Long COVID: ‘It’s frightening not knowing where this will end up’
Long COVID is having a devastating effect on the lives of many UNISON members. Assistant equality officer Haifa Rashed reports on how the union is responding
London Package 2021 – Improving Working Lives
At our branch meeting today (24 March 2021) we discussed and agreed to send the following letter to the London Ambulance Service CEO. It was also discussed
UNISON secures corrective holiday payments for NHS staff in England
Over recent months, UNISON has led negotiations to secure a framework for NHS staff working under NHS terms and conditions (Agenda for Change) in England
Government responses to McCloud pension consultation and Pension Age Survey
The Government has published its response after seeking views on the proposed remedy option for correcting the unlawful discrimination determined in the
FREE tuition and qualification for Functional Skills
Level 2 in English and Mathematics This is available to any member who does not have a GCSE or equivalent in English and Mathematics and wants to enter
One per cent pay rise “is the worst kind of insult”
The public will be horrified. NHS staff will think it’s some kind of joke Commenting on the publication today (Thursday) of the Department of Health
Chancellor has ignored public service workers, says UNISON
Rescuing economy and public services should go hand in hand Commenting on the Chancellor’s Budget statement today (Wednesday), UNISON general secretary
UPDATE YOUR DETAILS - RESULTS!
The draw took place on Wednesday 24 February 2021 at our branch meeting. The winners are: Croyde Bay £250 Voucher Winners: Name Station Role George Solomou
HCPC registration fee rise
The Health and Care Professions Council has announced an £8.12 a year increase to their registration fee. The proposals are due to be laid in the Scottish
Health & Safety Live
9 – 12 March 2021 Online A series of events, under the collective name of “Health & Safety Live”. These will include a number of speakers, including
Union safety reps are saving lives in the pandemic
We always knew unionised jobs were safer: statistically, workplaces with a recognised trade union report half as many injuries. The Covid crisis has shown
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
All members of the LAS UNISON Branch are invited to attend the Annual General Meeting. It is important that as many members as possible attend in order
Thank NHS staff with proper pay rise, say health unions
Celebrities back call for wage increase Football pundit Gary Lineker, comedian Jo Brand and Hollywood star David Oyelowo are among celebrities backing
Londoners should exercise ‘common sense’ when dialling 999, says UNISON
London ambulance workers are concerned the service faces breaking point amid increasing 999 calls and numbers of staff hit by Covid, says UNISON today
Loss of another Much Loved Member Of LAS UNISON
On Wednesday 16th December 2020 we lost another Romford and North East legend, Emergency Medical Technician and UNISON Member ‘Robbie Muir’
UNISON survey on greening the NHS
We are currently conducting a short survey of members and branches to find out your views on what UNISON can do to address another urgent issue, the climate
Divide and rule won’t help the economic recovery
Chancellor’s plan is austerity plain and simple Commenting on the Chancellor’s comprehensive spending review today (Wednesday), UNISON general secretary
Overtime Payments
Some staff should be receiving additional overtime payments this month for COVID related absences. UNISON raised this issue with People & Culture
Health workers in London urge local MPs to back early pay rise for exhausted staff and to protect the NHS
Hundreds of health staff across London – including nurses, paramedics, cleaners, domestics and porters – are writing to the region’s 73 MPs asking
LAS UNISON has nominated Christina McAnea to lead our 1.3 million members as General Secretary
Christina has worked for UNISON for over 25 years. She is one of the UK’s most senior women trade unionists – a no non-sense negotiator and a
Letter to Secretary of State for Transport from London NHS Partnership
Dear Secretary of State We are writing to you as representatives of 435,000 health and care staff that live and work in our capital regarding the proposed
A Woman's Place, is in UNISON - T-Shirts
We have taken delivery of a small quantity of unique T-Shirts that celebrate women in UNISON. We currently have over 4460 members in the London Ambulance
World Menopause Day
This Sunday, 18 October, is World Menopause Day. This day is to raise awareness of the health issues women face when approaching, during and beyond the
UNISON webinar: HCPC – A Conversation With Your Regulator
20 October 2020 6:00pm–7:00pm Online HCPC-registered UNISON members and branch activists are invited to attend UNISON’s webinar: “HCPC – a Conversation
NHS staff say ‘#OneTeam2K’ as they call for a pay rise
Health staff across the UK are entering a second day of campaigning, urging the government to give every NHS worker an early pay rise of at least £2,000
LAS UNISON Snoods
LAS UNISON Snoods have arrived! If you would like one, then speak to your local rep. How will you wear your LAS UNISON snood? It is important to remember
Email your MP
We are campaigning for an immediate pay rise of £2,000 for all NHS staff. We need your MP to ask the Prime Minister a simple question – why wait?
Update to negotiated lump sum for EMT's
You may recall back in January 2019 the LAS management agreed to pay a 1% lump sum to all EMTs in compensation for EMTs belatedly moving to the top of
ONE TEAM – 2K – PAY UP NOW
As the biggest trade union in the ambulance sector, UNISON understands the role you play and continue to play in dealing with the pandemic. Now it’s
Give all NHS staff a wage rise immediately of at least £2k, says UNISON
Staff deserve immediate wage lift from government A pay claim submitted by UNISON to the government today (Friday 28 Aug) would see every NHS employee
UNISON General Secretary Nomination
This afternoon (20th August 2020) the London Ambulance UNISON Branch Committee met and have decided to nominate Christina McAnea for General Secretary
Financial assistance
If you are a member and you are experiencing financial difficulties, whatever the circumstances, There for You can offer you support. We can provide one-off
Vaccinations
Dear LAS UNISON members, LAS UNISON have been informed by the LAS management that issues were raised with some vaccinations given to staff during December
NHS Pension Scheme - Age Discrimination
Ambulance update The government has now issued their consultation on correcting the unlawful age discrimination that was identified by the Court of Appeal
UNISON London ambulance staff raise thousands for frontline workers
Sales of a commemorative badge created by two UNISON London Ambulance Service (LAS) staff have raised more than £50,000 for charities providing mental
‘We need our union to be stronger than ever’ Dave Prentis tells NEC
As the health crisis turns into an economic crisis, UNISON needs to be stronger and more united than ever, so it can be in a better position to look after
Time to give a fair pay rise to all public service workers
Investment in staff and public services will boost the economy Responding to the Chancellor’s announcement that around 900,000 public service workers
Moving Forward on NHS Pay
A little over three weeks ago I wrote to all our members in the NHS. Tens of thousands of you responded. Nearly 9 out of 10 of you supported a campaign
Certificate of appreciation
Today, we received a certificate of appreciation from ‘There For You’ the UNISON welfare charity for our exceptional donation to the Covid
New advice due on facemask wearing for NHS staff and visitors in England
From Monday 15 June all staff in the NHS in England will need to wear facemasks at work, according to an announcement by the Secretary of State for Health
Ambulance Charity Pin Badge
The London Ambulance UNISON Branch are proud to support the sale of an Ambulance Service pin badge to remember those ambulance staff past and present
Step up, stand up and speak out against racism
The murder of George Floyd and the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on Black communities has focused attention on inequality and racism. UNISON head
NEC told: ‘We will hold government to account on COVID-19’
First remote national executive council hears tributes to UNISON members who have lost their lives during the coronavirus crisis Supporting our members
Covid-19 Response Fund Donation
We are proud to announce that the LAS UNISON Branch Committee has agreed to make a 2nd donation to the UNISON Covid-19 response fund (There for You) that
LAS UNISON - WE ARE ALL FRONTLINE T-SHIRTS
LAS UNISON WE ARE ALL FRONTLINE T-SHIRTS The LAS UNISON Branch Committee took the decision to have some branch t-shirts made for our hard working members
LAS UNISON Rainbow Badges
In the coming weeks your UNISON representatives will be distributing our new “Protect the NHS” badges, as a thank you, and also sending a message
Loss of a much loved member of LAS UNISON last week
On Friday 29th May 2020 we lost another London Ambulance UNISON member and Romford Ambulance Station Emergency Medical Technician, Jamie Lamb after a
WORKING SAFELY WITH COVID
At LAS UNISON we are fully aware of the concerns of our members, with regards to social distancing and the Governments advice with regards to this, especially
NHS Trade Unions’ Blueprint for Return
As we enter what could be the start of a gradual easing of lockdown restrictions, discussion has turned to how the NHS restarts those services that were
NHS Pension Scheme - Age Discrimination update
The government is developing proposals to address the unlawful age discrimination identified by the Court of Appeal in the 2015 reforms to the Judicial
Support for family and friends of deceased members
We are so saddened to hear of members dying from COVID-19, including so many who have died in the line of duty, as they try to help others in this unprecedented
Annual Leave Guidance during the COVID-19 Pandemic
LAS members will have seen the publication on Friday 8th May, by our People and Culture (P&C) colleagues, of the attached document answering some
There for You launches COVID-19 response fund
New fund will help members facing particular need because of the pandemic There for You is UNISON’s unique charity, set up to help members in difficulties
Loss of a Much Loved Paramedic & Former UNISON rep Yesterday
Such sad news yesterday to hear about our wonderful and much loved colleague Ben Woodhart, who died suddenly and unexpectedly at home. Paramedic, Clinical
Impact of Covid-19 on Black staff in the NHS
The disproportionate impact of Covid-19, and the response to it, is a matter of concern for the whole union. We urgently await the analysis and report
Member update from UNISON Ambulance
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) UNISON advice to ambulance members on PPE: Individual risk assessments should be the main factor in deciding your
THANK YOU TO ALL LONDON AMBULANCE STAFF
EMT Pay Journey Update
Pay Journey Update Union membership is an integral part of the foundation that makes collective bargaining like this both possible and, in our case, so
Remember COVID-19 dead this International Workers’ Memorial Day
IWMD will give us the chance to remember the workers who have died because of COVID-19 Tuesday 28 April is International Workers’ Memorial Day, when
The London Ambulance Branch lost one of its most beloved and long-serving members today
Ian Reynolds was a Paramedic at New Addington, where he also served as a committed, active UNISON rep. He worked for the service for 32 years and was
LAS UNISON Produce Video asking people to stay at home
The London Ambulance Service UNISON branch have produced this video featuring members explaining how the current situation is affecting them at work,
A Message of Thanks to our Members
The London Ambulance UNISON Branch Committee would like to extend our warmest thanks to all our hard working members for everything they are doing to
PPE UPDATE
In response to the continued issues raised from our members, LAS UNISON Branch have worked with our management in the last few days to secure the following
LAS UNISON to sponsor the LAS Wellbeing Hub
Today, the LAS UNISON Branch Committee have agreed to sponsor the LAS Wellbeing Hub. It has been agreed that our Branch will donate £10,000 towards wellbeing
Grave concerns over PPE Guidance
Dear Khadir, I am again writing on behalf of LAS UNISON Branch with regards to the grave concerns our Branch Committee and members now have over the PPE
PPE Request
Following on from our previous letter regarding appropriate PPE, Eddie Brand, LAS UNISON Branch Secretary has written a further e-mail regarding the suitability
LAS UNISON Letter to COO regarding concerns around PPE & Testing
Good afternoon Khadir, I hope this message finds you well? I am writing on behalf of LAS UNISON with regards to the ongoing concerns from our members
Government must reassure anxious NHS staff about equipment concerns, says UNISON
The government must win back the confidence of NHS and social care staff amid growing anxiety over protective kit shortages, says UNISON today (Wednesday).
Thank you from LAS UNISON
Dear Member, We are in a time of National Emergency, a time that has not been seen in our lifetime. Once again our public service workers are on the frontline
Coronavirus guidance for all members
LAS UNISON Branch members have experienced many issues over the past few weeks relating to Coronavirus Covid-19 and the effects it is having on the London
Annual General Meeting - CANCELLED
The LAS UNISON Branch Committee have taken the decision to cancel our AGM on the 24th March. The guidance has come out from the government regarding cancelling
Letter to COO - Safe Staffing
Today we have written to the London Ambulance Service Chief Operating Officer Khadir Meer with concerns that our members continue to raise to our representatives
RE: DCA OVERTIME BULLETIN
Yesterday, (Thursday 05/03/20) We met with Senior Management to raise our concerns regarding the Bulletin that was sent out on (Wednesday 04/03/20 DCA
Functional Skills
FREE tuition and qualification for Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Mathematics We are again offering FREE functional skills courses for members.
Menopause survey
Please contribute your time to take part in this survey. It will be supporting evidence in the review of trust policy HR022 Managing Attendance and for
Skill Mix Changes Update
“Last week we had an update to the ongoing arrangement that has temporarily changed the skill mix of how the LAS deploy NQPs, a bulletin has now been
LAS UNISON wins award for securing qualifications for staff
London Ambulance Service UNISON has won an award at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) annual Excellence Awards for the work
The latest from the pension age discrimination ruling
Recent declarations at Employment Tribunals, following a court ruling that found the public sector pension protections to be discriminatory, are set to
UPDATE YOUR DETAILS PRIZE DRAW - Results
The draw took place on Friday 13th December 2019 at our branch meeting. The winners are: Samantha Canning – Paramedic – Hanwell David Morphew
Skill Mix Changes
It has been reported to our reps that our NQP members have had a change in how they are deployed and the skill mix they work to as part of a winter pressures
Emergency Services Show 2019
Last month, LAS UNISON Branch Health & Safety Officer Paul Stewart and Branch Communications Officer Rob Sydney travelled up to Birmingham to visit
NHSE reviewing patient transport contracting after string of failures
NHS England has ordered a review into the cost of patient transport services and the way they are commissioned, following a string of market failures.
NHS Pension Scheme
NHS Pension Scheme – Age discrimination judgement A legal case taken by the firefighters and judges has found that the transitional protections introduced
Update on EAC banding
A partnership bulletin between the LAS & UNISON has been released on the EAC banding: As advised previously, an updated job description for Emergency
National Labour Link Committee
Election of Greater London Regional Seat Why we nominated our branch rep Pete Hannell in UNISON London Labour Link elections: Pete is a longstanding trade
EAC/TEAC Pay Update
LAS UNISON met with Senior Management on Wednesday 31st July 2019 at the LAS Staff Council. During the meeting we raised various concerns about the bulletin
Young Members Officer
Your young members’ officer is there to work with other branch officers, and to act as an organiser, recruiting and encouraging participation by young
We need a maximum safe working temperature
UNISON backs Labour plans to legislate on excessive heat in the workplace UNISON has welcomed Labour’s pledge to legislate for a maximum safe working
EAC Pay Band Review Update
LAS UNISON have been informed this morning (17 July 2019) that the LAS management have accepted the outcome of the pay band re-evaluation request that
EAC - Band 5 Job Evaluation
We have again today written to the LAS management to request progress on the resolution of the disparity between the EAC current pay band and the result
UNISON response to the introduction of National ambulance vehicle specification for English NHS ambulance trusts
On 1 April 2019, NHS Improvement introduced new national ambulance vehicle specifications and all new ambulances purchased need to be in line with these.
UNISON National Executive Council Elections – Your Voice Your Vote
It’s time to choose who speaks for you on UNISON’s national executive council. You’re hard at work keeping our vital public services running, and
Update on EAC Role
Over the last year London Ambulance UNISON Branch have on numerous occasions raised the issue that our TEAC/EAC members have seen significant changes
National ambulance vehicle specification for English NHS ambulance trusts
The consultation for the new National ambulance vehicle specification for English NHS ambulance trusts has now concluded. NHS Improvement have published
The NHS Pay Deal - Year 2
Recap of the three-year deal in England In 2018 the NHS Staff Council agreed to reform the NHS pay structure over a three-year period covering April 2018
We’ve stopped the Health and Care Professions Council 18% fees hike!
Our campaigning work has stopped the Health and Care Professions Council from imposing a massive 18% fee hike on health staff. At the end of 2018 the
LAS UNISON AGM
Yesterday (20th March) we held our Annual General Meeting at UNISON centre in Euston. We had a terrific turnout and we would like to thank all the members
LAS UNISON response to Annual Leave Proposal
Today LAS UNISON have formally responded to the proposal on annual leave arrangements made in January by the LAS management. As expected, we have, as
LAS EMT4 Management Proposal Update
LAS UNISON have today responded to the EMT4 management proposal. We have consulted through our workplace rep and senior sector rep network across the
NO to 18% Fee Rise by the HCPC
In spite of overwhelming opposition, the HCPC are proceeding with the unjustified 18% increase in fees for Paramedics and others that they regulate. UNISON
HCPC Fees increase consultation
HCPC registrants may be interested in this public meeting on the 14th of February where the outcome of the recent consultation on an increase in fees
LAS Management Annual Leave Proposal Update
We have today received, from the LAS management, the definitive calculations of how the proposed annual leave arrangements would affect the number of
Staff Council publishes guidance on new pay progression system for England
The NHS Staff Council has finalised a package to support implementation of the new system for pay progression, in line with the provisions in the England
Branch noticeboard competition winners announced!
Congratulations to London Ambulance Service branch’s Battersea station who are the overall winners of our Grovember branch noticeboards competition.
Annual Leave proposal
The LAS management have written to us to propose a change in the annual leave arrangements for operational staff. Although we have had some discussion
EMT 4 Proposal
LAS UNISON first wrote to the LAS management on 22nd March 2017 to request EMT4’s pay, at that time being capped to spine point 20 on band 5, have said
New Year, Old Issues
Today, we have written to the LAS management to raise two issues ahead of the next Staff Council meeting where we hope to discuss them further. At the
HCPC fees consultation
As you may know the consultation period for HCPC’s proposed rise in registrant fees closed on the 14th December. UNISON submitted the attached response
Fleet Consultation
It has recently come to our attention that there are plans to move to a single national fleet model. Just to be clear, the proposed changes, subject to
UPDATE YOUR DETAILS PRIZE DRAW
*UPDATED and edited 14 December 2018 UNISON and the London Ambulance Branch want to make sure we have all our members details up to date. We know staff
Annex 5 (E) and Section 2 Unsocial Hours payments
Under the terms of the national NHS pay deal, ambulance staff employed prior to 1 September 2018 are subject to Annex 5 (previously Annex E) unsocial
Family Fun Day
LAS UNISON is proud to support the LAS Family Fun Day on Saturday 20 October 2018,12 – 5pm. We will be in attendance on the day. Come and find us and
The English NHS pay deal – in six charts
A lot has been written about the NHS pay deal in England and what it will mean to individuals’ pay packets. But how does it affect staff at different
Justice restored - How UNISON BEAT THE GOVERNMENT in the battle over employment tribunal fees
In 2017 UNISON won a landmark legal case against the government. It’s been hailed as one of the most significant in the history of employment law.
Celebrate and defend the NHS at 70
This year the NHS is 70 years old and that’s something worth celebrating! UNISON is proud to represent and celebrate the whole team of staff who work
Pay rise for NHS staff in England
Members vote overwhelmingly in favour of three year deal UNISON members working for the NHS in England have voted overwhelmingly to accept a three year
Fundraising for Lesley Shaw
Lesley Shaw is a Paramedic UNISON member based at Croydon for many years, who suffered a devastating stroke at her home following a night shift. The stroke
TUC national demonstration: Step Up for Public Services
The TUC has called a national demonstration on Saturday 12 May in London. This is going to be a key moment in the fight for public services. We’ll show
Pay Update from UNISON National Ambulance Sector
Dear Ambulance member, We are writing to you about the pay proposals for NHS staff in England. A lot has been said about the proposals on social media
NHS Pay Proposal - Branch Update
The NHS Staff Council framework agreement proposal was released last week and we have all had time to understand it’s complexities now, so we wanted
UNISON puts major proposal for NHS pay to its members
UNISON today unveiled a proposal for a far-reaching modernisation of the NHS pay structure in England over the next three years, which would result in
Operational Management Restructure
Our Branch Chair has today attended the launch on the Operational Management Restructure. We will take some time to assess the accompanied consultation
NHS Staff Survey results show that woeful pay has taken its toll, says UNISON
Only 31% of NHS staff were satisfied with their level of pay in 2017 Responding to the publication today (Tuesday) of the NHS Staff Survey UNISON head
UNISON Lottery supporting There for You
Join the UNISON lottery for as little as £1 a month and you could win cash prizes of up to £1,000. By playing you also support our There for You charity.
Rest Break Policy - End of Shift Arrangements
As you are well aware the LAS bulletin on the 18th December 2017 announced the new rest break policy. As described in the bulletin, work has since been
Pay Claim Update & Survey
In September UNISON, along with the other NHS trade unions, submitted a claim for a pay award that matches inflation plus an extra £800 for all staff.
Inside the NHS’s winter crisis
The nation is in panic over the so-called ‘winter crisis’ in the NHS. But according to paramedic and LAS UNISON member Jason Anderson, such pressures
Christmas present appeal
We would like to say a huge thanks to Unison member Nigel Flanagan who has worked for the London Ambulance Service NHS since 1992, he is a Paramedic currently
NHS pay – UNISON response to Budget
Government announces additional funding for NHS pay In the Budget on 22 November 2017 the Chancellor confirmed additional funding could be made available
Holiday Pay
Today LAS Unison has written to the LAS management regarding an issue we raised at the Staff Council meeting on 14th November 2017 which will result in
Band 6 Paramedic Job Description & NQP's - Joint National Update
Ambulance national discussions – November 2017 joint update Ambulance employers, national trade unions and NHS Employers have been working closely together
Former Dynasty star highlights UNISON’s Pay Up Now! campaign
Giving public service workers a pat on the back isn’t going to put food on their table A new UNISON film, featuring former Dynasty actor Stephanie Beacham,
Proposed New Rest Break Policy
Following negotiations between UNISON and LAS management, a new proposed rest break agreement has been published. Please read the agreement in full and
Rodney Bickerstaffe
Rodney Bickerstaffe A personal message from Dave Prentis Sadly, Rodney Bickerstaffe – former General Secretary of both UNISON and NUPE – died today,
UNISON calls on government to fund a proper NHS pay rise
‘NHS staff and their families need a pay award that stops the rot’ UNISON is breaking with tradition and submitting a pay claim directly to the government
Joint Union Notice - NQP Fast Track Position Sept 2017
1 September 2017 Newly Qualified Paramedic Update In December 2016, employers and trade unions signed up to a new national agreement to move paramedics
Rest Breaks - August Update
Dear UNISON Member, As you may be aware over the last year we have met with London Ambulance Senior Management about the ongoing issue of Rest Breaks.
How UNISON changed the law: the story behind our success
How UNISON won the most significant judicial intervention in the history of British employment law On Wednesday 26 July, a grey and rainy morning, UNISON
LAS UNISON MEMBERS RECEIVE EXTRA PAY FOLLOWING UNISON VICTORY IN SUPREME COURT
LAS UNISON are pleased to confirm that colleagues in the LAS will now be receiving extra pay from July, following a successful legal fight that ended
UNISON’s tribunal fee verdict is a victory for everyone in work
UNISON has won a landmark court victory today (Wednesday) against the government, which means that employment tribunal fees will now be scrapped. The
Dave Lamey
It is with great sadness that we have to inform you of the death of Dave Lamey, a much loved former colleague based at Croydon and a proud Senior UNISON
‘Now is the time!’ Dave Prentis tells conference
General secretary tells delegates that the tide is turning and that, as the prime minister wobbles, there is hope “Now is the time to rise up – now
Rest Breaks & NQP Update
News from your Branch Secretary and Chair to keep you posted on a couple of things. Along with the many, many issues our many, many brilliant reps are
Pay Consultation
The SGE’s Agenda for Change group has considered the results of the pay consultation. Across the UK, most branches and regions responding were in favour
Trade Union Act 2016 - New regulations
New regulations on facility time and ‘check-off’ were introduced to the Westminster Parliament in March 2017. They require employers to calculate
EL Presidente T-Shirt
Last year after Eric Roberts became president of UNISON, the London Ambulance Service Branch of UNISON had an idea of making a t-shirt with Eric’s picture
NHS PAY AWARD 2017/18
Consultation and response to Health Service Group Dear LAS UNISON branch member, The NHS Pay Review Body (PRB) has recommended a 1% consolidated pay increase
NEC ELECTIONS
Dear London Ambulance UNISON Branch Members Ballot papers for this very important election should be sent to your homes address from Monday 3rd April.
Pay Award Announced
The government has today (28 March) announced that NHS staff in England will receive a consolidated pay increase of 1% from 1 April. The Welsh and Scottish
EMT4 Pay Cap
Yesterday (22 March) our Branch Secretary, Eddie Brand, wrote to the LAS management to request that EMT4’s pay cap in band 5 is removed and they
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