A SENSE OF COMMUNITY
Community
Empowering working people Creating better communities
CONTENTS What We Can Do For You
Safer Workplaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Campaigning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Core Member Benefits
Child Benefit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Bereavement Benefit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Benevolent Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Convalescence Benefit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Driver Care Plus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Communitas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Community Member Legal Service
Free legal advice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Free will writing service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Free 24-hour emergency telephone support service for urgent criminal issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Reduced-rate ‘personal legal services’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Personal injury . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Road accidents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Public liability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Workplace injuries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Fiscale Financial Services 11 Total Motor Assist
What do I get? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Why do I need it? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 What else do I get? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Irvine Insurance Brokers 13
RAC Breakdown Cover 13
How To Get Involved 14
Empowering Working People Creating Better Communities Community is a modern union dedicated to offering advice, assistance and protection to our members and their families both at work and at home. We offer a wide range of services including legal advice, training and consumer benefits so you can really get the most out of your membership. We deliver real results for our members and are continuing to grow in new sectors so whatever your job, the benefits of our membership are too good to miss out on. A Sense Of Community 2
HELLO AND WELCOME TO COMMUNITY
Thank you for choosing Community. I think that you will find being a member a rewarding experience. We recognise the world of work is changing and we understand that trade unions need to adapt to ensure our members continue to receive first class benefits and support. Community has adopted new technology and new methods of organising because we realise that the way people work has changed. Our goal is to respond to the concerns of our members by being active in the workplace and in the community. We have pioneering partnerships with non-profit organisations in your communities, and organise cutting-edge training opportunities through our education arm Communitas. In return for your monthly contribution, you get access to a range of benefits and services designed to save you money and give you peace of mind. We are always trying to increase the offer of services and benefits available to you, so keep reading our Stronger Together magazine and look at our website for regular updates. Yours in Unity
Michael J. Leahy OBE
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WHAT WE CAN DO FOR YOU We support members who have been dealt with harshly or unfairly at work. Our representatives can attend disciplinary and grievance hearings with members and offer support and advice. Our lawyers make sure all our members are treated fairly and legally. Where Community is the recognised union, we negotiate on behalf of our members for better pay and conditions.
Workplaces with a recognised union have, on average, a 14.5% higher hourly rate of pay than non-union workplaces. Source: Labour Force Survey, BIS, 2012
Safer Workplaces No one should have to work in an unsafe environment. We offer health and safety training to all members and the support to implement changes in your workplace. As well as training in identifying occupational health issues and hazards in the workplace, our Health and Safety courses include training to deal with bullying, harassment, work-related stress, drug and alcohol abuse.
Campaigning We work hard for our members in the political arena. We will continue to stand up for equality and fairness and we want to make sure that our members’ voice is heard when it comes to their jobs, pensions, pay and conditions. We also campaign for the Labour Party because we believe that our members and their communities are better off under a Labour Government.
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CORE MEMBER BENEFITS Child Benefit What is it?
By making the most of your membership you could save up to
We pay a ‘baby bonus’ to any member upon the birth or adoption of a child of which they are a parent, providing they have held membership for at least 12 months prior to the child’s birth. If both parents are members then both can claim. Children registered under the scheme receive ongoing support from Community. They will receive birthday cards and vouchers at key stages of their childhood such as when they first go to school or when they start secondary school.
#1,000
Bereavement Benefit What is it?
The Bereavement Benefit is an accrued benefit designed to assist your next of kin at a very difficult time. Working members will accrue £200.00 per annum for the first six years of membership, and £20.00 per annum thereafter. At retirement the benefit continues to accrue at £20.00 per annum and remains available for as long as membership is continued as a non‑working member. If a member has accrued a Bereavement Benefit and becomes unemployed, they will continue to accrue £20.00 each year, providing they remain a non‑working member. When they return to work, they will continue to accrue their Bereavement Benefits.
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Benevolent Fund What is it?
The Benevolent Fund provides assistance to our members and their families who are experiencing severe financial difficulties. Donations are made to those with exceptional needs for whom state support is insufficient or not forthcoming. Typically many individuals and families are in distress and have few other places to turn to for support. The Benevolent Fund also welcomes applications from branches which are actively involved in projects and good causes within local communities.
Convalescence Benefit What is it?
The Convalescence Benefit provides members who have experienced serious illness or injury with up to two weeks rest and recuperation at our partner convalescence home. Members can recover among beautiful surroundings, with full board and all expenses paid. A member can go alone for two weeks or with a companion for one week.
Driver Care Plus What is it?
Licensed LGV drivers who are members of Community can be covered for permanent loss of licence due to accidental injury, disability, illness, poor eyesight or assault by up to £10,000 for only 90p per week. We also offer legal support – advice and representation against prosecution for Road Traffic Offences while driving an official vehicle on duty.
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Communitas What is it?
Communitas is the part of Community that meets your learning and skills development needs. If you need to refresh existing skills or learn new ones, we can provide advice, training, support and other opportunities in your workplace or at one of our own centres across England, Wales and Scotland. This can help you to improve your prospects in your current workplace and in the job market. We can help you with: ●●Information, advice and guidance on learning opportunities ●●Basic literacy and numeracy ●●IT skills ●●Redundancy support (CV writing, interview techniques etc.) ●●Workplace coaching and mentoring for apprentices ●●Many other lifelong learning activities Communitas can also work with your employer to design learning and development programmes for your workplace.
For more information on how to access any of our core benefits and services speak to your Branch Secretary or FREEPHONE 0800 389 6332 or visit our website www.community-tu.org
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COMMUNITY MEMBER LEGAL SERVICE We provide an array of legal services which are available for you to use and some of our services are open to your family members too.
Free legal advice Community operates a Free Legal Advice Service which is open to all members. We can help with a wide range of legal queries, such as consumer issues, neighbour disputes and housing matters. In times of need, you can access the service to cover close family members too.
Free will writing service Community can arrange for you to be provided with a basic will free of charge. A basic will leaves your estate to a partner and then to any surviving children. This service includes a mirror will for your partner.
Free 24-hour emergency telephone support service for urgent criminal issues Union solicitors provide a free 24-hour emergency telephone support service for urgent criminal law issues for members only. The service is for the purpose of providing initial ‘police station’ advice only. Call freephone 0800 916 9002.
Reduced-rate ‘personal legal services’ If you require specialist services, such as conveyancing, probate and family issues, Community can arrange for reduced-rate services through the Union solicitors.
All this and first class employment advice and representation A Sense Of Community 8
Personal injury Community provides free legal advice and support to members and their immediate families who have been injured through no fault of their own. Personal injury claims can be complicated and time consuming, but with the help of specialist solicitors the process can be made much simpler and quicker.
Over #3 million compensation is recovered for Community members every year
Community has a nationwide network of solicitors on call to serve members for free. With unscrupulous private solicitors charging astronomical rates per hour or offering dubious ‘no win, no fee’ services – which means they may take part of any compensation you may win – you simply can’t afford to be without the union.
Road accidents Whether you were the driver, passenger or pedestrian, you could be entitled to bring a claim for compensation for your injuries. The injuries suffered in road accidents may vary from minor to extremely serious injuries. You can claim compensation for injuries that you have suffered up to three years ago.
Public liability If you have been injured in the street or in a public building, for example a supermarket or restaurant or rented accommodation, you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation. Community’s specialist solicitors are on hand to provide advice and assistance.
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Workplace injuries
Our Member Service Centre handles over 10,000 calls a year from members
Your employer is responsible for your health, safety and welfare while you are at work. If you have been injured in an accident at work or you suffer a mental health issue through bullying or an unreasonable workload, you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation. Your employer must not treat you unfairly just because you are making a claim for personal injury. The union is here to ensure your rights as an employee. Industrial Disease due to your working environment means you may have been exposed to harmful substances or conditions. As a result of this exposure you may have suffered from a work related condition for which you may be able to claim compensation. These include: ●● Asbestos-related diseases ●● Respiratory diseases ●● Dermatitis ●● Industrial deafness/tinnitus ●● Vibration white finger
To take advantage of any of Community’s legal services, simply contact our Member Service Centre and speak with one of our advisors. FREEPHONE 0800 389 6332
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FISCALE FINANCIAL SERVICES In the current climate, Community members are more concerned than ever that they receive good quality independent financial advice they can trust. This is where Fiscale Financial Services comes in. Fiscale can offer friendly accessible financial advice on a broad range of areas including: ●●Retirement and Redundancy situations ●●Arranging Life Insurance and Income Protection ●●Pensions advice ●●Inheritance Tax planning ●●Debt Counselling ●●Mortgage Advice
For a free no obligation discussion, please call 0845 463 4071
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TOTAL MOTOR ASSIST Accidents are a fact of life, having them dealt with quickly and efficiently is the ultimate solution, that’s why Community and Assist Protect are working together to bring you and your family Total Motor Assist Essential – free of charge for all members.
What do I get? ●●24/7 freephone helpline for immediate assistance UK-wide. ●●Vehicle recovery throughout the UK*. ●●Vehicle repair without having to pay the excess on your motor insurance*. If you rely on your motor insurance you will have to pay an excess to get your vehicle repaired, even when an accident isn’t your fault – does that strike you as fair? ●●Like-for-like replacement vehicle that is free to drive while Assist Protect professionally manages the repairs to your own vehicle: you get an as-new vehicle similar to your own delivered to you, not a small hatchback that you have to collect from the garage with the words ‘courtesy car’ plastered all over it. ●●Private healthcare with no waiting list.* ●●Specialist legal support from Community’s lawyers. * if the accident is not your fault
Why do I need it? Total Motor Assist Essential is not something that is included as part of any other policy – that is why most people do not have it and why Community is giving it to you and your family for no charge now: it is a vital resource that Community feels you can and should use.
What else do I get? ●●All your family vehicles are covered regardless of value or type of vehicle. ●●All your family members are covered: you, your partner, and all your children regardless of age. ●●Cover acts to protect your No Claims Discount so it can never be adversely affected. ●●Once you have joined, you get discounts on other products and services too, such as car servicing. A Sense Of Community 12
To get this valuable cover free of charge, together with your Community Total Motor Assist Glove Box Pack, go to: www.community.totalmotorassist.co.uk Your 100% discount code is shown on every page
IRVINE INSURANCE BROKERS Irvine Insurance offers attractive insurance products for Community Union members and their families. As a Community member you are entitled to receive discounted cover for: ●●Travel Insurance ●●Motor Insurance ●●Household Insurance
●●Life Assurance ●●Health Insurance ●●Commercial Insurance
To find out more about these offers, please visit www.communitytravel.co.uk
RAC BREAKDOWN COVER Community Union members and their immediate family** can save 35%* on enrolment to the RAC and 25% on renewal of an existing policy. Prices for enrolment can be as low as £34.13* This cover will give you peace of mind 24 hours a day, every day of the year. The rescue service is available whether you are a driver or passenger in your or another vehicle (non-commercial vehicles only). RAC appreciates that all motorists have different requirements, therefore you can choose the level of service to best suit your needs. To find out how much you could save, please call 0800 581 077 and quote GE0537 *D iscount based on standard RAC retail prices at the time of application with payment on a continuous annual basis, prices may vary if payment method is by other methods. ** Immediate family members are those who are related to you and live in the same household, up to a maximum of four additional people. 13 A Sense Of Community
HOW TO GET INVOLVED Members can get involved at any level of the union, from signing petitions in support of other members or writing to your local MP to volunteering as a Health and Safety rep or serving on the union’s National Executive Council. The easiest way to get involved is to make sure that your details are up to date to ensure you get the latest news, advice and support from your union. This is particularly important if your circumstances change or you change jobs. You can do this by contacting your branch secretary, the Member Service Centre or by visiting our website. Meet other members: Members are organised into branches, either where you work or where you live. Branch meetings are where all Community members can have their say and discuss issues important to them. Getting involved in your branch is a great way to defend your rights in the workplace and make sure that you and your colleagues are treated fairly. Every few months regional forums are a chance to meet members from other workplaces in your area. They are a focus for the work and campaigning that Community does in local communities.
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Become a rep: You may want to get more involved. Community is always looking for volunteers to serve as branch officials in valued and exciting roles. All our reps are well supported and we offer specialist training courses at our dedicated Education and Training Centre, The Grange in Northamptonshire. If you are interested in developing your skills, improving Health and Safety in the workplace or think your employer can go green, speak to your local branch or the Member Service Centre. Get political: Community is a union that positively and actively supports the Labour Party because we believe a Labour government can best help us deliver improvements in the lives and communities of our members. Labour Party members who are not already Community members can join our Labour Campaign Network (LCN). All Community members can get involved in our LCN if you are a member or supporter of the Labour Party. We help develop the skills of our activists through training in community organising as well as plenty of opportunities to get involved in local actions and campaigning. We also train and support Community members to seek elected office – from Councillors to MPs.
See www.community-tu.org for more information
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Member Service Centre 0800 389 6332
servicecentre@community-tu.org @CommunityUnion facebook.com/CommunityUnion
www.community-tu.org
FREE LEGAL ADVICE
Representatkion at Wor
Benefits for r You and You family
Education g AND Trainin Support