As part of our 'embrace of technology' and to keep you up to date with what is going on and perhaps more importantly what we are doing about it  - we have introduced the Branch Sec's Blog.  Hopefully it will be informative and interesting and if you want to be part of it feel free... 

Peter

Public Spending Myths

It is an uncertain and confusing time. People will try to exploit this by spreading misinformation and creating scapegoats. Some are even saying that public services are part of the problem. Here are the facts:

Do Public Service workers have it easy?

• 26% of public sector employees feel "very stressed" or "extremely stressed", compared to 18% in the private sector
• 31% of local government workers and 52% of NHS workers regularly work overtime without receiving any extra pay or time off in leiu
• public service workers earn less than £22,000 a year, and 20% of them- more than 1.5 million in total - earn less than £7 an hour
• public service workers take no more sickness absence than workers of the same age and gender employed in the private sector.

We will be doing regular updates on the blog, so watch this space for more myth busting news!!

Thanks from our members

We are all going through a tough time within the force at the moment and UNISON are there with you every step of the way. We deal with many different things on behalf of our members. We endeavour to keep you informed on the latest news and what is going on the force. 

Over the past week we have had several messages of thanks from our members and we thought we should share them with you. 

"You are the bearer of Christmas cheer, thanks for working so hard on our behalf"

"Thanks! You have made my day!!"

- Messages from PCSO's who are pleased with the latest news that PCSO funding will be ring-fenced until 2013.

"Thanks for your help with one or two issues this last year, all the best for christmas, New Year can take care of itself"

- Message from a member who had needed the support of UNISON through the year.

As always, if you need anything, we are here for all of our members. We wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!

Lealta Cards

I hope most of you have now received your Lealta Benefits card and have started to take advantage of the offers available.  I actually discovered myself that the local curry house I have used for years offers a 10% discount so there is a good excuse to visit more often!  I also got a discount at the Nene Valley Railway when I took the grandchildren at the weekend so it is always worth checking the website before you go out for the day or out for a meal as it might save you money and every penny counts at the moment!  I am now eagerly awaiting my Sainsbury's card so I can cut my fuel costs.

We are 'looking forward' to hearing the outcome of the Public Spending Review on Wednesday so at least we will know where we stand.  Now for the latest installement of our Public Spending Myths.

Peter