Your UNISON Branch
City and County of Swansea Branch serves Swansea and the surrounding areas. There are currently 24 Community and Town Councils in Swansea. See the latest 2025 Campaigns, Members Help and Support Schemes and Annual Events.
A Swansea Welcome
Welcome To UNISON Swansea Branch. Here you can find information on membership and joining UNISON ….. joining fees ….. what we do ….. getting help and support ….. campaigns ….. and all the latest news.
Campaigns 2025
Summer Activities Community Events
Get involved with your local community events this summer #SwanseaEvents #SummerActivities #VisitSwansea #WhatsOn #ThingsToDo More information link click here
Labour Conference
Commenting on the commitment made at Welsh Labour conference today to create a negotiating body for school support staff in Wales, UNISON Cymru Secretary Jess Turner said: More information link click here
High Temperatures
The weather stations have put out warnings for very high temperatures to end June and start July. Climate change is significantly impacting worker safety and health, exposing them to higher daily temperatures and more frequent, severe heatwaves. If you have elderly neighbours please do check they are coping in such heat. #Heatwave #WeatherWarning #HighTemperatures #WorkingEnvironment More information link click here
Liverpool Conference
Day of debates at Local Government Conference in Liverpool. Motions on the Disability Employment Charter, Artificial Intelligence and its impact on Local Government Workers, NJC Bargaining, and Severe Weather Events. More information link click here
Carers Week
9th – 15th June, 2025. Carers Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK. It also helps people who don’t think of themselves as having caring responsibilities to identify as carers and access much-needed support. More information please click here
No To Austerity Demo
Peoples Assembly “No to Austerity 2.0” demonstration. 7 June 2025, 12:00pm–4:00pm London. The People’s Assembly Against Austerity is planning a huge anti-austerity demonstration against Labour’s Austerity 2.0 in June. We will be bringing together trade unions, campaign groups and community organisations to take the message to Keir Starmer and his government.
More information link click here / Route detail click here
Swansea School Workers
School support staff from Swansea have meet with low pay experts (Wednesday 14th May) to explain how they are struggling to make ends meet. The meeting, organised by UNISON Cymru, is part of the Low Pay Commission’s evidence gathering as it considers the next rise in the national minimum wage. Read more details click here
NEC Elections 2025
You decide! No ballot pack? Call 0800 0857 857. “The NEC make decisions about how the union uses your subscriptions to protect jobs and pay, so please vote.” UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea urges all members to vote in the ballot for the union’s National Executive Council. #NEC #NECElections #PleaseVote #UNISON
Swansea Pride
May 2025 events. Swansea, it’s been a blast! Thank you for a truly FABULOUS Pride celebration! ️ Swansea Pride informaion click here
It’s Time For Fair Pay
The employers have responded with an offer of a 3.2% increase on all pay points. UNISON’s committee of leading activists will meet on 8 May to consider the offer. Read the offer click here
NHS Pay In Wales
NHS pay is overdue once again. UNISON Cymru is yet to have any communication from Welsh government on NHS pay. If Welsh government continues to base their decisions on NHS pay in Wales on the PRB, then it seems unlikely any pay outcome will meet the costs of living or fix the wider issues with the NHS pay structure. Details please click here
Calling All Care Workers
You should be paid a minimum of £12.60 an hour, the Real Living Wage, from 1st April, 2025. If you are paid below this rate, let us know as soon as possible so we can work to correct it. Send the UNISON Cymru care team an email careworkcymru@unison.co.uk thank you.
Save Our Services
Ask your MP to back an urgent increase in council funding. Local government is in crisis. After years of constant cuts, local services are stretched to breaking point. UNISON are organising a week of collective campaigning on council funding. From Tuesday 22 April to Friday 25 April. #SaveOurServices Form link here.
NHS Staff Harressment
Video and photo harassment by the public is intimidating for health workers NHS staff must not be intimidated and harassed as they give vital care. NHS staff are frequently being harassed by members of the public filming them with their phones and threatening to post footage online, UNISON research suggests. Incidents are leaving staff feeling unsettled, intimidated, fearful and vulnerable as they go about their jobs. More information link click here
VE Day Wales
Wales marks 80th anniversary of VE Day. BBC article click here
Targeting The Disabled
Ministers must listen to disabled workers. It’s important UNISON’s disabled members raise their voices and tell their stories, so the union can get the government to listen. Full article link click here
April Rising Bills
Find out what benefits and extra help you are entitled to click here.
The BBC have published an excellent support and help link here.
Five Years On
As we mark five years since the first COVID-19 lockdown we must pause to remember and ensure the public inquiry does justice to the everyday heroism of our members. This week marks the fifth anniversary of the first COVID-19 lockdown. The pandemic was one of those rare moments in time when the world changed for everyone. Many of us will remember where we were, what we were doing and how we felt as our lives were upended. Full article link click here
Overhaul Welfare System
Going after disabled people and vulnerable families is not the way to get the UK economy back on track. Many can’t work because of lengthy delays in getting NHS treatment. Commenting on government plans to overhaul the welfare system announced today (Tuesday), UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said: “Poor decisions made by previous Conservative governments have left ministers with little financial wriggle room. “But going after disabled people and vulnerable families is not the way to get the UK economy back on track, nor out-of-work individuals back into jobs. Full article link click here
Attitudes Must Change
Women not safe from violence and misogyny, including at work. Attitudes must change, Christina McAnea says on International Women’s Day. Full article link click here
Women’s Conference Edinburgh
General secretary has strong words for Labour. But Christina McAnea also says ‘it’s not all doom or gloom’. Christina McAnea addressed UNISON’s women’s conference in Edinburgh on Saturday, with a strong message for the Labour government, saying that the first months of it had seen a “bumpy start.”
“Although the mess it inherited was much worse than expected, some of the choices made do feel like own goals,” she noted. Full article link click here
Nominate A Champion
As part of this year’s Champions in Our Colleges celebration day (taking place on Friday 2 May 2025) – we are running a prize draw called Nominate a Champion. This prize draw is all about recognising the fantastic contributions of support staff in colleges. These staff members work so hard to keep colleges running smoothly and support learners with their education. More information link click here
Liverpool Conference
UNISON’s general secretary Christina McAnea addressed the union’s health conference in Liverpool. Highlighting the change, she noted the Westminster Labour government’s policies – investing in green infrastructure, boosting social housing and nationalising rail companies. But the most significant change, she said, is the Employment Rights Bill. More information link click here
Campaigns 2025
Heart UNISON
Heart Unions Week is all about building a stronger union movement – telling positive stories of change and sharing the many benefits of union membership. This year, as well as celebrating local wins and putting members at the heart of our communications, a great focus for UNISON is our campaign around the Employment Rights Bill. We’ve branded it ‘A better life at work’ and you can find all the latest news here #JoinUNISON #UnisonCymruWales #HeartUNISON More information link click here
A Better Life At Work
Employment Rights Bill. What happens next? An introduction to the ERB. Full article link here
Have Your Say
The way school support staff’s pay and employment conditions are negotiated in England is changing. We are asking members in Wales how they would prefer their pay is negotiated in future and that will become UNISON Cymru’s lobbying position with government. Hearing your opinion is really important. We are holding a three-week consultation process and an electronic vote on your preferred way forward between Monday 27 January and 5pm on Friday 14 February 2025. We are asking you to rank the three options in order of preference, 1 being your top preferred option.
Have Your Say link here
NEC Election Candidate
Applications Now Open
Apply now to represent the most senior decision making body in your union. The application and nomination period runs until 14 February, 2025.
More information link here
School And College Workers
Thousands of school and college workers in Wales spared registration fee rise, says UNISON. Tens of thousands of staff in schools and colleges across Wales have been spared a hike in costly registration fees for another year, thanks to their union UNISON. Since 2016, all 50,000 learning support workers in Wales must be registered with the Education Workforce Council. This registration certificate is required to work in schools and colleges in Wales and costs £45 a year. More information link here
Campaigns 2025
Celebrating LGBT+ History Month
UNISON, like its predecessor unions, has been at the forefront of LGBT+ inclusion for decades. From helping to lead the fight against Section 28 and abolishing discriminatory laws against LGBT+ people in the 80s and 90s, to campaigning for equal marriage and equal pensions for same-sex partners, our LGBT+ members have shown us how activism can lead to huge social change. More information link here
Higher Education Pay Ballot 2024/25 Now Open
The higher education industrial action ballot will open on Tuesday 21 January 2025. Ballot papers will be sent to member’s home address. Completed ballot papers need to be posted back in the pre-paid envelope by Tuesday 4 March 2025. Full article link here
Employment Rights Bills
Employment Rights Bill gets the green light from MPs. In the days leading up to the vote, over 13,000 UNISON members emailed their MPs, asking them to back the bill at second reading.
More information link here
Council Cuts Swansea
Swansea (Abertawe) – Wales
£28,583,000 funding gap.
That’s funding needed for refuse collection, local parks, recreation and public health facilities, care for the elderly, and so much more. Without funding, services you and your community rely on could soon disappear.
Full listing link here
The AI Challenge
AI must be used to enhance public services, not replace workers, says UNISON.
UK workers have vast expertise and insight that can help shape AI development in ways to benefit everyone.
UNISON policy officer Kate Jones: “Artificial intelligence (AI) has the power to revolutionise the world of work. “But if AI is to play a positive role in public services, it must be managed carefully and responsibly. That means proper input from workers and all parts of society to ensure it’s not only the voice of big tech being heard. Full article link here
Introduction To The AI Hub
This is a resource for UNISON members, reps and activists on the fast-growing issue of artificial intelligence at work and in the UK’s public services.. Full article link here
AI
UNISON useful links to save members money
As well as the links below you can visit UNISON latest benefits page. Full article here.
UNISON POD CAST
A new episode of the UNISON Local Government podcast is out now. Yesterday, an all-member email was sent to local government members advising them of the podcast. After evaluating series 1, we’ve changed the podcast’s name to ‘Behind the Service: a UNISON insight into Local Government’.
In this podcast, Ruth Levin and Paul Bell chat with Tony Wright and Abi Coombs from UNISON’s charity, There For You.
This episode of the UNISON Podcast covers:
– What ‘There For You’ is, and how it works
– The sheer range of support available
– Quantifying the charity’s massive impact across the year
– How UNISON members can access support and get involved with the charity
Listen now on your favourite podcast platform via the links below! Please promote the podcast within your branch and regional networks.
Listen Online click here
Listen on Spotify click here
Listen on Apple click here
Listen on Amazon click here
Help & Support
Members 20% Off
20% discount on all standard rates for UNISON members – just select the member price when you book online or contact us on 01271 890890. 50% discount available to some low paid UNISON members – check whether you are eligible below Full details link here
School Uniform Grant
The Welsh Government’s School’s Essential Grant. Eligible families can apply for a grant of £125 per child per year. Families with children entering year 7 can apply for £200 to help with increased costs associated with starting secondary school. Support video here
Check eligibility here
April Price Rises
It is being dubbed “awful April” with a range of household bills set to go up in the next few days. There are a few things that you can consider to save money. There are free household bill online calculators to work out monthly bill totals. Find out what benefits and extra help you are entitled to click here. Check eligibility here
The BBC have published an excellent support and help link here. Full article click here
Young Members Mental Health Matters
UNISON believes mental health is a trade union issue. We all have difficult times, and sometimes that’s because of work. Our leaflet for our Young Members Mental Health Matters campaign outlines how we look after our young members.
Full article link here
Help & Support
School Shoes Cost Support
For lots of people, the cost-of-living crisis leaves little left over after food shopping and bills have been paid. Yet many children have grown out of the school shoes that were bought for the new school year, and parents are forced to make them last the final term of the year to try and save on costs. Adults are also putting away their winter shoes as the days get longer and the weather improves. UNISON’s charity for members has a limited fund available to assist with the cost of spring footwear.
UNISON Members Win Shopping Vouchers
We’re excited to share an exclusive opportunity with you to ‘Win £250 in Shopping Vouchers’. This is a Free Prize Draw exclusively available to UNISON members and their families in partnership with the UNISON NHS Dental Plan.
We wanted to invite you to enter our UNISON Free Prize Draw to Win £250 Shopping Vouchers which will be delivered to the winner by 7th May 2025. More information on shopping vouchers link here
Join A Union
Check Your Benefits
It can often be tricky to figure out which benefits you are eligible for and how to claim. Check your support now with the UNISON benefits calculator.
UNISON Rewards
As a UNISON member you can save £££’s on discounted gift vouchers and shopping cards and get cashback from top retailers such as M&S, Very, Comet, Thorntons and more #UNISONRewards #SaveMoney Full A to Z Retailers list here
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Help & Support
Energy Support Appeal
There for You is proud to support thousands of members and their families every year with things such as: general living cost, household appliances, urgent repairs, disability equipment and adaptations, utility bills and funeral costs. The support fund is there to help members through this cost-of-living crisis.
Cost Of Living Survival Event
Vital knowledge to help you and your colleagues survive in these challenging times. Full details here.
Wellbeing Matters
Wellbeing breaks can provide welcome relief from stress and respite from difficult circumstances – this can include assisting with recovery from illness to help prepare for a return to work. eing breaks
Wellbeing breaks can provide welcome relief from stress and respite from difficult circumstances – this can include assisting with recovery from illness to help prepare for a return to work. If you are on a low income or in hardship and cannot afford the cost of a break, There for You may be able to help you towards the cost.
Budget Planner
Our user friendly budget planner is free to use and should only take minutes to complete if you have all your financial information to hand.
Help With Debt
There’s lots of help out there to get you back on track and it’s important to know you’re not alone. You can turn to UNISON Debtline, a free debt advice service.
UNISON MEMBERS 20% OFF NOW
That’s right, UNISON Members are entitled to 20% discount.
Only valid for direct bookings through Croyde Bay Resort at croydeunison.co.uk or 01271 890 890.
More information on the Croyde Bay holiday resort, click here
Become A Regional Organiser
Ever thought about becoming a UNISON regional organiser?
UNISON is now recruiting and looking for a fantastic regional organiser in Wales.
Become A Health And Safety Rep
Annual Events
Thank A Teacher Day
June 18th is National thank a teacher day. We thank all the school community workers for the important work they do. More information please click here
Carers Week
Carers Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK. It also helps people who don’t think of themselves as having caring responsibilities to identify as carers and access much-needed support. More information please click here
World Environment Day
2026 will be the UNISON Year of Green Activity, an opportunity for all branches and members to engage on climate change in their workplace in any way they can, to support branches and enable them to bargain and negotiate proactively on green workplace issues. Together we can make a green difference #WorldEnvironmentDay Read full article click here
Mental Health Awareness Week 2025
Since 2001, the Mental Health Foundation has been leading Mental Health Awareness Week – bringing the UK together to focus on getting good mental health. This year, the week takes place from 12 to 18 May 2025 and the theme is ‘community’. More information link click here
Easter Holidays
Everyone here at City and County of Swansea Branch wish all our Members a very happy Easter and a big thank you for Members who are working through the holiday period.
HOLIDAY TIME
World Health Day
It is celebrated annually and each year draws attention to a specific health topic of concern to people all over the world.
The date of 7 April 2025 marks the anniversary of the founding of WHO in 1948.
More information link click here
Women’s Celebratory Day
International Women’s Day is on the 8th March. Providing information on issues affecting women including health, fitness and well-being amongst others #IWD2025 #AccelerateAction
More information link click here
National Apprenticeship Week 2025
If you’re considering an apprenticeship or know someone who is, we have events for you! It’s your chance to connect, learn and dive into the world of apprenticeships. So why not join us from your comfy couch or favourite coffee shop with our virtual courses. More information link here
WORK AND TRAIN
Ramadan
Ramadan 2025: your rights at work, NHS Employers have produced new guidance on how to support Muslim workers during Ramadan, which encourages flexibility around holidays, working patterns and breaks. More information link here
Celebrating Neurodiversity Week
March 17th to March 23rd, 2025. Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a worldwide initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences. Our purpose is to help the world to understand, value and celebrate the talents of neurodiverse minds #NeurodiversityWeek #InclusionMatters
More information link click here
Annual Events
Annual Events
Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Hapus
Happy Saint David’s Day. Saint David’s Day, or the Feast of Saint David, is the feast day of Saint David, the patron saint of Wales, and falls on 1 March, the date of Saint David’s death in 589 AD.
Children’s Mental Health Week 2025
In 2025, Children’s Mental Health Week takes place from 3-9 February with the theme Know Yourself, Grow Yourself. More information link here / BBC help and support link here
Holocaust Memorial Day 2025
What is Holocaust Memorial Day? Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) takes place each year on 27 January. The Holocaust Memorial Day Trust encourages remembrance in a world scarred by prejudice and systematic, targeted persecution.
More information link here
All Of January 2025
National Slavery And Human Trafficking Prevention Month 2025.
More information link here
Training And Events
Training Proud History
UNISON has a proud history of providing high quality learning opportunities for our members. We work with trusted national institutions like The Open University and the Workers’ Educational Association (WEA) and a host of local providers, and we also deliver informal learning in-house. Full article link here
LEARN
UNISON Learning Rep (ULR) Courses
Stage One Training – Spring 2025. Courses throughout March.
The course will be delivered online over MS Teams and will cover:
– the role of the UNISON learning rep
– how to find out what people want to learn – and how
– making the case for learning
– networking and making contacts
– advertising and communicating with members
– where to find help and resources
For more information and to register please click here
Training And Events
TUC Education
The TUC provides training for union reps. If you’re interested in developing your skills or refreshing your knowledge, you’ll find everything you need in this section. Explore our classroom courses, online courses, webinars and eNotes. Sign up to our latest news.
For courses link here
UNISON College In Cymru / Wales
All UNISON Members across the UK can access exclusive courses, bursaries, financial support, special events and e-learning platforms from UNISON College. Find out what you can do today!
For more information and to register, please click the link here
UNISON e-Learning
UNISON College provides activist training and member learning opportunities for all UNISON members. More information link here
Training And Events
Eventbrite Training Courses
Eventbrite is a self-service platform, which means third party organizers create and manage their own events. If you have questions about an event, see if the information you need is on the event listing. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, select Contact the organizer on the event listing. If you already have a ticket, you can also contact the organizer by going to Tickets in your Eventbrite account. Eventbrite can’t answer questions about an event on the organizer’s behalf. Details link here
A-Z UNISON Learning Resources
You will find a wide range of links, both to UNISON resources and to resources created and maintained by other organisations, which may be helpful to you. These are arranged alphabetically. You can use Ctrl+F (Command+F on a Mac) or your browser’s search function to look for a specific word or phrase. UNISON activists and staff are also encouraged to visit the Organising Space, where many useful resources have been collated under the Learning and Development tile.
For more information and to register, please click the link here
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