We use cookies on our website to ensure you find the information you need in the simplest way. Find out more about cookies and how we use them. Disclosures about certain types of matters may also be made to specific bodies, such as the relevant regulatory body. Booklet for branch activists and members explaining UNISON’s policy on self organisation, including guidelines on branch and regional support and resources. Whistleblowing is the act of disclosing information about wrongdoing in the workplace. Terms and conditions. UNISON welcomes the report from the UK Lesbian & Gay Immigration Group (UKLGIG) Still Falling Short, which highlights the unfair and degrading treatment of Lesbian, Gay Bisexual, Trans, Queer and Intersex plus (LGBTQI+) asylum seekers. Unfair Dismissal - A Short Summary: This is a very short summary of the structure of dismissal law. UNISON is demanding the Council settle their many outstanding equal pay claims. UKLGIG supports LGBTQI+ people through the asylum and immigration process. Mr Uddin, a PE teacher, suffered from anxiety and depression and was absent on sick leave for several months at a time. If you are going to blow the whistle, it is vital that you consider the following points carefully. Find out more about cookies and how we use them. What hard evidence do you have to support any claim? The LGBT+ members group works with all parts of the union to improve equality, fight discrimination and prejudice in the workplace and provide support for our members. One of UNISON’s main aims is to help workers fight for fairness and equality in the workplace and beyond. The group also provides a powerful voice for young members and the opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge. UNISON North Lanarkshire is stepping up the pressure on North Lanarkshire Council in the union’s long running campaign to end the unfair treatment of low paid women. “Worker” in this case is widely defined and includes not only employees, but also certain agency workers or people who are not employed, but who are in training with the employer. If a member has been discriminated against or treated unfairly at work, UNISON negotiates with employers on a member’s behalf, attends tribunals, offers legal help and makes employers aware of the law. Public Interest Disclosure (Northern Ireland) Order, Parliament: guide to Public Interest Disclosure Act (PDF), Regulators prescribed in Public Interest Disclosure Act (PDF), Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement 2019. UNISON is trying to highlight the unfair parking charges some NHS staff incur when then they go to work. In such cases the disclosure must not be made for the purposes of personal gain. UNISON welcomes the report from the UK Lesbian & Gay Immigration Group (UKLGIG) Still Falling Short, which highlights the unfair and degrading treatment of Lesbian, Gay Bisexual, Trans, Queer and Intersex plus (LGBTQI+) asylum seekers. UNISON’s disabled members are working hard to combat unfair treatment at work. If you are being victimised or suffering from unfair treatment because of blowing the whistle you need to speak to your UNISON rep, who can help you decide what action to take. If you’ve tried to raise an issue internally but your employer ignores you and you feel that you must report your concerns, it is important that you speak to your UNISON rep immediately. Ambulance Staff to Vote on Strike Action Over Unfair Treatment . The Westminster government consultation on reforming the 2004 Gender Recognition Act (GRA) took place nearly two years ago, and the results of the consultation have not yet been released. At the Labour Party's recent national policy forum, for example, UNISON succeeded in reaching agreement on key issues in the workplace and, in … It is illegal for any foreign worker within Qatar to join a trade union or organise against unfair treatment. If your employer does not already have a whistleblowing policy in place, negotiate to create a policy which encourage workers to feel confident in raising concerns and establish a fair investigative process. The legislation which is intended to protect people from unfair treatment includes the Equality Act 2010 and Human Rights legislation. Our views have not changed. November 1997: Donald D'Souza was awarded 375,000 for unfair dismissal and racial discrimination against former employers London Borough of Lambeth. Next steps for UNISON reps Negotiate with your employer to create a written grievance procedure if they do not already have one. Besides the right not to be discriminated against or bullied, fair treatment also includes dignity at work, access to opportunities and equal working conditions and pay. On 16 March 2011 Mrs Oni issued a claim against Unison alleging race victimisation and detrimental treatment by Mrs McGregor. Normally you would first report the issue internally to your employers before making any disclosure externally. Can't find the answer you're looking for here? A practical guide to supporting trans people in the workplace. Why and how UNISON works internationally. Many Black NHS staff live with the consequences of racism every day. By autumn 2021 the pay, overtime, pension options and sickness allowances of the 900 outsourced staff will be brought in line with directly employed UCL workers, ending years of unfair treatment, the union said. Updated April 2012. He appealed against that decision but the appeal was never heard. UNISON Branch to take to streets to pressure council into fairness. There is more lenient treatment … Such activities could be a violation of a law, rule or regulation, or a threat to public interest, such as fraud, health and safety violations or corruption. I would like to receive 10% off my first purchase, easy access to free products, special offers, and more by signing up to the Unison newsletter. In this case, it is crucial you take advice from your UNISON rep. This may involve bringing a claim in the employment tribunal. A leaflet aimed at encouraging members from the union’s self-organised groups to consider putting themselves forward to become safety reps. A guide to using the Public Sector Equality Duty to fight cuts, attacks on pay and conditions and discrimination by public service employers. We work for improvements to women’s rights in the workplace and in the wider community. A5 four page booklet outlining the issues for those staff affected. Self organisation groups Members suffering the effects of stress at work are in a vulnerable situation and need to be supported with care and tact. Alan Bradley, Dumfries and Galloway welcomed UNISON's commitment to challenge unfair treatment in the workplace. We encourage all members to join the discussion on how to provide public services and how equality can be promoted when delivering them. It is vital to follow certain steps if you are going to make a claim about an issue concerning you at work, because making such a disclosure is a serious matter. As part of a phased return to work after one of the periods of sick leave, the school suggested that he work as an assistant in literacy and numeracy rather than returning to the PE department. For your disclosure to be protected by the law you should make it to the right person, in the right way. You are protected even if you are blowing the whistle on unlawful acts that took place overseas, or where the law applying to those acts is not UK law. UoB UCU & UNISON Fact Sheet: Fixed Term Contracts (FTCs) ... right to a permanent contract after four years and protection from unfair dismissal and unfair treatment that staff on FTCs are often faced with. The Equality Act contains something called the public sector equality duty, which requires public bodies to actively promote equality and eliminate discrimination. It is important that you seek advice from your UNISON rep before making such a disclosure, as strict criteria apply in order for you to be protected. By continuing to use our website you are consenting to their use. I chose UNISON because they were the biggest union at my workplace and I saw a lot of … If you are a UNISON member with a legal problem, please contact your branch or region as soon as possible for advice. Besides the right not to be discriminated against or bullied, fair treatment also includes dignity at work, access to opportunities and equal working conditions and pay. However, if it is not void, the contract ends without termination. As a result of the legislation, some employers have developed internal whistleblowing procedures, although the legislation does not enforce this. Our retired members group works closely with other parts of the union on almost every issue that affects workers in the UK, as well as fighting for quality public services, on which many older people rely. The information contained within this article is not a complete or final statement of the law and is based on the laws of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. UNISON has long called for the GRA to be amended in line with international best practice. He had also taken out a grievance against his two managers which was rejected. UNISON, UNISON Centre, 130 Euston Road, London NW1 2AY. One of UNISON’s main aims is to help workers fight for fairness and equality in the workplace and beyond. ... unfair dismissal to tribunal drawing on both the prevention of less favourable treatment James Moore Unison could soon have a female general secretary – about time, too. in 2012, 19 per cent of disabled people experienced unfair treatment at work compared to 13 per cent of non-disabled people. UK Politics. UKLGIG supports LGBTQI+ people through the asylum and immigration process. You have colleagues working together on a 10-hour shift, doing the same job, but … Posted on 22 October 2018 by . The ability to live and work without prejudice is a fundamental right, regardless of your background, identity and experiences. Get help by: UNISON, UNISON Centre, 130 Euston Road, London NW1 2AY. The union is fighting to protect the pay of thousands of its teaching assistant members around the UK. While UNISON has sought to ensure that the information is accurate and up to date, it is not responsible and will not be held liable for any inaccuracies and their consequences, including any loss arising from relying on this information. Fact sheet. Find out more about cookies and how we use them. This could mean highlighting possible unlawful activities in the organisation, failures to comply with legal obligations, miscarriages of justice or reporting on risks to the health and safety of individuals or to the environment. Factsheet. These handy small leaflets define what being Black means to UNISON. From our experience it is clear that disabled people are significantly more likely to experience unfair treatment at work than non-disabled people e.g. Quantity is limited to one copy per branch. Strict time limits apply and so you should speak to your UNISON rep as soon as possible. ... David Atkinson, UNISON North West Regional Organiser: “The present situation is ridiculous and untenable. Find out more about industrial tribunals. protection from unfair dismissal. A whistleblower is legally protected if a disclosure made is about: To be protected, you must have a reasonable belief that the information tends to show that one of more of the above has happened, is happening or is likely to happen. UNISON’s disabled members are working hard to combat unfair treatment … UNISON took the first ever successful personal injury stress case Walker v … If you are being victimised or suffering from unfair treatment because of blowing the whistle you need to speak to your UNISON rep, who can help you decide what action to take. ... Unison would argue that such a clause is void as it seeks to contract out of employment law. Take advice from your UNISON rep and if you cannot find any, alert your branch secretary or UNISON regional organiser. The Equality Act  makes it unlawful for employers to treat you unfairly because of: It is also unlawful for employers to have a rule, policy or practice that someone is less likely to be able to fulfil than other employees because of one of the reasons above. UNISON has been at the forefront in taking civil cases for damages for stress at work. The Law Respective To The Wording Within This Letter of Grievance . April 1998: In Kramer v. UNISON, Ms Kramer was employed as a Unison Regional Officer, South East Region from 1990-1997, when she resigned from her post. We continue to believe that the current medicalised, quasi-judicial application process for a gender recognition certificate is humiliating and unnecessary. He told conference of the experiences of his branch in campaigning against such inequalities on behalf of their low paid women members. An up-to-date list of UNISON’s Equality resources for bargaining, campaigning and organising. Besides the right not to be discriminated against or bullied, fair treatment also includes equal working conditions and pay. The Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 provides legal protection for individuals who disclose information to expose acts such as criminal acts. © Copyright 2021 Privacy policy As racism is arbitrary unfair treatment, the very thing UNISON and other unions were founded to challenge for all workers , it is unthinkable that we would do other than oppose it in all its forms and at all levels. Poster to celebrate Bi visibility day 23 September, UNISON’s calendar of key equality events 2020-2021, 40 page Bargaining guide and model policy around Disability leave. Yes, you can make a claim for unfair dismissal, even if you have been in the job for less than two years. © Copyright 2021 Privacy policy UNISON wants to create an NHS that respects and values all staff. UNISON is demanding the Council settle their many outstanding equal pay claims. Introduction: Dear Sir/Madam, I am lodging a grievance letter to invoke the grievance procedure, due to ‘my belief’ that (organisations name) has breached its ‘statutory duties’ germane to ‘health and safety’ within the working environment. You will generally be protected if you make your claim to your employer or to another person if you reasonably believe that the relevant failure relates solely or mainly to that person, or is a matter for which that person other than your employer has responsibility. With Brexit on the horizon, threatening to undo vital protections, and an austerity government taking every opportunity to undermine public service, there's still plenty left for us to do. This Guide aims to help representatives recognise and understand members’ rights and persuade employers to take appropriate action. You should do so as soon as possible, as strict time limits apply for making such a claim, generally three months less one day from the date of dismissal (generally speaking, three months exactly in Northern Ireland). Challenging discrimination and winning equality is at the heart of everything UNISON does. There may be protection for disclosing the issue to another person in exceptional circumstances – such as where the employee reasonably believes that making the disclosure to their employer means that they will be subject to a detriment or that evidence will be concealed or destroyed; the employee has already made the disclosure to their employer; or where the relevant failure is of an exceptionally serious nature. Speak to your UNISON rep to find out what to do next. It includes a model ‘dignity at work’ policy. Branch Secretary, Suzanne Wright, commented that “UNISON will be challenging this decision as it amounts to inequitable treatment of staff. By judgment of EJ Rogerson sent to the parties on 24 November 2011, the complaint of Mrs McGregor giving evidence in the hearing of the second 2009 claim was struck out on the grounds of witness immunity. UNISON women work with all parts of the union to end discrimination and campaign for equality. This may involve bringing a claim in the employment tribunal. If an employee reveals to you that they have discovered unlawful activities at work, discuss the next steps with your UNISON regional office or regional organiser. Dave Prentis is the general secretary of UNISON UNISON made its views very clear in our response to the consultation on the reform of the GRA. Includes Covid 19 specific guidance. UNISON can look to influence government policy by seeking manifesto commitments from the party in power. Really unfair treatment The feedback for the treatment unison union gave to me is really really bad. ... Trade unions warn Labour leadership over treatment of whistleblowers. Find out more about grievance procedures. This is great victory against unfair work practices, but many threats to workers' rights still remain. If an employment tribunal considers that your disclosure was made in bad faith, it has the power to reduce any compensation award by up to 25%. Employees are protected against discrimination and unfair treatment by the Equality Act and relevant regulations in Northern Ireland. The legislation made substantial amendments to the Employment Rights Act 1996 – and the Employment Rights (NI) Order 1996 in Northern Ireland – to protect whistleblowers from dismissal and detrimental treatment by their employer. UNISON’s Black members group works with all parts of our union to improve equality in the workplace and challenge racism and discrimination. UNISON has a history of winning on equality. Challenging discrimination and winning equality is at the heart of everything UNISON does. Workers are protected if they blow the whistle from detriment and unfair dismissal. Qatar’s Kafala system that removes workers’ human rights is cited by UNISON as a reason for the Lord Provost to decline an invitation to visit the country. UK Politics. This section is about young members equality. In some cases, the employee may bring a case before an employment tribunal, which can award compensation. UNISON members in the non-emergency patient transport service in Greater Manchester have voted overwhelmingly to take strike action. They left myself with any legal help when i needed. UNISON negotiators are working with university managers to speed up the process so staff can benefit before 2021. Our disabled members’ group works with all parts of the union to fight discrimination and prejudice and campaign for improved workplace accessibility. Unlocking our potential. Our young members group works with other parts of the union to encourage recruitment, organisation and participation of young workers. An in-depth look at key employment rights giving information and guidance to members’ representatives when they need to pursue issues at work. An A4 guide for branches on how to deal with harassment and bullying at work. We have also found that the lessons learned from … Join UNISON and get essential cover wherever you work. a failure to comply with a legal obligation; If you suspect unlawful activity at work, you may want to inform someone about it. UNISON North Lanarkshire is stepping up the pressure on North Lanarkshire Council in the union’s long running campaign to end the unfair treatment of low paid women. It would be unusual to raise the issue publicly before raising them with your employer and it is only in certain very limited circumstances that you will be protected if you raise the issue publicly. Are you sure that your concerns could not be raised informally or through the usual grievance procedure? Workers are protected as whistleblowers if they fulfil certain criteria. This section is about equality for Black members. UNISON has won a landmark court victory today (Friday) that makes it much harder for employers to ignore staff when making major changes in the workplace. Strict time limits apply and so you should speak to your UNISON rep as soon as possible. This section is about LGBT+ equality. We use cookies on our website to ensure you find the information you need in the simplest way. By continuing to use our website you are consenting to their use. This section is about retired members. Find out more about employment tribunals. For disclosures to be protected by law, workers must make them to the right person, in the right way and not for personal gain. In a place not under their control or management for unfair dismissal, even if you are UNISON! 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