Across Birmingham City Council, especially City Operations and City Housing there have been a number of incidents, accidents and near misses in recent months. If you have experienced these kinds of incidents, it is very important to make sure to fill in accident/incident reports, it’s not acceptable to feel threatened or attacked in work and […]
The West Midlands region have a number of forthcoming online learning opportunities for UNISON activists or could be activists who are taking the first step in becoming a steward or workplace health and safety representative. Some examples of courses include: Digital Organising; Basics & Module 1 Dealing With A Disciplinary Dealing With A Grievance The […]
A joint letter from UNISON, GMB, Unite, NEU, NASUWT, scientists, public health professionals, other organisations, parents and young people has been sent to Gavin Williamson MP, Secretary of State for Education regarding reports that the government plans to stop requiring children to wear face coverings in secondary school classrooms from 17th May in England. We […]
On Monday 19th April the majority of schools across the country welcomed students back to school after the Easter break. This is what the Government Education in the Media blog has to say on schools returning: While there have been a lot of changes and challenges over the past year, we remain committed to ensuring […]
Recently the Branch completed an equality survey, where members were asked a series of questions themed around disabilities, health conditions, home working, flexible working and a return to work. We now have the results of this. We had a total of 369 responses from members, some partially filled in and some completed the whole survey. […]
As the vaccination programme for Covid-19 continues, there finally seems to be a light at the end of a long and difficult tunnel. Estimates suggest that three quarters of us will need to be vaccinated to reach population immunity. How many people will agree to be vaccinated? Are some groups more likely to agree than […]
The Covid-19 staff guidance for Birmingham City Council employees has been updated and staff need to be aware how this might impact on them, their staff and/or service area. Where an employee confirms that they have a COVID-related sickness absence or are in self-isolation, it is the line manager’s responsibility to ensure that the HR/Payroll […]
Section 44 Update This is the latest advice from National Schools Sector following their meeting on Thursday 7th January. The use of section 44 is once again a backstop – we used it on a blanket basis because of the situation faced. Now we are encouraging branches to seek to negotiate with employers and use […]
If you are pregnant the government has issued “strong advice” that you should work from home, if possible and to be particularly stringent about ‘social distancing’ during the coronavirus pandemic. Your employer should therefore consider allowing you to work from home. If your job isn’t suitable for home working then your employer should consider whether […]
What should I do if I think I have the symptoms of, or have had, close contact with someone who has had, COVID-19? For the latest information on symptoms, what you should do and how long you should self-isolate, see the “staying at home information” from the NHS. A change to the self-isolation period from […]