Derbyshire UNISON
@derbyshireunison.bsky.social
Defending public services and standing up for our members. We are all the union.
Introducing Matthew Kerry, our new Steward in Bolsover District Council. There's a lot going on at Bolsover at the moment, and they'll be more with Local Government Reorganisation. If you have a workplace issue contact us, and we'll get Matt on your case.
November 17, 2025 at 1:24 PM
Introducing Matthew Kerry, our new Steward in Bolsover District Council. There's a lot going on at Bolsover at the moment, and they'll be more with Local Government Reorganisation. If you have a workplace issue contact us, and we'll get Matt on your case.
Our November newsletter, which should have arrived in the inboxes of our members earlier in the week. If you didn't get one, it's probably because we don't have a current email for you.
November 7, 2025 at 10:44 AM
Our November newsletter, which should have arrived in the inboxes of our members earlier in the week. If you didn't get one, it's probably because we don't have a current email for you.
'In Derbyshire, the latest figures published by the authority in October show 8,778 children have an education, health and care plan (EHC Plan) which outlines their legal requirements for additional support in school, overseen by the county council.'
www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/news/local-n...
www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/news/local-n...
Emotive stories of 'failed' SEN children told through forlorn tiny shoes
The Derbyshire protest was one of dozens which were held around the country over special educational support
www.derbytelegraph.co.uk
November 5, 2025 at 11:43 AM
'In Derbyshire, the latest figures published by the authority in October show 8,778 children have an education, health and care plan (EHC Plan) which outlines their legal requirements for additional support in school, overseen by the county council.'
www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/news/local-n...
www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/news/local-n...
There was a moving tribute at County Hall this morning to the children who have missed out due to the failures of the Derbyshire County Council SEND provision. Our members in the SEND assessment team report low morale, high sickness rates and experienced staff leaving for other authorities.
November 3, 2025 at 2:51 PM
There was a moving tribute at County Hall this morning to the children who have missed out due to the failures of the Derbyshire County Council SEND provision. Our members in the SEND assessment team report low morale, high sickness rates and experienced staff leaving for other authorities.
On Monday there will be a protest at County Hall about the disgraceful state of provision for disabled children (SEND) by Derbyshire County Council. We represent many of the staff in the SEND team and they tell us of undertaffing and unreaistic demands from management. Derbyshire deserves better.
October 29, 2025 at 10:30 AM
On Monday there will be a protest at County Hall about the disgraceful state of provision for disabled children (SEND) by Derbyshire County Council. We represent many of the staff in the SEND team and they tell us of undertaffing and unreaistic demands from management. Derbyshire deserves better.
A huge welcome to our newest member, Sue Walters, a Social Care Practitioner based at The Quad. UNISON is committed to a better deal for social care staff like Sue and the creation of National Care Service.
October 28, 2025 at 2:11 PM
A huge welcome to our newest member, Sue Walters, a Social Care Practitioner based at The Quad. UNISON is committed to a better deal for social care staff like Sue and the creation of National Care Service.
"Concern for the natural environment runs deep through our movement’s history.
To the trade unions’ mighty campaigns for safe, clean workplaces.
To the Kinder Scout Trespass – led by workers from Sheffield and Manchester who fought and won the right to enjoy nature."
labour.org.uk/secretary-of...
To the trade unions’ mighty campaigns for safe, clean workplaces.
To the Kinder Scout Trespass – led by workers from Sheffield and Manchester who fought and won the right to enjoy nature."
labour.org.uk/secretary-of...
Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Emma Reynolds’s speech at Labour Party Conference 2025 – The Labour Party
Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Emma Reynolds’s speech at Labour Party Conference 2025 Thank you, Conference. I am delighted to be here as the new Secretary of State for the...
labour.org.uk
October 24, 2025 at 1:00 PM
"Concern for the natural environment runs deep through our movement’s history.
To the trade unions’ mighty campaigns for safe, clean workplaces.
To the Kinder Scout Trespass – led by workers from Sheffield and Manchester who fought and won the right to enjoy nature."
labour.org.uk/secretary-of...
To the trade unions’ mighty campaigns for safe, clean workplaces.
To the Kinder Scout Trespass – led by workers from Sheffield and Manchester who fought and won the right to enjoy nature."
labour.org.uk/secretary-of...
Notts County Council is looking at a 76 million pound overspend, but don't worry, they've plenty of money for flags.
October 24, 2025 at 11:30 AM
Notts County Council is looking at a 76 million pound overspend, but don't worry, they've plenty of money for flags.
"Sonya Pickford, UNISON Derbyshire’s Children’s Convenor and Health & Safety Lead, has been awarded the TUC Gold Medal, presented at the TUC Congress in Brighton on Tuesday 10 September."
highpeak1.co.uk/derbyshire-u...
highpeak1.co.uk/derbyshire-u...
October 23, 2025 at 8:40 AM
"Sonya Pickford, UNISON Derbyshire’s Children’s Convenor and Health & Safety Lead, has been awarded the TUC Gold Medal, presented at the TUC Congress in Brighton on Tuesday 10 September."
highpeak1.co.uk/derbyshire-u...
highpeak1.co.uk/derbyshire-u...
The SEND Sanctuary UK are planning a dramatic protest outside County Hall for Monday 3 November to highlight the continued failure of the Derbyshire County Council to fund children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
October 22, 2025 at 9:26 AM
The SEND Sanctuary UK are planning a dramatic protest outside County Hall for Monday 3 November to highlight the continued failure of the Derbyshire County Council to fund children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
Diwali began last night and will be celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains.
Happy Diwali to everyone who is celebrating.
Happy Diwali to everyone who is celebrating.
October 21, 2025 at 8:31 AM
Diwali began last night and will be celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains.
Happy Diwali to everyone who is celebrating.
Happy Diwali to everyone who is celebrating.
"Reform UK councillor in charge of special educational needs provision in Derbyshire has resigned from the county council.
Jack Bradley was elected for the first time in May as Reform took control of the council and was appointed cabinet member for education and SEND."
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Jack Bradley was elected for the first time in May as Reform took control of the council and was appointed cabinet member for education and SEND."
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reform UK cabinet member resigns from Derbyshire County Council
Jack Bradley, who was in charge of special educational needs provision, has stepped down.
www.bbc.co.uk
October 17, 2025 at 12:49 PM
"Reform UK councillor in charge of special educational needs provision in Derbyshire has resigned from the county council.
Jack Bradley was elected for the first time in May as Reform took control of the council and was appointed cabinet member for education and SEND."
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Jack Bradley was elected for the first time in May as Reform took control of the council and was appointed cabinet member for education and SEND."
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Jack Bradley, Derbyshire County Council Reform UK counsellor with responsibility for Special Educational Needs and Disability children (SEND) is to step down for 'personal reasons'. Once again, the council is letting down the staff who support SEND children.
October 17, 2025 at 10:05 AM
Jack Bradley, Derbyshire County Council Reform UK counsellor with responsibility for Special Educational Needs and Disability children (SEND) is to step down for 'personal reasons'. Once again, the council is letting down the staff who support SEND children.
Jack Bradley, Derbyshire County Council Reform UK counsellor with responsibility for Special Educational Needs and Disability children (SEND) is to step down for 'personal reasons'. Once again, the council is letting down the staff who support SEND children.
October 17, 2025 at 9:02 AM
Jack Bradley, Derbyshire County Council Reform UK counsellor with responsibility for Special Educational Needs and Disability children (SEND) is to step down for 'personal reasons'. Once again, the council is letting down the staff who support SEND children.
We were at The Quad in Chesterfield today, getting members opinions on proposed changes to DCC sickness policy. We also picked up a shocking case of discrimination, concerns about violence at work and major issues of disabled access to the building. Dealing with these is what we're here for.
October 15, 2025 at 1:59 PM
We were at The Quad in Chesterfield today, getting members opinions on proposed changes to DCC sickness policy. We also picked up a shocking case of discrimination, concerns about violence at work and major issues of disabled access to the building. Dealing with these is what we're here for.
The latest edition of The Activist, which was emailed out to our members yesteday. If you're part of the branch and didn't receive one, that's probaly because we don't have an email for you. If so, update your details on My UNISON
my.unison.org.uk
my.unison.org.uk
October 2, 2025 at 11:01 AM
The latest edition of The Activist, which was emailed out to our members yesteday. If you're part of the branch and didn't receive one, that's probaly because we don't have an email for you. If so, update your details on My UNISON
my.unison.org.uk
my.unison.org.uk
'Union Branch Secretary of Derbyshire UNISON, Martin Porter, said: “This so-called ‘update’ tells us nothing at all.
“People deserve to know: are these sales all tied together? Is that why there’s been so much delay?'
www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/news/people/...
“People deserve to know: are these sales all tied together? Is that why there’s been so much delay?'
www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/news/people/...
Derbyshire council moves closer to controversial handover of eight care homes to new provider
Derbyshire County Council has confirmed discussions are underway with a care provider to take over eight of nine care homes which it controversially agreed to sell-off despite public outcry and a grou...
www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk
September 30, 2025 at 4:22 PM
'Union Branch Secretary of Derbyshire UNISON, Martin Porter, said: “This so-called ‘update’ tells us nothing at all.
“People deserve to know: are these sales all tied together? Is that why there’s been so much delay?'
www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/news/people/...
“People deserve to know: are these sales all tied together? Is that why there’s been so much delay?'
www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/news/people/...
We are recruiting.
We are looking for a Branch Office Manager to join our campaigning and award winning team.
Could this be you?
www.tuc.org.uk/jobs/midland...
We are looking for a Branch Office Manager to join our campaigning and award winning team.
Could this be you?
www.tuc.org.uk/jobs/midland...
September 24, 2025 at 12:04 PM
We are recruiting.
We are looking for a Branch Office Manager to join our campaigning and award winning team.
Could this be you?
www.tuc.org.uk/jobs/midland...
We are looking for a Branch Office Manager to join our campaigning and award winning team.
Could this be you?
www.tuc.org.uk/jobs/midland...
Natalie Fleet MP has met with families affected by the failures of the Derbyshire County Council SEND provision.
www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/news/people/...
www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/news/people/...
"We can’t go on like this": Derbyshire MP holds meeting with 'ignored' SEND families – demanding action from County Council
Bolsover MP Natalie Fleet heard first-hand about the desperate fight families are facing to get their children the special educational needs provision they need.
www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk
September 24, 2025 at 9:08 AM
Natalie Fleet MP has met with families affected by the failures of the Derbyshire County Council SEND provision.
www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/news/people/...
www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/news/people/...
Our Sonya Pickford picked up the TUC Congress Awards Women's Gold Badge. From her important role in the successful campaign to save the older persons day centres, to her vital Health and Safety work, Sonya has always been a dedicated campaigner who has put our members first.
September 16, 2025 at 8:56 AM
Our Sonya Pickford picked up the TUC Congress Awards Women's Gold Badge. From her important role in the successful campaign to save the older persons day centres, to her vital Health and Safety work, Sonya has always been a dedicated campaigner who has put our members first.
'Derbyshire UNISON union Branch Secretary Martin Porter has argued that some UNISON members are struggling to keep vital services going and the only way to improve efficiency is to improve pay and conditions and to ensure all teams are fully staffed.'
www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/news/people/...
www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/news/people/...
Derbyshire County Council says staff reductions will only be considered as a last resort during efficiency drive
Derbyshire County Council is considering reviewing and possibly restructuring its staffing situation but says it will only consider reducing staff on permanent contracts when all its options have been...
www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk
September 11, 2025 at 10:11 AM
'Derbyshire UNISON union Branch Secretary Martin Porter has argued that some UNISON members are struggling to keep vital services going and the only way to improve efficiency is to improve pay and conditions and to ensure all teams are fully staffed.'
www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/news/people/...
www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/news/people/...
Members will be aware of the comments made in the media by Reform UK around Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
Local authorities are scheduled employers, meaning membership must be open to new starters. Councils do not have any discretion as to whether their employees are offered membership.
Local authorities are scheduled employers, meaning membership must be open to new starters. Councils do not have any discretion as to whether their employees are offered membership.
September 10, 2025 at 10:45 AM
Members will be aware of the comments made in the media by Reform UK around Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
Local authorities are scheduled employers, meaning membership must be open to new starters. Councils do not have any discretion as to whether their employees are offered membership.
Local authorities are scheduled employers, meaning membership must be open to new starters. Councils do not have any discretion as to whether their employees are offered membership.
A great day for UNISON yesterday as our Children's Convenor and Health and Safety Officer Sonya Pickford won the TUC Congress Awards Women's Gold Badge. Here she is being congratulated by UNISON General Secretary Christina McAnea.
September 10, 2025 at 10:31 AM
A great day for UNISON yesterday as our Children's Convenor and Health and Safety Officer Sonya Pickford won the TUC Congress Awards Women's Gold Badge. Here she is being congratulated by UNISON General Secretary Christina McAnea.
It's almost daily news to hear about anti-migrant protesters with convictions for paedophilia or domestic abuse, but people smuggling is a new one. What people smugglers and racist have in common though is a complete contempt for the human rights of other people
manchestermill.co.uk/manchester-f...
manchestermill.co.uk/manchester-f...
Manchester’s chief flag-raiser has put his people smuggling days behind him
Flags protesting unchecked immigration have gone up across the city, led by a man caught smuggling migrants into the country in the back of a van
manchestermill.co.uk
September 9, 2025 at 10:58 AM
It's almost daily news to hear about anti-migrant protesters with convictions for paedophilia or domestic abuse, but people smuggling is a new one. What people smugglers and racist have in common though is a complete contempt for the human rights of other people
manchestermill.co.uk/manchester-f...
manchestermill.co.uk/manchester-f...