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NJC Pay Update

Members in Local Government will be aware that a two-year pay award, worth at least 2% a year to all staff below Chief Officer level, was agreed in 2018. The second year of this award also included provisions for the redrawing of Spinal Pay Points. UNISON has been working closely with Human Resources at at all of our local Councils to ensure this exercise is carried out equitably and effectively. Although we are at an advanced stage with Worcester City, Malvern Hills and Wychavon Councils, we are still in discussion with Worcestershire County Council.

We fully expect the pay award to be honoured in full and will ensure members are both informed and consulted on developments. We thank all of our members for their support. Please see below for a copy of the NJC Pay Update Newsletter.

Get Help Staying Warm This Winter

With rising fuel costs and another cold winter many members are worried about how they're going to pay this year's winter fuel bill. Help is on hand. "There for You", UNISON's welfare service has set up a limited fund to help UNISON members on low income by way of a one-off payment of up to £60. To apply download the application form at unison.org.uk/thereforyou or simply contact UNISON Direct on 0800 0857 857 between 6am-midnight Mon-Fri and 9am-4pm Saturdays.

BRANCH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING NOTICE

All members of UNISON Worcestershire are invited to attand one of the aggregate AGM meetings which will be held as follows:

Wed. 13th February 12.00pm - Elgar Room, Council House, Malvern Hills District Council

Friday 15th February, 2.30pm - Lecture Room, Sunfield School, Clent, Stourbridge

Mon 25th February, 12.00pm - Council Chamber, County Hall, Worcester

Tues 26th February, 12.00pm - Conference Room, Civic Centre, Pershore

Weds 27th February, 12.30pm - UNISON Office, 30 Loves Grove, Worcester

Light refreshments will be available at all of the meetings. If you have any questions please telephone 01905 26186. We look forward to seeing you.

Schools in England are facing average cuts of 8% per pupil by 2020

Real-terms cuts to school funding since 2015 have led to a big reduction in the number of secondary teachers, teaching assistants and support staff in England, says research published in February by the School Cuts alliance of education unions.

The situation is likely to get even worse, as it’s predicted that 17,942 (nine out of ten) primary and secondary schools in England and Wales will be hit by a real-terms cut in funding per pupil between 2015-19.

Jon Richards, Head of Education at UNISON, said: “Job cuts are disproportionately affecting teaching assistants and support staff in schools across England. As a result there is now a staggering one teaching assistant for 67 pupils in secondary schools. Children with special educational needs and disabilities rely heavily on teaching assistants, so sadly they’ll be suffering the most as a result of these devastating staff cuts.

“The education system is buckling under the weight of funding cuts, which are driving away staff who haven’t already lost their jobs, and jeopardising our children’s future.”

UNISON Worcestershire is aware of many schools where Teaching Assistants posts are being cut and those remaining TAs are being asked to work above and beyond their contracts in order to provide cover. If you are a TA experiencing these kind of problems get in touch with one of our Branch Case Workers for a chat, phone 01905 26186.