UNISON Harrogate Health News Autumn 2017

NISON news U

Harrogate Health

Autumn 2017

Harrogate Health Branch of UNISON Newsletter

UNISON legal victory sees employment tribunal fees scrapped

Contact your branch UNISON is here to offer support, advice and representation.

If you need any advice or help please contact the Branch Secretary, Hilary Levitt on: 01423 553463 or mobile 07867 457215 or email hilary.levitt@hdft.nhs.uk.

If you fail to receive an immediate response and the matter is very urgent, you can also contact the Regional Enquiry Line on 0113 2182627 or UNISON Direct on 0800 0 857 857.

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Supreme Court verdict follows four-year fight by union and is a victory for everyone in work.

Employment tribunal fees will be scrapped after UNISON won a landmark court victory against the government on the 26th July 2017.

The Supreme Court – the UK’s highest court – has unanimously ruled that the government was acting unlawfully and unconstitutionally when it introduced the fees four years ago.

From the 26th July 2017, anyone who has been treated illegally or unfairly at work will no longer have to pay to take their employers to court – as a direct result of UNISON’s legal challenge.

The government will also have to refund more than £27m to the thousands of people charged for taking claims to tribunals since July 2013, when fees were introduced by then Lord Chancellor Chris Grayling.

Anyone in England, Scotland and Wales wanting to pursue a case against their employer has had to find as much as £1,200. This has been a huge expense for many low-paid employees, says UNISON. Reacting to the decision, UNISON general secretary

Dave Prentis said: “The government is not above the law. But when ministers introduced fees they were disregarding laws many centuries old, and showing little concern for employees seeking justice following illegal treatment at work. The government has been acting unlawfully, and has been proved wrong – not just on simple economics, but on constitutional law and basic fairness too. It’s a major victory for employees everywhere.

UNISON took the case on behalf of anyone who’s ever been wronged at work, or who might be in future.

Unscrupulous employers no longer have the upper hand. These unfair fees have let law-breaking bosses off the hook these past four years, and left badly treated staff with no choice but to put up or shut up. We’ll never know how many people missed out because they couldn’t afford the expense of fees. But at last this tax on justice has been lifted.”

Conference Round-up

Pay Up Now! Add your voice at the TUC Lobby & Rally

NHS Roadshow Celebrating the NHS and fighting for its future

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Harrogate Health Branch of UNISON

From your Secretary, Hilary Levitt Welcome to our Autumnal edition of the Branch’s newsletter and welcome to both new and existing members of Harrogate Health Care Branch.

Since last writing it has been a busy year attending the Health Conference for the first time and National Delegates Conference which have both enthused and filled me with confidence and motivation for the next year.

UNISON is not only the largest public services and health union in the UK, but the most proactive responding to all attacks not only on pay, our existing terms and conditions, but also relentlessly fighting for all its members!

UNISON won the legal victory seeing employment tribunal fees scrapped which is just one example of how progressive a Union we are – a fantastic and huge VICTORY!

I would like to welcome Christine Batty our Chair Person and Thomas Morrison newly appointed Treasurer to our branch committee. Well what can I say, but without the help, support and advice of these two individuals, the branch would not be working as cohesively as it is. They are always there for me in good and bad times and always lend a sympathetic ear whatever the problem.

Our branch is growing with more members joining the branch from care homes in the region.

Recruitment is ongoing and we have various campaigns ongoing with the most important one being “Pay Up Now”. Leaflets, posters, tin badges, and sticky labels are

available on request.

Our branch has been involved in lots of consultation papers, a couple of which are quite controversial and we are working closely as ever with our trade union colleagues and working in partnership with the Trust.

Three new stewards have completed their initial training and a couple have already been involved in cases.

We have celebrated the 69th Anniversary of the NHS earlier in the summer and cards were presented to Phillip Marshall, Director of Workforce and Organisational Change.

Hilary Levitt Branch Secretary

GET INVOLVED! Take on an official role as a rep or steward Whatever your problem at work, from redundancies to changes in job role, UNISON workplace representatives (reps), stewards and other activists work together to protect the interest of members.

Two of the key roles are organising and recruiting new members. Organising means working with members to solve problems together, listening to members’ views and promoting democracy and participation.

Recruiting is vital because greater the proportion of workers who are members of UNISON, the stronger we are

when it comes to having our voice heard, and the more likely we are to win campaigns.

Our activist roles are vital to us, and UNISON will provide you with all the training you need. In most workplaces you have the right to paid time off for this training.

UNISON reps receive complete support from the union, and there is even a dedicated online resource called the ‘Organising Space’.

For more information, please contact the branch or contact UNISON Direct 0800 0 857 857.

WAYS TO TAKE AN ACTIVE ROLE Stay in contact with members Organise your colleagues and make them stronger Make your workplace safer Support your colleagues to learn Stand up for equality Represent women, black members, disabled, or LGBT members Campaign on global issues Make sure young peoples’ voices are heard

UNISON Newsletter

UNISON major pay campaign: Pay Up Now! We need all UNISON members involved We’re fighting for all public sector workers to get the pay rise you need and deserve, so there won’t be any let up in the campaign until the pay cap is scrapped and proper pay rises return.

Our campaign will continue to build in the weeks ahead – including putting pressure on MPs to back our calls for fair pay – but if we’re going to win, we’re going to need all UNISON members to play their part.

That’s why UNISON is asking branches to get involved and organise Pay Up Now events in your workplaces and make the case for better pay and vital pay rises. We also need you to send us your pay stories – about how pay cuts have affected you, and your family, in the years that

wages have been frozen or capped.

And we’ve launched a pay quiz on our webpage – which is great to share to get other people to engage with the campaign – which explains some of the facts about public sector pay, and why we’re fighting for a better deal for everyone who works to help our communities and our country.

There’s so much more planned for the weeks and months ahead, and we know after years of austerity and cuts this fight won’t be easy. But together, UNISON can win for all public sector workers, wherever you work.

Your Branch Officers and Stewards Hilary Levitt Branch Secretary, Communications Officer, Steward Christine Batty Branch Chair

Thomas Morrison Branch Treasurer Adele Dungey – Steward Julie Donnelly – Steward Christine Brown – Steward Colette Black – Steward Sandra Pedel – Steward

2018 Diaries The 2018 diaries will be sent out to all members with the Notification of the 2018 Branch AGM before Christmas.

UNISON Conferences 2018

TUC LOBBY & RALLY

Tuesday 17th October in Westminster

As part of UNISON’s ‘Pay Up Now!’ campaign the General Secretary Dave Prentis has been successful in persuading the TUC to call a lobby of Conservative MPs at Westminster ahead of the Budget in November. The pay motion from the NEC passed at national delegate conference 2017 called for

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a TUC lobby amongst other actions.

Tuesday 17 October 2017 Targeted lobby of Conservative MPs from 2pm – 4pm Rally in Parliament Square from 4.30pm – 6pm A Facebook event page has been created.

National Delegates Conference 18th – 22nd June 2018, Brighton Women’s Health Conference 1st – 3rd February 2018 BT Convention Centre, Liverpool Health Conference 16th – 18th April 2018, Brighton For more details in attending, please contact Hilary Levitt, your branch secretary.Full details of all conferences and events will be in your UNISON Diary.

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Harrogate Health Branch of UNISON

WASPI Women Against State Pension Inequality as they are known, feel that they were not given enough time to make alternative arrangements and, as a result, are struggling financially.

The 1995 Conservative Government’s Pension Act included plans to increase women’s SPA (State Pension Age) to 65, the same as men’s.

However, the hasty way the changes were implemented have shattered the retirement plans of women born in the 1950s.

They are not against the pension age for women rising gradually to meet parity with that for men, but they are calling for compensation for those who were not properly notified and have been adversely affected.

of maladministration to the Department for Work and Pensions, a dedicated team was tasked with dealing with the sheer volume of complaints the Government has received.

WASPI women have led protests against changes to state pension age (WASPI).

We are looking to set up a Harrogate Waspi Branch. If anyone is interested please contact Hilary Levitt on 01423 553463 or mobile number 07867 457215.

After Waspi urged affected women to make a complaint

Thousands of women nearing retirement say they did not receive adequate notice of the equalisation of the state pension ages.

NEW BRANCH WEBSITE

These “Waspi women” (Women Against State Pension Inequality)

www.unison-harrogatehealth.org.uk/

Take a look at our new branch website. Visit:

Harrogate Health

Essential legal services from UNISON UNISON works in partnership with leading specialist personal injury lawyers Thompsons Solicitors to provide essential legal cover for members and their families.

In 2015 alone, the UNISON legal service helped 3,131 members to secure more than £27 million in personal injury compensation after being injured or involved in an accident.

If you or a loved one has been injured you can claim with confidence using the UNISON legal service.

So whether it’s for you or a loved one, whether it happened at work or out of work, even if it seems small or insignificant or if you’re not sure who was at fault – give UNISON a call for advice.

Your case will be handled by an expert lawyer and – thanks to your UNISON membership – you won’t pay a penny in legal fees and will keep 100% of any compensation.

UNISON Newsletter

UNISON National Delegate Conference The National Delegate Conference, held 20th – 23rd June 2017 at The Brighton Centre, is UNISON’s annual ‘parliament’, bringing together delegates from across the union to decide the union’s policies and priorities.

Hilary Levitt, Branch Secretary attended as delegate for Harrogate Health Care Branch.

Hilary attended two side events, WASPI and There for You. There was plenty of opportunity to network and meet new people.

Labour Leader, Jeremy Corbyn, gave an inspiring speech pledging to end the public sector pay cap and invest in homes, the NHS, Social Care and all our services

to create a country for everyone.

Conference backed a range of measures to build on the general election result. Conference pledged mental health support for members; building a national housing consensus and homes for all.

There was also a great amount of discussion around the recent incidents in Manchester and London.

UNISON Health Conference 2017

by Christine Brown, Steward

As it was my first time attending the UNISON health conference, I wasn’t sure what to expect, so it was all very new to me. It was very interesting hearing people speak so passionately about various subjects.

At times I wasn’t sure what to

do when it came to card voting but I soon got the hang of it and Hilary and Christine kept me up to speed in what was going on.

I was fortunate to be asked to do an interview for the UNISON ‘One Team’ campaign which was an experience but I had great pleasure in saying why I was so passionate to be part of the NHS and what it meant to me. You can see the interview on Youtube or on the UNISON website under ‘One Team’ for patient care www.unison.org.uk On the last day I managed to be very cheeky and got an opportunity to get a selfie with the Shadow Secretary of State for Health, Jonathan Ashworth, who was very amenable and pleased to get down with the kids and “do a selfie”.

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UNISON’s Professional Indemnity: Cover for Health Workers This is the most comprehensive package of cover UNISON has ever been able to offer its health care members. We now provide cover for professional malpractice claims for all health care employees. This means that as well as providing cover for all NHS Employees UNISON is in a position to provide professional indemnity cover for members working in the private and voluntary sectors, nursing homes, independent general practitioners and agencies.

What is professional indemnity for?

UNISON will cover you for any claims made against you for professional malpractice incurred by yourself in the course of your employment as a health care worker.

UNISON provides cover for all health care employees including nurses, health visitors, midwives (except those working outside the NHS), ambulance workers, professions allied to medicine, PTA and PTB staff, administrative and clerical workers, managers and ancillary staff.

UNISON also covers students working on a placement under the supervision of a NHS employer.

UNISON provides cover whether you are working inside or outside (with the exception of midwives) the NHS. The cover allows up to a limit of £1,000,000 for any one claim. Does my Employer have any responsibilities? Yes your employers do have responsibilities. That is why UNISON’s cover is what is called ‘contingent’ or ‘fall back’ cover.

UNISON’s cover is for the rare occasions where the employer’s cover fails to protect the employee.

If you would like to know more about UNISON’s professional indemnity cover, please contact the branch office or any rep for more information.

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Harrogate Health Branch of UNISON

Meet your Branch Chair, Christine Batty...

Hi I’m Chris Batty.

I’m the Branch Chair of the Harrogate Health UNISON Branch. I’m part of the Community Dental Service, and I’ve worked here for 9 years, having transferred from Barnsley Community Dental Service.

I’m a very committed UNISON member, and I was lucky enough to go to the Health conference in Liverpool, where I was amazed by the passion and enthusiasm of my fellow members.

A few fun facts about me are: I have a strange hobby – I make game shows! I am asked regularly to act as a “contestant” for pilot game shows for many London TV studios. This is where an episode of a game show is filmed, and then sent out to

commissioners to buy the series.

In my experiences I have met many famous people such as Ant & Dec, Paul O’Grady, Simon Cowell and Peter Kay to name a few.

I met and married my husband in 6 weeks and we will be celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary in September. Romance is very much alive in my house!

I studied Burlesque and have performed on stage under my stage name of “Miss Betty Barnsley” I won a competition to meet Bruce Willis on an oil rig in Texas I have over 200 lipsticks – most of them bright red A few quickies: Favourite film: Goodfellas – Love Robert de Niro.

Favourite book: I love

autobiographies, but my favourite fiction book is Jaws

by Peter Benchley.

Favourite animal: donkeys – I sponsor one called Trumpet.

I also have 4 cats.

Favourite concert: Billy Joel – the ultimate show man!

George Michael a close second.

Celebrity crush: Jools Holland Favourite drink: Gin & Tonic Thought of the day: “A person who feels appreciated will always do more than is expected”

UNISON Doncaster Raceday 2017 Thousands of UNISON members, friends and family turned out for the union movement’s answer to Ascot.

UNISON Doncaster race day has become a much loved part of the trade union calendar in the region.

A great day out was had by all.

The sun shone, jugs of Pimms flowed and a little flutter was had by all ending with live music from Ocean Colour Scene.

Many race goers visited our UNISON stalls (inside and

outside); members entered the UNISON free prize draw; signed the Scrap the Pay Cap petition and helped themselves to lots of goodies!

Look out for next year’s race day. Come along and have some fun!

UNISON Newsletter

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UNISON NHS Roadshow marks the 69th aniversary of the NHS Wednesday 5th July marked the 69th anniversary of our nation’s greatest institution and most remarkable achievement – the National Health Service.

In 1948, in the aftermath of global war, and in a country still rationing food, a system was established by which anyone – everyone – could receive the treatment they needed, funded by taxation and free at the point of use. Need, not cost, would be what determined the care you received.

The week beginning 3rd July 2017 Ray Gray, Regional Officer Y&H and his team, Karen Towner and Linda Cartwright, hit the road in the UNISON battle bus to celebrate the 69th anniversary of the NHS. On Monday we were in York City Centre engaging with members of the public who willingly wrote messages of

Branch Meetings Every 2nd Thursday in the month. 12.30 – 1.30 pm in the Therapy Services Department Relaxation Room.

The meeting is open to all members so please come along and find out what is happening in your Branch.

Refreshments provided.

14th September 12th October 9th November 14th December

thanks and appreciation to our amazing NHS staff. Volunteers from Oxfam queued up to sign the birthday card.

On Tuesday we visited Harrogate District Hospital and again received a warm welcome. Ray Gray presented the cards to Phillip Marshall, Director of Workforce and Organisational Change.

Wednesday 5th July, the date of the anniversary, we were outside Hull Royal Infirmary and presented the signed birthday cards to Simon Nearney Director of HR and Terry Moran Chair who were overwhelmed by the personal messages and praise, not only from visitors and patients but from staff too.

Finally, on Thursday 6th July, we were in Sheffield City Centre and once again members of the public demonstrated their support.

UNISON is there for you There for you is UNISON’s registered charity offering FREE and confidential services, benefits and support including: Financial Assistance: if you are in financial hardship due to unforeseen circumstances L inks to Credit Unions: for loans/savings S mall grants: School Uniform, May to July, and Winter Fuel, Dec to Feb D ebt advice: Freephone 0800 389 3302

W ellbeing breaks: during illness/respite for carers S upport & information Please contact Hilary Levitt for more details

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Harrogate Health Branch of UNISON

UNISON’s 4-week Rule All members of the health care team are strongly encouraged to join a union when they start work.

One of the reasons is that you never know when you might need our help.

UNISON’s rules govern the way the union runs and how various parts of the union, including branches, regions, service groups and membership groups, work. They also outline the rights and responsibilities of members. The rules are published in the UNISON rulebook. A new edition is produced after every national delegate conference, which incorporates the latest updates and rule changes. UNISON also provides A Code of Good Branch Practice.

One of the main rules that affects new members is Rule K. Basically, in order to quality for legal help and representations, the member must have been in membership of the union for at least 4 weeks prior to the incident or occurrence that leads to him/ her seeking legal assistance from the Union.

The member must not be in arrears of contribution either.

This rule is to protect members who pay year in year out and to avoid people coming in/ out of the Union on a whim around individual incidents and issues.

Know anyone who is not in a union?

Please pass this crucial Rule on and encourage them to join UNISON now!

Have we got the right details for you?

Moved house?

Changed your name?

Changed your email address, phone number?

Not receiving UNISON literature/information?

If this is the case, this can easily be resolved by one of 3 easy ways: 1. Signing into MY UNISON online to update your details 2. Contacting your branch office 3. Email the Branch Secretary at hilary.levitt@hdft.nhs.uk

NMC nurse education shake-up: UNISON’s response The NMC is consulting on a shake-up of nurse education with farreaching consequences.

It includes proposals to change how practice learning is delivered and how students are mentored and supervised.

You can view the full consultation at www.nmc. org.uk/nurse2030.

UNISON have produced a summary briefing to help members digest the key proposals. These include allowing use of simulation for up to 1,150 practice learning hours (up from current limit of 300) and changes to the current system of student mentoring and

assessment.

To help us prepare a UNISON response we really want to know what members think so we have developed a short survey: www.surveymonkey. co.uk/r/ UNISONfuturenurse education This has been emailed directly to members in the nursing family. If you have not received this, please contact your Branch Secretary. The closing date is 1 September 2017.

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LV=, the UK’s largest friendly society with over five million members and customers, has been awarded Which?

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The UNISON approved car insurance as well as the comprehensive and deluxe levels of breakdown cover are all Defaqto five star rated to give you peace of mind.

Call 0800 756 8161 or visit www.LV.com/UNISON Lines are open Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 10am4pm Calls may be recorded. For Text Phone: first dial 18001