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Important message: Update on Equal Pay

News

Dear Barnet UNISON members

Barnet UNISON has been made aware that the trade union GMB have been visiting some Barnet Schools to explain an Equal Pay claim on behalf of some school support staff against Barnet Council.

UNISON believes that achieving Equal Pay for all employees should be a priority for The London Borough of Barnet and where potential unlawful sex discrimination is occurring, we will take action.

In order to establish the merits of a claim, UNISON has made direct contact with Barnet Council.

A meeting has been agreed with Barnet Council, UNISON and GMB on Wednesday 14 May 2025.

Equal Pay claims are technical claims which can go on for years. UNISON priority to is to establish if there is a claim and if so to try and negotiate an agreement with the employer if possible in order to avoid waiting years for a court date which may or may not be successful.

UNISON has a history of successfully negotiating Equal Pay claims in Barnet in the early 2000’s and we have also successfully managed to secure over a million pounds for our members working in schools over Term Time Pay.

In meantime if you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Barnet UNISON branch at contactus@barnetunison.org.uk

End.

UNISON comment on Barnet Council Pension Fund Agenda Item 17

Austerity, News, Pensions, Report, UNISON Campaign

On Wednesday 2 April 2025 at Barnet Council Pension Fund Agenda item 17 “Rectification of situation pertaining to prepayments and subsequent repayments between the Council and the Pension Fund”

Source: https://barnet.moderngov.co.uk/documents/b41611/Supplemetary%20Agenda%2002nd-Apr-2025%2019.00%20Pension%20Fund%20Committee.pdf?T=9

Below are UNISON comments on the issues contained within the above report:

1. Unlawful Prepayment:

A prepayment of £20,477,000 made in 2020 may have been unlawful. While legal in principle, there’s no documentation showing it was authorised under the Council’s scheme of delegation or approved by any council committee or the Pension Fund Committee. This indicates a serious lack of internal control and proper authorisation.

2. Additional Payments and Repayments:

There were issues with additional payments and repayments between the Council and the Pension Fund, described as “unlawful payments into and out of the Barnet Pension Fund”.

The report discusses options for rectifying this, indicating that the initial actions were incorrect.

3. Lack of Documentation:

The inability to find documentation for the prepayment raises concerns about record-keeping and financial oversight

4. Risk of Tax Implications:

There’s a potential risk of tax liabilities arising from the various rectification options. The council is seeking clarification from HMRC, but the advice received indicates they are proceeding at their own risk.

5. Governance Concerns: The report highlights concerns about governance and the need to clarify the separation between the Pension Fund and the council as an employer.

In summary, the report reveals significant financial mismanagement issues, including potentially unlawful payments, inadequate documentation, and tax risks.

You can listen to the discussion at the start of the meeting here https://aisapps.mediasite.com/AuditelScheduler/Player/Index/?id=9441bcf4-2e3b-41f0-9fe0-7546f554ceaa&presID=588094cfbe6449019e339905e96970fa1d

The next Pension Fund Committee is 16 June 2025


			

		

		
		


	
		
			
	

		
		
Message to all of our Barnet UNISON schools members
		
		
 
	
		Anti - Racism, Austerity, Local, National, News, Schools, UNISON Campaign	



	
		

			
		
					

			


Dear Barnet UNISON


In early February, Barnet UNISON wrote to every school in Barnet seeking permission to speak to our members about the new School Support Staff National Negotiating Body (SSSNB) which will be established for all school support staff in England, including those working in academies and multi academy trusts.


You can view the letter to your school by clicking on the link below.


https://www.barnetunison.me.uk/wp/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2025.01.20-Letter-to-headteacher.pdf


Our Assistant Branch Secretary Beverley Berwick has already started visiting schools speaking with members and the Head about the SSSNB.


This is likely to be the biggest change of our members in schools in a generation which is why we are keen to speak to our members.


If you are interested in helping to arrange a visit in your school, please email contactus@barnetunison.org.uk and request a visit.


 


End.




Background: 


Read more about SSSNB click on link below


https://www.barnetunison.me.uk/wp/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/SSSNB-members-briefing.pdf

			

		

		
		


	
		
	

		
		
Reporting Accidents and Incidents at Work
		
		
 
	
		Uncategorised	



	
		

			
		
					

			


If you have been involved in an accident or an incident (such as verbal or physical abuse) at work, your employer has a legal obligation to record this.


Trade Unions have the right to see these reports when they involve their members.


If you are reporting an accident or an incident on the Barnet Council online reporting system, make sure you tick the option for UNISON to see the report. If your manager or supervisor is filling the form, they should ask if you give permission for your Union to see the report.


Please give permission for UNISON to see accident and incident reports, this will help protect you and your colleagues.


It is very important that UNISON Health and Safety Reps can see the reports.  Having access to the reports means:


    

  • We are aware of the accident or incident
    • 

  • We can follow up on what is being done by the employer in response
    • 

  • We can see if there are areas where our members are working in unsafe workplaces
    • 

  • We can use the reports as evidence in sickness, disciplinary or other procedures and help to make sure you are being treated fairly
    • 

  • UNISON can use the reports to pursue Personal Injury Claims, or other legal proceedings.
    • 



If you are having any problems reporting accidents or incidents at work, contact me, your workplace UNISON representative, or the Barnet UNISON Office.


 


Hugh Jordan


Branch Health & Safety Officer/Libraries Convenor


Barnet UNISON


Tel: 0208 359 2088


Email: contactus@barnetunison.org.uk

			

		

		
		


	
		
			
	

		
		
The Barnet Group Pay Claim
		
		
 
	
		Uncategorised	



	
		

			
		
					

			
Last Friday Barnet UNISON submitted its annual pay claim to The Barnet Group for all workers on the TBGflex contract and those on the legacy YCB contracts. In essence, we’re asking for the same uplift in pay which is being asked by UNISON nationally for Council staff (£3,000 on all pay points). The exception to this would be those on the London Living Wage as they would be receiving their uplift in pay in April this year.


In addition we’re asking for NJC terms and conditions for weekend working, bank holidays, night shift working and overtime. For full details please see here our claim in full.


Can The Barnet Group afford this?


Barnet UNISON has proposed savings which could be made by a review of the arrangements between The Barnet Group and the Council. These have been rejected. The real question is whether our members can afford one pay cut after another. With retail such as Lidl now paying higher wages (£14/hr LIDL ANNOUNCES PAY INCREASE FOR 28,000 HOURLY-PAID COLLEAGUES NATIONWIDE – Lidl Great Britain) than careworkers receive and housing workers working for other local authorities being paid considerably higher wages and with better terms and conditions, workers are already making clear choices about not wanting to work for The Barnet Group.

			

		

		
		


	
		
	

		
		
Message of solidarity to Tower Hamlets strikers on St Lukes school picket line
		
		
 
	
		Anti - Racism, Austerity, Local, News, Schools, Solidarity, Trades Dispute, UNISON Campaign	



	
		

			
		
					

			


On behalf of our branch Barnet UNISON sends our unwavering solidarity and support to you and your NEU colleagues as you take strike action on the 1st and 3rd of April.


We stand with you in your fight against the proposed cuts to Teaching Assistant roles, a move that will undoubtedly have a devastating impact on the quality of education and the workload of all staff.


Your determination to defend education and demand reasonable workloads is an inspiration to us all. We recognise the vital role Teaching Assistants play in supporting students and teachers, and we condemn any attempt to diminish their contribution.


We understand the pressures you face and commend your courage in taking this stand. We will be sharing your message of resistance throughout our branch and encouraging our members to send messages of support.


We wish you a strong and successful strike. We are with you in this fight for fair working conditions and the future of education.


End.

			

		

		
		


	
		
			
	
			  

					
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