Merry Christmas to one and all.

𝗗𝗲𝗿𝗯𝘆𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲 🏡 Eight Derbyshire care homes are set to close, leaving elderly residents and staff in turmoil. UNISON warns months of delays and poor decisions have caused this crisis. Read more 👉 unsn.uk/derbyshirecarehomes

'Campaigners opposed to Derbyshire County Council’s long-running agreement to sell eight care homes have been shocked to learn the authority’s new Reform UK administration is being forced to revise its plans with feared closures.' www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/news/people/...

Ten days before Christmas, Derbyshire County Council is telling two hundred staff and fifty residents thier care homes are going to close. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Our Sonya Pickford has been out and about meeting some of the Wellbeing Coaches.

'Branch Secretary of UNISON Derbyshire Martin Porter said '“This is a huge victory for the SEND parents who protested, and will be very welcome news for our hard-working members. This result shows people power works.”' www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/news/people/...

A really huge THANK YOU to everyone involved in The SEND Sanctuary UK Every Pair Tells a Story protest at County Hall on 3 November 2025. Yesterday the Cabinet of Derbyshire County Council approved £1.3 million additional funding for the DCC SEND team, which will increase staffing in the team by 50%

Our monthly newsletter, which should have arrived in our inbox members inboxes earlier in the week, including an update on our SEND campaign

It was really wonderful to surprise Teaching Assistant Jade Shaw at English Martyrs Catholic Primary School yesterday, to give her a HIdden Heroes award. Jade was nominated by her colleagues for her outstand work and commitment to the children, so it was only fair we rewarded her.

We met waste collection workers from Alliance Environemental Services in Buxton at 5AM this morning. They are unhappy about new work practises and unrealistic demands, and refuse to listen to recycled arguments from management.

Solidari-Tea with Kaz Tweedie and the Teaching Assistants at St Charles' Catholic Primary School in Hadfield. We heard that some Teaching Assistants aren't allowed to have hot drinks during school hours, even though staff they work with are, so we're issuing all our TA members with screw top cups.

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.

'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...

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.

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...

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...

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.

"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, 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.

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

'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/...

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...

Natalie Fleet MP has met with families affected by the failures of the Derbyshire County Council SEND provision. 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.

'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/...

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.

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...

Our Sonya Pickford on how she feels after receiving her Congress Gold Award today. Sonya works as a Childrens Convenor and Health and Safety Officer for the branch. Nobody works harder for our members. Well done Sonya.

UNISON Derbyshire's Childrens Convenor and Health and Safety Officer Sonya Pickford received her Trades Union Congress Gold Award this morning in Brighton. We're going to need a bigger trophy cabinet!

'Reform UK's Derbyshire County Council leader wants to cut staffing levels as his administration hopes it can save "tens of millions of pounds" in its first year at the authority... Derbyshire County Council has "far too many staff".' www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/news/local-n...

Our Sonya Pickford, Children's Convenor and Health and Safety lead, with some BIG news.

We have a new Facebook page. We need to build up our following, so please follow us if you use the 'other platform'. www.facebook.com/unisonderbys...

This will be seen floating over Derbyshire this weekend. Photo by Curtis Parker of Peak District Photography

"Mr Bloom’s ... used racial slurs against a Black family, threatened to involve far-right extremists, and abused his position as an elected representative by saying the family would not be treated fairly in their dealings with the council." eastmidlands.unison.org.uk/news/article...

On Friday we went to a Stand Up To Racism counter demonstration against the Far Right hate mob that was outide the Britannia Hotel. The UK's most popular newspapers, the UK's most popular political party and a major TV channel are stoking this, but it isn't working.

After 28 days of strike action, Notts Healthcare workers have won back pay of up to £2500 each. They had been working for years - including through Covid - at a level above what they were being paid, so this is justice for them. When we organise, we win! eastmidlands.unison.org.uk/nottingham-n...