross Solicitors for withdrawing my claim or changing solicitor?

A9. As Stefan Cross Solicitors has terminated the Conditional Fee arrangement with you he cannot level any penalty charges which may have been incorporated in his agreement with you. You should not pay any monies over to Stefan Cross Solicitors.

Q10. I’ve had this letter but I’m not a union member – what can I do?

A10. You should contact your local NORTHUMBRIA HEALTHCARE UNISON representative for a UNISON membership form now and we can look at your case.

NURSING MATTERS NEWSLETTER

2009-04-23T14:29:00.000-07:00

A new edition of Nursing Matters newsletter has been published. Copies are available from our North Tyneside Office.

Now available on line at http://www.unison.org.uk/file/Final%20draft.pdf

UNISON AND NURSING TIMES LAUNCH EXCITING NEW PARTNERSHIP

2009-04-23T14:22:00.000-07:00

A unique partnership between UNISON and the Nursing Times has been launched, to expand and enhance the range of services and information available to the union's nursing members.

A new UNISON/NT microsite is now live on the magazine's website.And new pages on the UNISON website will give nursing members increased access to clinical and research information to inform and develop their practise.

Readers of the NT and visitors to its website will see the major role that UNISON plays as the leading health union.

UNISON national nursing sector chair Ann Moses said: "I am really excited about the link up with NT and know that it will make a real difference to our members. I have always been a member of UNISON and have always read the NT. Bringing the two together in this way makes sense."

UNISON will be publishing regular news items and articles in the Nursing Times magazine and on its website, tackling important issues that affect nurses, midwives, health visitors and healthcare assistants.The partnership will also develop further activities such as joint campaigning and research projects making the most of the two organisations' shared values.

UNISON members have a fantastic opportunity to subscribe to the magazine at a special discounted rate, with a sliding scale of discounts of up to 40%. For further details, click here.

MANAGERS IN PARTNERSHIP

2009-04-22T15:53:00.000-07:00

The first issue of MiP's new magazine Healthcare Manager is available from our office at North Tyneside.

Website at http://www.miphealth.org.uk/

PTB HEALTHCARE SCIENCE NEWS

2009-04-22T15:43:00.000-07:00

The latest issue of our PTB newsletter is not yet available online. Printed copies are available from our office at North Tyneside.

ADMIN & CLERICAL NEWS

2009-04-22T15:41:00.000-07:00

The latest Administrative & Clerical Staff newsletter is available a http://www.unison.org.uk/file/18150.pdf

ANCILLARY STAFF NEWSLETTER

2009-04-22T15:33:00.000-07:00

For the latest Ancillary Staff newsletter go to http://www.unison.org.uk/file/18046.pdf

HEALTHCARE ON LINE NEWSLETTER APRIL 2009

2009-04-12T07:09:00.000-07:00

Build Your Union

Everyone benefits when everyone is in the union. Encourage your colleagues to join so we can all stand together for a better working life.

UNISON @ Northumbria Healthcare Trust

Northumbria Healthcare UNISON has over 2500 members in the Trust, including
Admin & Clerical
Allied Health Professionals
Ancillary
Craft & Maintenance
Healthcare Science
Managers
Nursing

Professional Partners

Association of Pharmacy Technicians
British Association of Occupation Therapists
British Society of Medical Secretaries
College of Operating Department Practitioners
Managers in Partnership

UNISON TO ASK TRUST FOR AN EXTRA DAYSHOLIDAY

Unison is to ask the Trust for recognition for staff in coping with the winter pressures, an extra day holiday for this year or a one off bonus payment.

We will advise the Trust that this would be a way of rewarding all staff for all the hard work they have put in regarding both the winter pressures and for helping the Trust meet its targets.

Legal services

UNISON provides the broadest range of legal help to union members in the UK. We offer advice and assistance not just with work issues, but for you and your family outside the workplace too.

Employment Problems
UNISON boasts the largest number of local union reps, branches and officers in the UK. They're your first port of call for advice and support with problems at work. Where necessary they can refer your case to the regional office or UNISON's specialist in-house lawyers and trade union solicitors.

Injuries and Accidents at work
UNISON has won more than £350 million in compensation for members involved in work-related personal injuries. This includes assaults, industrial diseases and accidents at work, on the way to or from work or on union business. Contact UNISONdirect on 0845 355 0845 for more details.

Accidents outside work
UNISON's personal injury service covers any accident which happens to you and your family outside the workplace, including:
· Road traffic accidents
· Accidents in the street
· Accidents while on holiday
· Disease cases
· Slipping and tripping accidents.
· Holiday accident claims

If you've had an accident on the job or outside work during the last three years you may be entitled to compensation. Your family may also qualify for injuries outside work. In case of accident or injury you can phone UNISONdirect on 0845 355 0845.

Free initial legal advice
UNISON members can get free initial legal advice on any matter not related to work from UNISON's solicitors. This service entitles you to receive a 30-minute telephone interview.

The service does not apply to advice on a legal action that you are.lready pursuing or cover Inheritance Tax issues. Phone UNISONdirect on 0845 355 0845 for more details

Work tenancy problems
You may be eligible for advice from UNISON's solicitors if you need to live in particular accommodation as part of your job or your employer has given you accommodation as part of the job.

Wills and conveyancing
Members can use our free wills service and are eligible for cut price conveyancing. Phone UNISONdirect on 0845 355 0845 for more details.

Criminal cases
Members get free legal represention if they face criminal charges arising out of their work. We can also represent members for road traffic offences if your job is at risk should you be convicted. You must contact your UNISON branch if you need to use this service. If you have any problem please phone UNISONdirect on 0845 355 0845.

Immigration
UNISON can provide advice or represent members who experience immigration problems that threaten their employment.

Medical negligence
UNISON offers a free initial screening service for members who have been affected by medical negligence.

TRUST WINS EQUAL PAY CASE

2009-04-06T04:43:00.000-07:00

Collective negotiating for equal pay in the health service has been vindicated after the Newcastle employment tribunal threw out a legal challenge from no win, no fee lawyers to Agenda for Change.

Agenda for Change is the NHS pay system introduced in 2004 to address unequal pay in the health service, after years of negotiation between employers and health unions led by UNISON.But in the case of Hartley v Northumbria Healthcare NHS Trust, a firm of no win, no fee lawyers sought to challenge the whole of the new pay system on a number of grounds, claiming that it breached both the Equal Pay Act and the Sex Discrimination Act.

The Newcastle tribunal has rejected that challenge, on all the grounds raised. It noted that it was open to unions to pursue individual equal pay claims through the courts or employment tribunals – but its current experience of claims shows that "it could have taken a period of several years for those claims to come to fruition. The outcome might have been that some employees would have obtained equal pay; others would not.”UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis also welcomed the tribunal’s decision, saying: “This shows it is possible to strive for the goal of dealing with equal pay using collective means.

Full document @ http://www.nhsla.com/NR/rdonlyres/75F6423E-5466-43ED-B01E-51FFA0B18F7E/0/HartleyvNorthumbriaHealthcare.doc

STAFF SURVEY REVEALS LACK OF TIME AND STAFF HAMPERS PATIENT CARE

2009-03-25T15:10:00.000-07:00

UNISON, the UK’s largest health union, has today (25 March) called for a boost in health staff numbers in the wake of the latest NHS staff survey. The survey reveals that although 90% of staff feel they make a difference to patients, they don’t have enough time or people to do their jobs properly - with 66% of staff working overtime.This year’s NHS staff survey does reveal welcome improvements in hand washing and infection control; however there has been little progress in reducing the level of violence inflicted on staff while the number of work-related injuries is still unacceptably high.The survey points to good working relationships between staff and supportive working between staff and their immediate managers. However, communication between senior management and staff is woefully inadequate with 74% reporting they are not listened to, or consulted on, important decisions or ways to improve the service. Karen Jennings, UNISON Head of Health, said:“The staff survey is a good barometer of the way that the NHS is running. Inadequate staffing levels were at the heart of recent critical reports slamming patient care at Mid Staffordshire NHS Trust and in the Birmingham Children’s Hospital. NHS Employers need to listen to staff and must act when they are told they do not have enough time or people to do their jobs properly and deliver quality patient care.“The recent revelations of poor practice in Mid Staffs also underline the importance of effective communication between staff and senior managers. The Darzi review identified the need to develop leadership among NHS staff and for teams to work together to set and measure clear objectives. The whole health team needs to be involved in making NHS services better for patients and with 74% of staff reporting this is not happening, there is clearly a gap that needs to be closed.“What is encouraging to see is that staff are less afraid to report errors, near misses or incidents. This year’s survey shows that 96% of staff witnessing an error reported it. “The number of staff who suffer violence at the hands of patients or relatives which is still shamefully high. The overall figure of 12% is shocking enough, but for ambulance workers that figure is more than double with 27% coming under attack. The Employers must take action to protect their workforce and UNISON would like to see more prosecutions and tough penalties for those found guilty of assault

UNISON Welfare News

2009-03-25T07:15:00.000-07:00

The latest issue of UNISON Welfare's newsletter. Packed full of information, case stories and tips on how we are supporting members in difficult times

http://www.unison.org.uk/file/B4328.pdf

UNISON Welfare Web Site http://www.unison.org.uk/welfare/index.asp

LEGAL SERVICES

2009-03-25T07:06:00.000-07:00

Northumbria Healthcare UNISON provides the broadest range of legal help to union members in the UK. We offer advice and assistance not just with work issues, but for you and your family outside the workplace too.

http://www.unison.org.uk/benefits/legal.asp

Pay freeze rumours quashed

2009-03-25T06:57:00.000-07:00

False news stories are circulating in the national papers and on news items that the Department of Health is seeking to reopen the three year pay deal and impose a pay freeze.UNISON has sought clarification directly from the secretary of state.Please see his statement below which is self explanatory:Health secretary Alan Johnson said: "I would like to reassure NHS staff across the country that we will honour the three-year pay deal in full. "It is a fair and balanced agreement which provides stability for the NHS and its staff. There is no question of it being reopened"

http://www.unison.org.uk/acrobat/A3538a.pdf

March Newsletter On Line Version

2009-03-24T02:28:00.000-07:00

Healthcare March 2009

Build Your Union

Everyone benefits when everyone is in the union. Encourage your colleagues to join so we can all stand together for a better working life.

UNISON @ Northumbria Healthcare Trust

Northumbria Healthcare UNISON has over 2500 members in the Trust, including
Admin & Clerical
Allied Health Professionals
Ancillary
Craft & Maintenance
Healthcare Science
Managers
Nursing

Professional Partners

Association of Pharmacy Technicians
British Association of Occupation Therapists
British Society of Medical Secretaries
College of Operating Department Practitioners
Managers in Partnership

SOME GOOD NEWS FOR A CHANGE

After discussion with union representatives the Trust has agreed not to implement a 2.75% increase in car parking charges.

The increase that was due to come in to force on the first of April this year will not be applied to staff and visitor car parking fees.

While most members interviewed welcomed this move some said the Trust should go further and abolish car parking charges altogether.

UNISON Book Club20% discount on OUP publicationsUNISON has teamed up with Oxford University Press to provide UNISON healthcare members with an exclusive offer to purchase OUP publications at a 20% discount through the UNISON Book Club. To explore the books available through the OUP catalogue and place an order, go to http://www.oup.co.uk/sale/unison/

INDEPENDENT SAFEGUARDING AUTHORITY

The Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) will come into being in October 2009. The ISA will run a vetting and barring scheme replacing the Protection of Vulnerable Adults (POVA) scheme and the Protection of Children Act (POCA) for all those working with children and vulnerable adults. Eventually all staff working with children and vulnerable adults will have to register with the ISA.
UNISON Professional Services Unit has produced a briefing for members.
UNISON will also be holding a seminar on the ISA scheme later this year.

UNION VICTORY FOR DENTAL NURSES

All dental nurses have to pay an annual registration fee of £96 to the General Dental Council, and NHS Direct have now agreed to pay £38 to all its Band 4 dental nurses to help them meet the fees.
More senior nurses on Band 5 and above already receive the payment, and UNISON national officer Michael Walker said the deal was a major breakthrough in the union's campaign to win all dental nurses the annual £38 payment.
'The recognition by NHS Direct of the UNISON dental nurse claim is most welcome, and UNISON hopes that other NHS trusts will now follow suit and recognise the key role of NHS dental nurses.'

LIVING WELL WITH DEMENTIA

The government has published its strategy on dementia care titled "Living well with dementia". Its recommendations included improving public and professional awareness, a joint commissioning strategy and improved assessment & regulation.
Copies of the document and UNISON’s response are available at http://www.unison.org.uk/healthcare/nursing/pages_view.asp?did=8287

THE UNION FOR ALL NORTHUMBRIA HEALTHCARE STAFF

Printed & Published by Northumbria Healthcare UNISON, UNISON Office, Wansbeck General Hospital.
UNISON direct 0845 355 0845 www.unison.org.uk www.healthunion.blogspot.com

Evidence to NHS Pay Review Body

2008-11-03T04:42:00.000-08:00

Staff side unions submitted their joint evidence to the NHS Pay Review Body on 27 October 2008.The evidence set out the case for re-opening the 2009/10 pay rates established by the multi-year pay agreement. The full staff side evidence is available below, along with additional material submitted covering the UNISON 2008 pay survey and a report commissioned by staff side on public sector pay policy.

Staff Side Evidence Evidence to NHS Pay Review Body http://www.unison.org.uk/file/Staff_side_evidence_to_PRB.pdf

UNISON Pay Survey http://www.unison.org.uk/file/UNISON%20material%20for%20Part%203v0.pdf

RE_OPEN NOW PAY CAMPAIGN

2008-11-03T04:34:00.000-08:00

UNISON has launched its "Re-Open Now" campaign to build support among NHS staff for re-opening the 2009/10 pay rates.The campaign recognises that months of soaring prices in the shops and at the pumps since the multi-year pay agreement was established in April this year have left more and more NHS workers struggling to make ends meet.That’s why UNISON has launched the "Re-Open Now" campaign to run alongside the submission of evidence to the NHS Pay Review Body, for which all the staff side unions have joined together to seek a review of the pay rates.Copies of the campaign poster and leaflet are shown in the attached files. If you would like colour copies of the poster and leaflet to distribute in your workplace, please contact your regional office or send an e-mail setting out your requirements to health@unison.co.uk

Poster http://www.unison.org.uk/file/17741_Re-open_recrut_poster_A4.pdf

Leaflet http://www.unison.org.uk/file/17740_Re-open_recrut_leaf_A5b.pdf

PAY SURVEY

2008-09-04T23:19:00.000-07:00

Pay survey to support review of 2009/2010 pay settlement

In preparation for submitting evidence to the NHS Pay Review Body for a review of the 2009/10 pay rates agreed last year as part of the three-year pay settlement, UNISON is seeking the views of members through the attached survey.Therefore, we would be extremely grateful if you can spare the time to print off and complete the attached survey. Working jointly with staff side, UNISON will be making the strongest possible case that the review body should recognise the significant changes in recruitment and retention and wider economic and labour market conditions to trigger a recommendation to the Government for re-opening the multi-year pay agreement. The survey should be returned to the FREEPOST address shown on the front of the questionnaire by Wednesday 24 September 2008.

http://www.unison.org.uk/acrobat/A7528.pdf

Health Care Assistants Conference

2008-09-04T23:16:00.000-07:00

A report and papers from this years Health Care Assistants conference are available below

http://www.unison.org.uk/healthcare/nursing/pages_view.asp?did=7480

Dental Nurses and Technicians – Registration Deadline 31/7/08

2008-08-14T15:51:00.000-07:00

From 31 July 2008 Dental Nurses and Technicians have to be registered with the General Dental Council (GDC).

Failure to be on the professional register will result in ineligibility to work in related jobs whether or not you were in the job before the requirement to register became compulsory.

Dental nurses and dental technicians who do not have the required professional qualifications may be eligible to join the register if they have enough experience. However this option will end on 30 July 2008.

Nurses and Technicians who don’t fully meet the experience criteria can register with a combination of less experience and some qualifications. However from 31 July 2008 new registrants will only be admitted on a strict qualification basis.

DON’T DELAY – REGISTER TODAY

For further information and application forms see the GDC website at http://www.gdc-uk.org/ or telephone 0845 222 4141.

Union Response to HPC Consultation

2008-08-14T15:49:00.000-07:00

UNISON has responded to the Health Professions Council (HPC) Consultation on Annual Registration and Scrutiny Fees in July 2008

http://www.unison.org.uk/file/A-HPC%20consult%20140708.pdf

NHS@60

2008-08-07T14:58:00.000-07:00

As the NHS celebrates its 60th anniversary year, UNISON is leading the call for continued investment and support to sustain our NHS and its staff for the next 60 years and beyond.

UNISON NHS@60 Web Page http://www.unison.org.uk/healthcare/nhs60/index.asp

UNISON NHS@60 Posters http://www.unison.org.uk/acrobat/B3967a.pdf

http://www.unison.org.uk/acrobat/B3967b.pdf

UNISON NHS@60 Fact Sheet http://www.unison.org.uk/acrobat/B3993.pdf

UNISON HEALTH EXECUTIVE CALLS FOR PAY REVIEW

2008-08-06T14:23:00.000-07:00

UNISON’s senior health activists have voted to trigger the reopener clause on the three-year pay deal for NHS workers.The call for a better pay deal comes in the wake of increases in the costs of fuel, energy and food which are driving inflation beyond the 2% increase predicted when the deal was negotiated in spring.UNISON head of health Karen Jennings said: "Nurses and other health workers are already struggling to cope with almost daily increases in the cost of basic necessities such a food and energy."The reopener clause was central to this year's multi-year pay talks because it provided a much-needed safety net against just this situation."Ms Jennings continued: "Our members reluctantly accepted 2.75% this year but the 2.54% and 2.5% increases negotiated for the next two years now fall well short of all expected inflation figures."UNISON will work with the other health unions to submit new evidence to the NHS pay review body making the case for reviewing the 2009/2010 pay rates.

Press Release http://www.unison.org.uk/asppresspack/pressrelease_view.asp?id=1233

UPDATE ON PAY DEAL

2008-06-24T15:14:00.000-07:00

A statement from the NHS unions on the new pay deal http://www.unison.org.uk/paymatters/pages_view.asp?did=7193

Copy of Pay Circular issued to all employers

http://www.unison.org.uk/acrobat/B4077.pdf

UNISON MEMBERS VOTE TO ACCEPT PAY OFFER

2008-06-06T23:27:00.000-07:00

(06/06/08) UNISON members working in the NHS have voted to accept a multi-year pay offer worth more than 8%

An individual postal ballot of 452,000 members working in the NHS saw 64.91% of those taking part vote to accept the three-year offer worth 8.1% – and more to some members.A full range of health workers, including nurses, paramedics, occupational therapists, porters, midwives, health care assistants, technical, admin, cleaning, security and catering staff backed the deal, which will establish a new NHS minimum wage of £6.77 in the second year.

This result means that UNISON and the RCN, the two largest NHS unions, representing the overwhelming majority of NHS staff, have now endorsed the multi-year agreement.

"UNISON gave all our health members the opportunity to make their vote count and the ballot result shows what a tough decision it has been," commented UNISON head of health Karen Jennings.

"The 2.75% on offer this year is the best in the public sector and the three-year deal offers stability. However, the rising costs of everyday items such as food, fuel and energy obviously make members wary about being locked into a three-year deal. "That is why we negotiated a reopener clause that we will not hesitate to trigger if inflation continues to rise."We know that a number of small health unions have voted against accepting the offer and we will be making it a priority to meet with them and discuss a way forward."

The offer gives:
2.75% in the first year;
a headline increase of 2.54% in the second year, while also introducing a new minimum wage of £6.77 an hour for all NHS staff, 18% higher than the statutory minimum wage and meaning that those on the lowest pay point will receive an increase of 5.7%;
in the third year the proposed deal gives 2.5%. It includes a flat rate increase of £420 (worth 3.17% at the lowest point) for the bottom three grades;
nurses, midwives and paramedics on the main grade 5 and the bottom of grade 6 will receive extra money on top of the basic increase from the second year, to recognise that more than a quarter have reached their pay ceiling.

The two-thirds Yes vote in the ballot represents a solid vote for acceptance in the most representative test of opinion across the NHS workforce, as a result of a full postal ballot of the union with the largest membership across all grades and professions.

UNISON negotiators also point out that the package represents the best deal in the public sector, 8.1% over the years and up to 10.5% for entry-grade professionals with a new minimum hourly wage of £6.77.

But the union also recognises that a third of members in the ballot voting against the package reflects the anxiety felt about increasing food and fuel prices.The union warned the government that UNISON members will not tolerate a below-inflation increase next year, and if inflation continues to go up rather than down, UNISON will trigger the reopener clause for year two.

Members can expect to see the money from this pay rise in their pay packets in July.

COLUMBIAN TRADE UNIONISTS VISIT NORTHUMBRIA HEALTHCARE

2008-05-17T05:30:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday 19th March 2008 UNISON Northumbria Healthcare at Wansbeck General Hospital were visited by a delegation from Colombia South America.

The two Colombian Delegates were Carlos Gonzales, Trade Union Activist and Olga Alauja Human rights activist, they were accompanied by Alyson Grainger interpreter and Kenny Bell Unisons northern region deputy convenor.
They were met by George Barron Unison Branch Secretary and various Unison Stewards.

George took them around the hospital, were they visited the following Departments A&E, X-Ray and General Theatres, as well as talking to various staff in the corridors. Unison would like to thank all staff in these departments who met and spoke with our guests.

Carlos and Olga mentioned they were very envious of the facilities our NHS has and felt that the hospital was very clean and bright, they said the domestics must be very good we took them to A&E and they wondered why there were not patients and bodies lying all over (that apparently is what it’s like in Colombia). They thought A&E and Theatres were out of this world in comparison with back
home.

After the tour of the hospital, Unison stewards had brief Question and Answer session and discussion.

George Barron said “I felt quite humble and ended up with a lump in my throat; Carlos and Olga were telling us a couple of weeks ago some friends of theirs (hospital workers) were shot and killed, their crime was being an activist in the hospital workers trade union in Colombia “They are oppressed by dictatorship”.

When we asked if we could help in any way, they said they wanted solidarity with other Trade Unionists around the world and more than anything else wanted to have elected members of Government such as we have who they could approach and get to act on their behalf.

I know the other Unison Stewards found it quite daunting to hear these stories. So whilst we can’t diverse from any problems we have in England it does make you sit back and think.

Thanks once again to everyone who participated

UNISON NURSING

2008-05-16T15:42:00.000-07:00

A number of resources for Nursing Staff

UNISON Nursing Matters Newsletter conference special http://www.unison.org.uk/file/17178.pdf

UNISON Student Nursing Newsletter Spring 2008
http://www.unison.org.uk/file/A6432.pdf

Health Care Assistants conference 2008
http://www.unison.org.uk/file/A6906b.pdf

Get Connected join UNISON Nursings Electronic Forums
http://www.unison.org.uk/file/A6501.pdf

PROFESSIONAL TECHNICAL & HEALTHCARE SCIENCE STAFF

2008-05-16T15:38:00.000-07:00

For a copy of the UNISON Spring 2008 newsletter click on the link below.

http://www.unison.org.uk/file/A3924UNISONPTBnewsletterSpring2008.pdf

PAY 2008

2008-05-16T15:20:00.000-07:00

UNISON is balloting members on a 3 year pay offer. UNISON is not making any recomendation on the offer.
Information on the offer is available here:

http://www.unison.org.uk/acrobat/B3920.pdf

http://www.unison.org.uk/acrobat/B3896.pdf

http://www.unison.org.uk/acrobat/B3921.pdf

http://www.unisonoxonhealth.org.uk/pay/index.htm

UNISON evidence to Pay Review Body http://www.unison.org.uk/acrobat/B3738a.pdf

Members in the NHS should be receiving ballot papers on or after this Thursday, 15 May. They must be returned by 6 June. Papers can be requested for new joiners up until the 3 June deadline.
UNISON direct are taking calls about the ballot on 0845 355 0845, textphone 0800 0 967 968, from 6am to midnight Monday to Friday and 9pm to 4pm on Saturday.Not got a vote? Join UNISON today and have your say. Ring 0845 355 0845 and ask for an application form

2007 PAY OFFER ACCEPTED

2007-09-13T15:19:00.000-07:00

UNISON members in the NHS have voted 2 to 1 in favour of the revised pay offer secured by union negotiators in August.

The deal will put extra cash in the pockets of the lowest paid workers in the NHS. In addition, non-clinical staff will have their training budgets boosted, and clinicians will get money to put towards their training fees - though only in England, where the award is being staged.

Karen Jennings, UNISON head of health, said it was a pragmatic vote."I believe that workers in the health service deserve better - however UNISON said the revised offer was the best that could be achieved through negotiation, and the result shows that members recognised that fact."Members had been told that should they reject the deal, they should also be prepared to support industrial action.However, the union will be seeking more money next year to make up for accepting this year's below-inflation award."We will be making a strong case for a catch-up award,"

Ms Jennings said. "I don't believe health workers will accept a below-inflation pay increase for two years running."In the meantime, the union is determined to improve terms and conditions for NHS staff by making progress over issues such as a reduced working week and better training.

Talks are due to begin soon.UNISON represents 450,000 members in the NHS including nurses, paramedics, healthcare assistants, cleaners, cooks, porters, administrative staff and therapists. 68.8% voted for and 31.2% against the offer.

STAFF BENEFIT DAY

2007-09-12T17:01:00.000-07:00

The Trust is holding a staff benefit day on Friday 21st of September. Northumbria Healthcare UNISON will have a stall at the event. Why not visit our stall, talk to our reps and officers, get questions answered, help yourself to freebies and take part in our free draw?

PAY 2007

2007-08-26T02:21:00.001-07:00

Northumbria Healthcare UNISON is not making any reccomendation on the new pay offer in line with national policy.

George Barron, Branch Secretary and vice-chair of UNISON's Healthcare Executive says;

“UNISON is not saying this is a great deal; it remains below inflation. But it does provide some extra money for the lower paid, for training budgets and to assist those who need professional registration. There is also agreement to enter into further talks on a possible multi-year deal, although we will consult on this separately.

It is the best that can be achieved through negotiation. If members wish to reject this final offer, then they should be prepared to take industrial action, should that be decided in a subsequent ballot.”

USE YOUR VOTE AND HAVE YOUR SAY

PAY 2007

2007-08-02T15:44:00.000-07:00

I'm pretty sure that many of you will think it wasn't worth the wait,but here is the formal pay offer which has now been published.

It is quite a complex thing to work out what it exactly means forindividual pay packets. The pay points referred to in the bit on paymean that the £400 increase on salaries applies to Bands 1 and 2 and the 2.5% + £38 increase applies to bands 3 and 4.
There is a little bitof overlap which will mean the first two points of Band 5 also benefit.

Also, because the staging remains, staff won't actually get the full£400 this year, they will get 1.5% from April as before and then theywill only get 5/12ths of the rest of it as that is how much of thefinancial year is left from November 1st.

Several members of the Service Group Executive did scrap-of-paper calculations and worked out that for a person on the bottom of Band 1 (who are thepeople who will benefit the most financially from this deal) it wouldbe worth roughly the equivalent of 2.45% over this year. i.e. less than we would have received if we had succeeded in overturning the staging.

UNISON, this will now go to an individual member consultative ballot.

Ballot papers will go out starting on August 20th and theballot will close on September 13th.

It was reported that UNITE (both bits) were verylikely to just accept it, although they may be shamed into some kind of consultation if UNISON are doing it, that the GMB seemed likely to accept it and that the RCN were waiting to see the results of theirconsultation before they decided. I'm not clear what any of the otherunions have said to their lay leadership.

The position of UNISON is that this is best we could acheive through negotiations.

Some members agree, and sat this demonstrates that negotiation is not enough and we should move to an industrial actionballot.

That decision now rests with the UNISON membership.

FROM UNISON WEBSITE

(02/08/07) Union negotiators have secured a new pay offer for health workers.

UNISON will now ask all members working in the NHS whether they wish to accept the offer.

The health executive believes it is the best that can be achieved through negotiation.Should members reject the new deal, they should also be prepared to support industrial action, the executive said.

The improved offer will put extra cash in the pockets of the lowest paid workers in the NHS, no matter which country they are in. In England only, training budgets for non-clinical staff will be boosted, and clinicians will get money to put towards their registration fees.Should staff accept the offer, those in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales will get the full 2.5% increase recommended by the pay review body immediately, backdated to 1 April this year.The award will still be staged in England, with staff getting 1.5% payable from 1 April and the remaining 1% from 1 November.

The improved offer at a glance:
more money for the lowest paid. From 1 November there will be a £400 flat rate increase for those on Bands 1 and 2.

Those on Bands 3 and 4 will receive an additional £38 as well as the 2.5%. This will be payable in all 4 UK countries;

in England only, there will be additional money for staff training targeted directly at those non-clinical staff who often lose out when training budgets are cut;

also in England only, there will be £38 paid to staff on Bands 5, 6, 7 and 8(a) who are required to register to practice – this money is a contribution to their professional fees.

Full details will be available on the health pages of the UNISON website. They will also be circulated to health branches, and sent to all UNISON members in the NHS, together with ballot papers

.Ballot papers are due to be sent out on 20 August. The ballot will close on 13 September.

Nothing on the RCN, GMB,Unite(T&G) RCM, SoR,CSP, sites yet.

This on Unite(amicus):
Unite’s Head of Health, Kevin Coyne, said:
“After months of long and tough negotiations, this is a breakthrough in the pay negotiations. The new package offered by the treasury gives extra help to the low paid and for staff in England. This pay remains staged, however there is also a commitment to review future pay and conditions.
“NHS workers in England from the 1st November will now fall in line with workers in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland who received pay increases in line with the Pay Review Body's recommendation of 2.5%.
“In addition to the improved pay offer for this year, unions, employers and the government have agreed to enter into talks prior to the next pay round, to consider a multi-year deal.”
Previously the employers in England had refused to offer anymore money than the 2%, imposed by the Government, which overrode the Pay Review Body's recommendation of 2.5%.

2007 PAY

2007-07-27T15:51:00.000-07:00

Management have made a very slightly improved offer on the pay award. However, it is not being officially announced until Monday.
This means that full details are not yet available.
It is heavily rumoured that staging will still take place.
Once the announcement is made on Monday, UNISON will begin the process of balloting members on the offer.

2007 PAY

2007-07-06T15:38:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 5 JULY 2007

HEALTH UNIONS IN LAST DITCH TALKS WITH NEW HEALTH SECRETARY TO AVERT STRIKE

New Health Secretary Alan Johnson has agreed to urgently reopen discussions on health workers pay, following the call for talks last week by the UK¹s largest health union, UNISON.

UNISON National Officer for Health Mike Jackson said:

³We very much welcome these last ditch talks to avert industrial action.
Living costs have risen far faster than the paltry pay offer on the table and our health workers are underpaid as it is. They simply cannot afford to accept the offer on the table as it stands.²

Earlier this year health workers were offered a miserly 2.5% pay offer. The offer was cut even further because Government and employers said it had to be staged. An increase of just 1.5% was offered from April 2007, but the final settlement of 2.5% is only due to be paid from November 2007. This effectively reduced the annual pay offer to below 2%, yet living costs have risen at more than double that figure.

Health workers ire grew in England as they learned during the last few weeks that the 2.5% pay offer in Wales and Scotland would not be staged.

UNISON has scheduled a ballot of members for industrial action due to take place in September 2007.

UNISON is the UK¹s largest health union representing 460,000 health workers.
Talks are expected to begin early next week.

WEEKLY PAID STAFF

2007-07-02T11:10:00.000-07:00

THERE WILL BE A MEETING OF UNISON MEMBERS WHO ARE PAID WEEKLY.

DATE: 6th July 2007

TIME: 10.00 – 11.00

PLACE: back Dining room North Tyneside GeneralHospital

To discuss managements final offer on changing to monthly pay. See offer below:

Weekly to Monthly Pay: Final Offer

It is proposed by the Trust that all staff currently on weekly pay move to a monthly pay frequency from the beginning of November 2007.

Through consultation with staff the following points have been raised as particular issues in relation to making the change:

· Difficulties in having enough finance to cover the transition period between weekly to monthly pay
· Difficulties in adjusting to making a monthly salary last a month as opposed to a weeks pay lasting one week
· Concern from some staff about taking a salary advance from the Trust in that it would be difficult to pay it back over a period of time
· Lack of confidence currently in the payroll departments ability to handle wage and salary payment
· The desire to receive a payment in recognition that this is a change to existing terms and conditions.
· A reluctance to change payment frequencies

The Trust has carefully considered the issues raised and are prepared to make the following concessions to aid the transitional period.

A salary advance of up to three weeks salary to assist with the transition. This could be paid back (without interest) over a period of up to 6 months by a monthly deduction of 1/6th of the total amount advanced. This would apply to all substantive permanent appointments would not apply to Bank staff. Arrange for independent financial advice to be available to assist staff in budgeting over a period of a month.
Offer the facility to move to fortnightly pay for up to 3 months to assist in making the change. Those who opt to move to fortnightly pay in the transitional period would be able to take a salary advance of up to 1 weeks pay repayable over a period of 3 months via a monthly deduction of 1/3rd of the amount borrowed.
Make a one off salary payment of £100 to each employee (non refundable). This would be per employee and not per assignment.
Monthly salaries will be paid on the 28th of each month (or the last banking day prior to the 28th) with the exception of December where the payment will be on the last banking day prior to the 24th of the month.

In relation to concerns over the confidence in payroll it should be noted that some of the recent issues are in connection with the difficulties in running weekly and monthly payrolls from the same system. This severely reduces the amount of payroll processing time available. Making the move to all staff being paid monthly will greatly assist in this matter and will help make payments more accurate. In relation to other contributing factors, an action plan is in place to improve processing accuracy to an acceptable level.

2007 Pay

2007-07-01T15:52:00.000-07:00

Members will be receiving a national ballot paper on this years pay offer. All members should read what this pay offer will mean to them before voting. Follow this link to see what the offer will mean to you http://www.gwenthealthcare.unionweb.co.uk/view/PageView.aspx?Page=1280

Welcome

2007-07-01T15:42:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the new blog page of Northumbria Healthcare UNISON. We aim to update regularly to keep members informed of what is happening in the Trust and the NHS.