University of Birmingham branch
The trade union representing support staff and academic-related staff on campus. The union is as strong as the links between its members.
Many workers across the country have understandable concerns following the prime minister’s announcement at the weekend, with its reference to “encouraging” people to return to work. UNISON and other trade unions are clear that a return to work at any workplace can only take place if stringent safety measures are put in place to protect […]
Continue ReadingWhat does “furlough” mean? In UK employment law, “furlough” is a new employment status introduced as part of the Coronavirus pandemic. If you are furloughed: You cannot do any work for your employer (though you can take part in training and volunteer, as long as it doesn’t generate income for your employer). Your employer can […]
Continue ReadingNegotiations update Your UNISON representatives and those from the other campus trade unions are continuing to negotiate with the University to keep staff safe and to look after your rights in these very difficult times. Our priority remains pressing the University to limit the number of staff on campus, to protect those who have underlying […]
Continue ReadingThank you to all applicants who have submitted an application for the organiser vacancy. We really appreciate the interest in this post. Due to the ongoing lockdown and restrictions on work linked to the Coronavirus pandemic, we’ve taken the really difficult decision to pause the recruitment of this post until the national situation changes. We simply […]
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Dear All, UNISON in recent weeks (and most recently in a meeting with the Director, Deputy Directors and Heads of HR) has been desperately attempting to gain more information and reassurance around the work staff in Campus Services and particularly Cleaning Services will be doing over the “restricted operations period” due to start at the […]
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Last updated 24.03.20 19:00 Government advice / instruction On the 23.03.20 the UK government moved to enforce social distancing, stating that everyone in the country should remain indoors apart from when: Buying food and other essential items Exercising (once per day) Addressing a medical need or providing care or assistance to a vulnerable person Travelling […]
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Following our last post about the information we wanted from the University in relation to the Coronavirus, today has seen a rapid series of events on campus, including reports of a suspected diagnosis, the closure of offices, and an email from the Vice Chancellor (which includes the announcement of “restricted campus operations” by the end […]
Continue ReadingWhile the UK government and official scientific advisors are not yet recommending gatherings and meetings are cancelled, Birmingham University UNISON have decided to follow a precautionary approach, not least because we recognise that a number of members would have felt particularly anxious about attending a meeting of 50+ people in the current climate. Under […]
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Please find below the email sent by UoB UNISON joint branch secretary, Mike Moore (on behalf of UNISON, UCU and Unite) on Friday 13th March (morning) to Gillian McGrattan (Human Resources), Louise Kindon (Human Resources), Stephanie Humphrey (Human Resources), Leslie Wright (Human Resources), Mark Sterling – DPVC Staffing, Philippa Hawkins (Workplace Wellbeing). CC’ed reps from […]
Continue ReadingBirmingham University UNISON are excited to announce that we are recruiting for a part-time organiser, focusing specifically on building our strength in the Edgbaston Park Hotel (a University-owned subsidiary company). The role is two days per week and on a fixed-term contract for 11 months. (The reason for the contract term is because it’s being […]
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