News and updates
Still waiting for the great leap forward
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PAY TALKS won’t restart until at least the end of the month, as management negotiators await the arrival of the new general secretary. The 1 January settlement date has now sailed past, with only a risible offer from UNISON to show for it. Trade union side reps quickly rejected the December offer, de ciding it was not good enough to bother putting out to constituent organisations for a vote. TU side secretary Abby Kimantas explained: “Despite the usual noises about a quick settlement and staff side reps bending over backwards to make meetings happen, we’ve yet to make any real progress. “We had an initial scoping meeting at the end of September and it looked like UNISON was taking pay talks seriously. “But since then, with only two meetings and a non-starter of an offer, it feels like we’re still in the starters’ blocks with staff left wondering when their pay might start to catch up with the rising cost of living.” The TU side claim was out lined in full in the October 2025 newsletter. Staff unions asked for a headline pay claim of 5% above the retail price index measure of inflation alongside other improvements. Any changes to pay come in on 1 January each year so the settlement from this round of talks will be backdated to 1 January 2026. Management side negotiations are led by the staffing committee of the NEC, with support from paid senior officers. The management side has begun seeking dates for more meetings after 22 January when Andrea Egan takes up her post as general secretary.
Silence on non-pay parts of claim
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MANAGEMENT negotiators have yet to explain why they don’t want to meet elements of the 2026 claim. Alongside pay, staff unions asked for: ■ One extra day of statutory leave on Christmas Eve, ■ One extra day of annual leave, ■ An increase in the childcare allowance and a review of the scheme, ■ A reduction in the working week to 32hrs, with an aspiration to move to a four-day week in the future, ■ The introduction of a South East allowance. But aside from some minor tinkering, these aspects have been largely ignored in the employer’s offer. TU side negotiators asked for an explanation in December, but have yet to receive one.
Branch Employed Staff questionnaire sent out by the branch
An information questionnaire was sent out to senior stewards for onward circulation to out BES members on 19 January 2026. If you haven't received this by the end of the month, please contact your senior steward as a matter of urgency. The questionnaire is a simple one to be completed online checking we have your correct details currently.
Equal pay audit delayed
The search is on for UNISON’s equal pay audit. UNISON committed to commissioning the audit every three years to ensure its complying with the law and good practice. The last audit in 2021 said other key purposes were to “demonstrate to staff our commitment to fairness and equity” and “demonstrate our values to our staff and other key stakeholders”. A joint working committee is supposed to consider the report and make recommendations based on it. The report should have been published in May 2024 but it is unclear how far along the commissioning process it is.
HR: no way of knowing spend on consultants
UNISON has no apparent idea how much it spends on consultants, the TU side has learned. Staff side unions asked for a breakdown of consultant and freelancer costs as part of understanding the union’s overall payroll obligations in September. But no information has been shared with reps. Finance and human resources have said that the costs are included in departmental budgets and as such there is therefore no way to establish an overall spend. TU side secretary Abby Kimantas said: “It’s incomprehensible that UNISON has no way of tracking how much it’s spending across the organisation on consultants or freelancers. “There are of course scenarios where it’s right to bring in outside expertise. “But it’s far more expensive than employing people directly and means we’re denying existing staff the chance to boost their skills. “This spending needs to be transparent so that it can be properly understood and monitored.”
Branch Support and Organising Fund meeting
Staff unions secured a meeting about the branch support and organising fund (BSOF), posing questions raised by members. Issues range from how BSOF employees will fit into mooted structures after the staffing review, budgeting for pay rises and what happens if conference decides to wind up the fund. Reps held a productive discussion with the national secretary responsible for the fund, Clare Williams. Many questions remain unanswered, but Ms Williams has pledged to take on board comments and work with the staff unions to ensure workers’ voices are heard in the operation of the fund. After the meeting, TU side secretary Abby Kimantas said: “This was a very positive first meeting and we look forward to continuing discussions with Clare on the fund”.
Branch employed staff in Lancashire reach settlement after strike action over pay
Branch employed staff members in Lancashire have reached a settlement with their employing branch. As soon as we are able, all ACTS members will be updated of all the relevant details via this website.
Staffing review: it's not a done deal
The staffing review is slowly inching towards completion, though perhaps it’s not quite as near the end as a recent pearl update would lead you to believe. The message – which was not agreed with the staff trade unions — suggested harmony reigns and we are close to implementing the changes. But very little has been agreed so far – the only thing that has been agreed is that this is not a cost-cutting exercise and there will be no redundancies as a result. Nothing else is close enough to completion to start consulting on and there will be a full consultation before any recommendations come into effect. Further, any new roles mooted will need to go through UNISON’s agreed job evaluation process to be properly graded by trained reps from management and the trade union sides. This includes the caseworker role which has been floated and the new apprentice organiser role, which would need significant discussion before it’s brought in, says the staff unions. There would be no need to evaluate the workplace organiser post, as this is just a rebranding of local organisers and no significantly new ways of working are being suggested. Progress in the work on regions has been “bumpy”, but has been made, according to staff side secretary Abby Kimatas. But a private consultant has been brought in to complete the work on UNISON Centre, prompting concerns from the trade union side about full consultation and engagement. “We’re concerned that external don’t always fully understand what different departments at head office do, so it’s important staff are fully engaged with the process.”
Branch committee briefing (Jan 2026)
2025 AGM Motions –The Branch Secretary reported that the motions referring to the Trade Union Side have been sent to the Trade Union Side Secretary. The Assistant Branch Secretary is arranging a meeting to discuss the facility time motion. Staffing Review - the Branch Secretary reported that a further meeting had been arranged with the trade union side and UNISON Centre Convenor and Carly French Director of HR & Learning to discuss the UNISON Centre review. The Trade Union Side have submitted further detailed comments. There will be full and meaningful consultation on any final proposals. Pay 2026 – The Branch Committee were advised that the Trade Union Side have rejected an initial offer from UNISON (on the basis that it wasn’t good enough to put out to members) and the Trade Union Side are waiting for dates to meet with UNISON. North West BES Industrial Action – The Branch Committee were advised that the members have accepted an improved offer and the dispute is settled. Branch Membership Officers Report- The Branch Membership Officers reported that since the last Branch Committee there has been 21 new joiners. BES Officer Vacancy – There was 1 nomination for the BES Officer and Tanya San Juan was elected. The other BES Officer has resigned and therefore there is a vacancy for a BES Officer and the Branch Secretary will write out seeking nominations to be agreed at the February Branch Committee meeting. AGM 2026- The Branch Secretary reported that the 2026 AGM will be a Hybrid meeting in UNISON Centre on Wednesday 25 March 2026 the calling notice has been sent out and the Standing Orders Committee members were agreed by Branch Committee. The Preliminary Agenda will be sent out on 5 February 2026. Branch Employed Staff-The Branch Secretary reported that the BES working group met on 15 January 2026 and have agreed to resend the initial BES survey and will meet again in March 2026. Date of next meeting- 12 February 2026.
Branch committee briefing (Nov 2025)
Office Closure Protocol –The Branch Secretary reported that the National Trade Union Side have considered the draft policy received from UNISON. The TU Side Secretary has discussed the TU side comments with UNISON and we are waiting for a final draft to consult on. Staffing Review - the Branch Secretary reported that a further meeting has been arranged with the trade union side and UNISON Centre Convenor and Carly French Director of HR & Learning to discuss the UNISON Centre review. The Branch Committee were advised that there will be full and meaningful consultation on any final proposals. Pay 2026 – The Branch Committee were advised that despite lodging the pay claim earlier than usual no dates have been set for pay talks. North West BES Industrial Action – The Branch Committee were advised that there is a fresh mandate for industrial action and a meeting has been arranged with the employer. Branch Membership Officers Report- The Branch Membership Officers reported that they have now sent membership lists to all Senior Stewards and updates have been sent to Unite for processing. BES Officer Vacancy – There is a vacancy for a BES Officer and the Branch Secretary will write out seeking nominations to be agreed at the January Branch Committee meeting. AGM 2026- The Branch Secretary reported that the 2026 AGM will be a Hybrid meeting in UNISON Centre on Wednesday 25 March 2026 the calling notice has been sent out and the Standing Orders Committee members were agreed by Branch Committee. Branch Employed Staff-The Branch Secretary reported that the BES working group has met and have decided to send a survey to BES members and that the working group will meet again in January 2026. Date of next meeting- 15 January 2026.
Branch committee briefing (Oct 2025)
Office Closure Protocol –The Branch Secretary reported that the National Trade Union Side have considered the draft policy received from UNISON. The TU Side Secretary has discussed the TU side comments with UNISON and we are waiting for a final draft to consult on. Staffing Review - the Branch Secretary reported that there had been a meeting with the trade union side the UNISON Centre Convenor and Carly French Director of HR & Learning to discuss the UNISON Centre review. At that meeting the trade union side raised their concerns at the lack of trade union involvement and the Branch Committee were advised that there will be full and meaningful consultation on any final proposals. Pay 2026 – The Branch Committee were advised that the pay claim has been lodged with UNISON and there has been an initial meeting. We are waiting on further dates to meet. A number of Branch Committee members reported that the pay claim and pay newsletter have been well received by the members. North West BES Industrial Action – The North West Senior Steward reported that the members are being balloted again as the strike mandate has run out. The members have agreed to take a further 6 days of action and an update will be given to the next Branch Committee. Branch Membership Officers Report- The Branch Membership Officer reported that they are currently data cleansing the regions membership and Senior Stewards should have received the information. When that process is finished then they will start on the UNISON Centre constituencies. ACTS Meeting Dates – Attached with the briefing. AGM 2026- The Branch Secretary reported that the 2026 AGM will be a Hybrid meeting in UNISON Centre on Wednesday 25 March 2026 and the calling notice will be sent out on 30 October 2026. Branch Employed Staff-The Branch Committee agreed to set up a working group to consider ongoing attacks on BES term & conditions. Date of next meeting- 20 November 2025.
Branch committee briefing (Jul 2025)
Office Protocol –The Branch Secretary reported that the National Trade Union Side have considered the draft policy received from UNISON. The TU Side Secretary has discussed the TU side comments with UNISON and we are waiting for a final draft to consult on. Staffing Review - the Branch Secretary reported that the Trade Union Side had still not met since 20 May 2025. Concern was expressed regarding the lack of trade union involvement in the work around UNISON Centre, this will be raised at the TU side with a view to the TU Side Secretary writing to the employer. Pay 2026 – The Branch Committee agreed to start the ACTS consultation on Pay 2026 14 July 2025 and close the consultation on 25 August 2026.The Branch Committee will consider the responses at their meeting on 4 September 2025 and the National Trade Union Side will meet on 16 September to consider the 2026 pay claim. North West BES Industrial Action – It was reported that our members in Lancashire Unison Branch had just finished taking 5 days of strike action The Branch Committee were advised that the members have agreed further dates in July 2025 and September 2025. Trade Union Side Elections – The Branch Committee elected Dawn Nicholson, Claudette Tomlinson, Willie Duffy, Louise Dalton, Abby Kimantas, Michelle Singleton, Dan Simmonds and John Noblemunn as the ACTS reps on the National Trade Union Side. Branch Membership Officers Report - The Branch Membership Officer reported that she has now received an updated membership list from Unite and will be contacting Senior Stewards so they can verify their constituency membership. Grievance - A Branch Committee member advised that their grievance had been dismissed by UNISON without following the procedure. The Branch Secretary advised them to write to the Joint Secretaries to challenge this decision. Date of next meeting – 4 September 2025.
Office Protocol – The Branch Secretary reported that the National Trade Union Side have discussed the draft policy received from UNISON. Their comments have been sent to UNISON and Branch Committee will receive an update at their next meeting. Staffing Review - the Branch Secretary reported that the Trade Union Side had met on 20 May 2025 to consider the Workstream 2 report. It was further reported that the Staffing Review Group meeting scheduled for 28 May 2025 did not take place. Trade Union Officers Report Staff Survey – A number of Senior Stewards advised that the regional outcomes of the staff survey have not been shared with the trade unions and the Branch Secretary agreed to raise this matter. There will be comms sent out shortly and a national action plan will be agreed with the trade unions. Draft HR/People Strategy – It was reported that the Trade Union Side will receive a presentation on this at their next meeting. TU Side Newsletter – The Trade Union Side Secretary advised that hopefully there will be a newsletter out shortly. Vacancies – It was reported that most of the Regional Organiser posts have been filled and some regions were now advertising AO and LO posts. North West BES Industrial Action – It was reported that our members in Lancashire Unison Branch had taken 4 days of strike action .The Branch Committee were advised that Unite have been contacted to give notice to the employer of 5 days strike action commencing on 23 June 2025. The Branch Committee agreed to pay full pay for these dates. Branch Treasurers Report – The Branch Committee agreed the quarterly returns. Branch Membership Officers Report - The Branch Committee were advised that Unite subscription rates increased on 1 April 2025 and work is ongoing to update the membership. Branch Environment Officers Report – The Branch Committee were advised that an ACTS Constituency Green/Environment contact meeting will take place on 5 September 2025. Branch Publicity Officers Report – The Branch Committee were advised that the branch logo has been redesigned and asked for comments. It was also reported that the old web page has been taken down and the website to use is Unite in Acts. Senior Stewards were asked to provide information to populate their Constituency page. Date of next meeting – 10 July 2025.
Branch committee briefing (May 2025)
Branch committee briefing (Jun 2025)
Branch Development Day – The Branch Secretary reported that the event held yesterday had been well received and a report, plus revised Branch Action Plan will be tabled at the July Branch Committee meeting for discussion. Staffing Review - the Branch Secretary reported that the ACTS TU Side are due to meet on 16 May 2025 to consider the Workstream 2 report. The National Trade Union Side are also meeting on 20 May 2025 to consider the report. Trade Union Officers Report: Staff Survey – There will be comms sent out shortly and a national action plan will be agreed. Policy Working Group – This group is to be reconvened. Joint Trade Union Statement on Supreme Court Judgement – The Branch Secretary reported on the statement in support of our members and the Joint Officers have raised this matter with UNISON. The Branch Chair reiterated our position that trans members had the full support of the branch. Individual members were again encouraged to seek support from their Senior Steward or a Branch Officer. Vacancies – Regional Organiser permanent appointments were now ongoing. A number of Senior Stewards advised that not all Regional Organiser posts have been advertised and the Branch Secretary will take this up with UNISON. North West BES Industrial Action – It was reported that our members in Lancashire Unison Branch are taking strike action on 29th and 30th May and the 5th and 6th of June and the branch have agreed to pay full pay for these dates. Branch Treasurers Report – The Branch Committee agreed to make a donation of £100 to Unite UCU branch who are currently taking industrial action. Date of next meeting- The next Branch Committee meeting will be a TEAMS meeting on 12 June 2025.
Branch committee briefing (Apr 2025)
Branch Development Day – The Branch Development Day will take place on 14 May 2025 and the Branch Secretary will be sending the programme out next week. Staffing Review - the Branch Secretary reported that at the last meeting of the Staffing Review Group there was a presentation from Carly French Director of HR and Staff learning on recent work on UNISON Centre structures. And the next meeting of the Staffing Review Group is on 29 April 2025.The General Secretariat Group are meeting to discuss the staffing review Trade Union Officers Report: Equal Pay Audit – The audit is overdue and a number of actions from the previous audit have not been carried out. Health & Safety Policies Consultation – Responses have been sent to UNISON. Imprests – still being discussed with UNISON. Pay Erosion Working Group – due to meet on 30 April 2025 Pay 2026 – the staff trade unions will be submitting a pay claim as usual this year. Vacancies – The Branch Secretary reported that a number of posts have now been advertised and dates have been set for interviews. Property Review – The Branch Secretary reported that the trade unions had received a draft policy and responded to UNISON. AGM 2025 - The Branch Committee agreed motions 4 to 8 which had been remitted from the AGM, they will now be referred to the TU Side. ACTS TU Side – The Branch Committee elected Dan Simmons to the vacant seat on the ACTS TU Side. Branch Treasurers Report – The Branch Committee agreed to make a donation of £100 to the Greener Ealing Dispute Fund and £100 for medical products for Cuba. Date of next meeting - The next Branch Committee meeting will be a Hybrid meeting on 15 May 2025.
Branch committee briefing (Mar 2025)
Branch Development Day –The Branch Development Day will take place on 14 May 2025 and the planning group will be meeting to discuss arrangements Staffing Review - the Branch Secretary reported that there had been a meeting of Workstream 2 earlier today. The meeting considered comments from the trade union side and agreed some changes to the draft report. The Branch Committee were advised that a TU Side newsletter was being drafted and would include matters relating to the staffing review. Trade Union Officers Report: Abby Kimantas reported that Joint Officers have received a draft Office Closure Protocol which they will respond to. Joint Officers have met with the General Secretary regarding a number of concerns and are waiting for a response. Vacancies – The Branch Secretary reported that a number of vacancies have now been advertised and asked Senior Stewards to contact him if there are any problems. Property Review – The Branch Secretary reported that the Brighton office has now closed and there are discussions taking place around Middlesborough, Edinburgh and Wales offices. The Branch Secretary thanked the Senior Steward in the South East for all her work in representing our members. AGM 2025 - The Branch Secretary advised that the final notice for the AGM will be sent out on 7 March 2025 and that the closing date for proxy votes is 17 March 2025.The link for members to register for the AGM will be resent. The Branch Committee also agreed their position on the Rule Changes and Motions. ACTS TU Side – The Branch Committee were advised that there is a vacancy on ACTS TU Side and it was agreed to seek nominations to be considered at the April meeting. Branch Treasurers Report – The Branch Committee agreed to make a donation of £100 to the Burston Strike School appeal. Date of next meeting - The next Branch Committee meeting will be a TEAMS meeting on 17 April 2025.