UNISON has appointed Jo Galloway as regional secretary in the south east of England, it was announced today (Thursday). Jo was previously regional secretary in London where she led major campaigns to improve pay and conditions for low-paid NHS staff. These included successful strike action by healthcare assistants in Greenwich over pay gaps affecting black and female workers. Jo also oversaw the return of […]
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As UNISON moves into 2026, activists across the South East are preparing for a full programme of democratic meetings, forums, training and national conferences. From regional AGMs and committee meetings to equality conferences and the Year of Green Activity, the year ahead offers many opportunities to get involved, influence union policy and strengthen workplace organisation. […]
From icy mornings to stormy afternoons, extreme weather can make working life tougher and riskier. Cold snaps, high winds and flooding aren’t just uncomfortable; they’re health and safety issues, and employers have a legal duty to take them seriously. We know for many members, working in challenging conditions is routine and part of the job. […]
In signing the charter, the university becomes the first higher education in the South East to join the anti-racism initiative
Paramedics have spoken out about the abuse they face while working on the frontline, as UNISON – the union representing paramedics and NHS staff – urge the public to show respect to those who will be working to keep the country safe and well throughout the festive period. Jenny Young, a paramedic with South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb), said: “Having been at the brunt of […]
Commenting on the government’s decision to delay the election of the Hampshire & the Solent mayor and Sussex & Brighton mayor until 2028, UNISON South East regional secretary Maggi Ferncombe said today (Thursday 4 December 2025) “The delay will no doubt be disappointing for many people. But it gives an opportunity to get local government […]
Responding to the announcement that East Sussex County Council has asked ministers for financial support to cover a likely budget deficit in 2026-27, UNISON South East local government lead Kieran Pearson said: “East Sussex’s warning that it does not have the reserves to cover a predicted £56 million shortfall is deeply concerning. Applying for the government’s exceptional […]
A new charter designed to strengthen protection for migrant social care workers has been launched across the South East following a rise in cases of harassment, intimidation and unfair dismissal, UNISON says today (Thursday). The charter calls for councils to take a series of practical steps to support care staff who have come from overseas, and prevent them […]
Responding to the announcement today (Wednesday 29 October 2025) that South Central Ambulance Service and South East Coast Ambulance Service will come together to form the South Central and South East Ambulance Group, UNISON South East regional secretary Maggi Ferncombe said: “Efforts to improve patient care and make ambulance services more resilient should always be […]
Commenting on a government announcement today (Tuesday) that councils in Surrey are to be merged into two new unitary councils from next year, UNISON South East regional manager Ryan Slaughter said: “Reorganising Surrey’s authorities mustn’t be at the expense of staff or the local services. “Council employees will be after assurances there’ll be no compulsory […]
Southampton Solent University must immediately pause plans to shift support staff to an inferior pension scheme, says UNISON today (Tuesday 28 October 2025). Last month, vice chancellor Professor James Knowles announced a proposal to outsource university staff to a subsidiary company (often known as a “sub-co”). The company, Solent University Services Limited, was set […]
UNISON’s annual council “funding gap” report estimates the total shortfall between what councils across England, Scotland and Wales need to run services and what they receive will be £4.1bn in 2026/27.
Congratulations to UNISON activist Susy Goldstone-Brady who in September was recognised as a ‘Jewish Workplace Champion’ by the Board of Deputies of British Jews.
The union is now calling on councils in the region to take responsibility for the treatment of workers employed through local authority care contracts, and to ensure public money is not being used to fund exploitation.
Outsourcing attempt paused following UNISON pushback