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.

			

		

		
		


	
		
			
			
			
			
	

		
		
Depot workers welcome guest speaker on Injuries at Work
		
		
 
	
		Anti - Racism, Austerity, Disability, Health and Safety, Local, Repairs, Report, Solidarity, UNISON Campaign	



	
		

			
		
					

			


Barnet UNISON depot workers welcomed special guest speaker from Thompson’s Solicitors.


The guest speaker spoke about the free services for UNISON members provided by Thompsons.


The main part of the discussion was around reporting accidents at work.


Depot work environment. 


In any depot, where loading and unloading, bending and stretching defines the day, the importance of reporting accidents cannot be overstated.


For depot workers, whose labour is physically demanding, even seemingly minor incidents can have significant consequences. A sprained ankle dismissed as a “little twist,” or a cut brushed off as a “scratch,” can escalate into serious, long-term health issues if left unreported.


Reporting accidents is not about assigning blame; it’s about safeguarding wellbeing. It’s about creating a culture where a worker feels empowered to speak up without fear of reprisal. When an accident is reported, it triggers a chain of events designed to prevent recurrence. It allows for a thorough investigation, identifying potential hazards and implementing corrective measures. This not only protects the individual involved but also their colleagues, fostering a safer working environment for everyone.


Moreover, prompt reporting ensures access to necessary medical attention and support. Early intervention can significantly reduce recovery time and prevent complications. Ignoring an injury can lead to chronic pain, reduced mobility, and even permanent disability, impacting not only a worker’s livelihood but also their quality of life.


Ultimately, reporting accidents is a fundamental act of self-preservation. It’s an acknowledgment that a worker’s health and safety are paramount, and that their wellbeing matters. In the demanding environment of a manual depot, where physical resilience is crucial, reporting every incident, no matter how small, is a vital step towards ensuring a safe and healthy working life.


Barnet UNISON will use our #DepotWednesday meetings to remind and encourage our members to work safely and report, report and report.


End.

			

		

		
		


	

			  

					
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