UNISON supports the vaccination programme, but evidence suggests persuasion is better than compulsion.
Health & Safety
Some employers are seeking to make it a condition of employment to have the COVID-19 vaccination. Our solicitors explain what your right are in this area,
UNISON has joined up with our sister trade unions to hold a rally for early years on Wednesday 3 February.
Hundreds of young soldiers have returned to the Army Foundation College, near Harrogate, and there has now been an outbreak of Covid. We have raised our concerns directly with the Government. our new General Secretary and Labour’s Shadow Defence Secretary have also taken up the case.
Estimates put 39% of teachers and school leaders and 51% of teaching assistants and other staff are working on-site in open settings in the current lockdown.
Trade union representing Midwives and Maternity Support Workers confirms that employers must use pregnancy risk assessments to show how they are removing Covid risks for pregnant women at work.
UNISON has called for libraries to stay completely closed, to protect library workers and their families.
In UNISON’s view, it is unsafe for school staff to attend the workplace at present if your school is fully opened to all pupils. We have issued advice and guidance about how to inform your Head Teacher of your statutory right not to attend an unsafe workplace,
Unionised workplaces are safer workplaces, especially where we have workplace Health & Safety reps. COVID-19 has reinforced the importance of having Health & Safety reps in every workplace.
UNISON says the government should be taking the lead on the wearing of face coverings in schools, not leaving it to individual Head Teachers.