Dear Member,
We hope you’re well and keeping safe.
Last Sunday Boris Johnson delivered a very confusing statement, which left many of us feeling a little confused.
This week we have studied all the government updates, and had communication from, and with, numerous employers.
Private Sector Care
We are still listening to you regarding PPE, and while we are pleased situations have improved for a few of you, we do know that the situation is far from perfect. Please continue to contact us. Your Health and Safety is of our upmost importance.
DCC
I am continuing to have twice weekly meetings with Derby City Council, The Council are still looking for employees to consider being redeployed whilst we are working through the pandemic. If this is something you can consider please complete the Skills Audit or speak direct to your Manager / Head of service.
If you are employed by DCC and on a zero Hours contract, please get in touch if you are continuing to have issues regarding your pay. I have been assured this is being looked into. I am hoping our members issues are now resolved.
Health and Safety
Dennis Jackson is our Branch Health and Safety Officer. Please contact Dennis direct with any H&S concerns. They do not have to be COVID-19 related. Dennis can be contacted by email Denis.jackson@derby.gov.uk
Nurseries / Schools / Academies
As you will be aware Boris Johnson has said Schools ‘may’ reopen on June 1st.
As a branch we have asked our school members to complete a short survey, which I am sharing your responses with the National Schools Committee this afternoon (Thursday 14th), your views are important. Thank you, just short of 300 of you have completed the survey. This is a fantastic response.
Nationally UNISON along with Teaching Unions are in regular discussions regarding the safe reopening of our schools. If you are on Facebook I would recommend following our branch Facebook page (UNISON Derby City Branch) and also “Schools in UNISON” Facebook page – This is the National page, and has all the press releases and communications shared with the Government. Now really is the time to be part of UNISON. UNISON wants to protects you, the children you work with and the families you all go home to. We have to do this together!
All Members
COVID-19 has left us all in very different and difficult circumstances, for some this has had a direct impact on our household finances, you may need to be putting extra in the electricity meter. Needing to purchase extra food shopping as the whole family is home all day, especially if you have children.
You may have additional expenses of travelling to and from work. If you are up against it, and need a bit of help. Do not hesitate to contact us, our UNISON charity “there for you” may be able to help. The COVID-19 fund is there to help you. This is extremely private, if we can help you we will!
It’s really important our members realise that we are still able to support in meetings, sickness, disciplinary meetings, ill health etc etc. These meetings can happen in a range of ways but we currently are not having face to face meetings. Please contact the branch if you require support.
We have a long journey ahead of us before work life and home life return to whatever our new normal will be. We are in this together & we will come out of this together.
Please share this email with any colleague / friend who may not receive the email, and also with any colleague who is thinking of joining our union. Now truly is the time! Never before have we needed each other as much as we do now.
https://joining.unison.org.uk/join-unison-today/
Keep in touch, stay safe and stay well.
Becky Everett
Branch Secretary.
UNISON Derby City Branch.