2026 marks the fifth year of our Local Service Champions Awards. These awards shine a light on the invaluable work and contributions that local government workers do every day. Every year you have the opportunity to nominate your colleagues to be Local Service Champions to ensure they get special recognition for their tireless work. Local …
Permanent link to this article: http://www.sandwellunison.co.uk/local-service-champions-2026/
The 2026-27 NJC pay claim for school support staff and local government workers has been submitted to the employers 1 December 2025. The Joint Trade Union (UNISON, GMB and Unite) claim is for: An increase of at least £3,000 or 10% (whichever is greater) across all NJC spinal column points* A minimum pay rate of …
Permanent link to this article: http://www.sandwellunison.co.uk/2026-27-njc-pay-claim-submitted/
Sandwell Stars in our Schools 2025 Winners Julie Baker and Janice Bailey from Rounds Green Primary School are the stars in our schools’ winners for 2025. Pictured below they were nominated by their Head because ‘they started work within weeks of each other in 1987 and have dedicated their career to Rounds Green. They support …
Permanent link to this article: http://www.sandwellunison.co.uk/sandwell-stars-in-our-schools-winners-2025/
Nobody should be expected to suffer violence, verbal abuse, bullying or harassment whilst at work. It is important that all instances are reported to your employer in the appropriate way. Some members have reported feeling anxious and threatened given the political atmosphere in the country. Latest data shared with UNISON from the Council shows an …
Permanent link to this article: http://www.sandwellunison.co.uk/dealing-with-violence-and-threats-at-work/
UNISON’s General Secretary is the most senior role in the union. They represent UNISON when talking to the media, other unions, employers and to Parliament. Elections for this role take place every 5 years. As the largest trade union in the UK, who runs UNISON matters. It matters in the country at large, and it …
Permanent link to this article: http://www.sandwellunison.co.uk/sandwell-general-branch-unanimously-nominates-andrea-egan-for-general-secretary/
STARS IN OUR SCHOOLS 2025 Friday 28th November Stars in Our Schools is a local and national award scheme to recognise the dedication of school support staff. Sandwell General Branch is proud to launch the award again this year. Assistant Branch Secretary Louise Harrisen-Powis said that ‘Sandwell UNISON recognise the dedication that often goes unnoticed …
Permanent link to this article: http://www.sandwellunison.co.uk/stars-in-our-schools-2025-launched/
UNISON members overwhelmingly voted to accept a pay offer of 4.1% on all pay points at Sandwell College. UCU members also voted to accept the offer. The award sees all full-time workers receiving £1,000+ on their pay. The pay award is from 1 August and will be paid in September’s salaries with a months back …
Permanent link to this article: http://www.sandwellunison.co.uk/4-1-pay-deal-agreed-with-sandwell-college/
The consultative vote on the NJC pay offer of 3.2% on all pay points has concluded. Across England and Wales there was a 77% rejection of the offer on a 28% turnout. In Sandwell the votes were as follows:- Sandwell MBC – 70% reject on 29% turnout Children’s Trust – 79% reject on 39% turnout …
Permanent link to this article: http://www.sandwellunison.co.uk/njc-2025-26-pay-offer-update/
As the second heatwave hits the UK please ensure you take precautions to keep yourself safe and well. Whilst there is no legal maximum temperature, employers have a duty to keep workers safe at work. For staff working at Sandwell Council and Sandwell Children’s Trust, UNISON has negotiated an extreme weather policy that covers such …
Permanent link to this article: http://www.sandwellunison.co.uk/feeling-the-heat/
Reform UK is blaming the local government pension scheme for the financial difficulties faced by councils. Ignoring the 40% cut in funding most council’s have suffered since 2010 and the 100’000s jobs lost, the deputy leader of Reform UK, Richard Tice, told the Telegraph newspaper that final salary pension schemes are an ‘outrage’ and that …
Permanent link to this article: http://www.sandwellunison.co.uk/reform-uk-declares-war-on-council-pensions/