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...

Derbyshire County Council leader's misinformation on Autism on the front page of the Glossop Chronicle today. @reformexposed.bsky.social

Here in Derbyshire we are in the eye of the storm with regards to Local Government Reorganisation, and it has the potential for both risks and benefits. UNISON is running a webinar for activists on the issue on Monday 1 September. www.unison.org.uk/events/activ...

#OtD 13 Aug 1930 John McInerney, an @IWW union member, died in prison aged 45. He had been convicted and jailed of 2nd degree murder for defending the union hall against a vigilante attack by the American Legion in the Centralia massacre stories.workingclasshistory.com/article/8454...

This Wednesday UNISON Black LGBT+ Network celebrates South Asian Heritage month. All welcome, regardless of your own heritage or identity, as we come together to share and listen to stories that reflect journeys from South Asia and the South Asian global diaspora www.unison.org.uk/events/roots...

Well done to Stand Up To Racism Manchester for organising an inspiring counter demonstration to the Far Right in Manchester. Derbyshire UNISON were there too. There were no 'concerned parents' here, just the Far Right; angry, white, predominantly male and unapologeticaly racist.

Far from being 'overdiagnosed', underfunding of the SEND team means many children having to wait far longer than they need to for the support they need. Teaching Assistants are then left to manage these children in schools. This is a crisis that can't be wished away. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Happy International Cat Day

The latest edition of our branch newsletter, with details of a new campaign for migrant workers in the care sector, photos of Chesterfield Pride and an update on the NJC pay award for school and council staff.

Although we never oppose our members getting more money, market supplements are a poor way to reward staff. Pay and conditions should reflect the value of the job, and not be dished out piecemeal as a result of market conditions. www.communitycare.co.uk/2025/07/17/s...

Uncertain times for our members who are based in the DCC offices at Mercian Close, Ilkeston. The office is shutting and there has been a holdup with the replacement. After being elected to 'force workers back into the office' Reform UK is making staff work from home. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Never let anyone tell you that dream job is not possible.

"Ministers must think again on their approach to foreign help – and announce the funding to make the fair pay agreement a reality, says Christina McAnea of Unison" www.theguardian.com/society/2025...

Israeli Defence Force has detained and beaten US union leader Chris Smalls who was aboard the Gaza blockade busting flotilla newrepublic.com/post/198550/...

𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗶𝗻 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹, 𝘀𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗦𝗢𝗡 UNISON has welcomed Bolsover District Council's decision to bring the services and staff of its wholly owned Dragonfly companies back under direct local authority control.

“I never thought I could speak in front of others, but this course changed that.” On 21 June the Leicestershire ULRs ran a 6-hour, Level 1 Public Speaking course at the African Caribbean Centre. 16 members attended.

You can show your allegiance to the best union in Derbyshire with one of our rainbow lanyards. Pick one up from one of our stalls, one of our reps, or if you work for the council drop us a line and we'll put one in the internal post. [email protected]

Greenpeace have some dramatic footage of our depleted reservoirs. We are in a climate crisis whether or not leadership of Derbyshire County Council think so or not.

Derbyshire County Council's Reform UK leadership has discontinued its climate change committee, but climate change continues. www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/news/uk-worl...

Representation isn't just for your staff. As the UK's largest trade union covering all of the public services, UNISON represents workers or all grades. Join today if you want someone you can depend on in an uncertain world. join.unison.org.uk

This branch of the UK's largest, and predominantly female, trade union salutes the Lionesses. Like us, they work together and are a great team.

Congratulations to our member Denise Elliott, who last month celebrated 40 years of serving her community and keeping children safe. We are proud to have people like Denise in our union. www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/news/people/...

Our current branch newsletter.

The Labour boroughs and districts and the Reform UK county council both agree they want a north/south split. However, there is no agreement on where the line should be drawn. Amber Valley is one point of contention, Ashbourne is now another. www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/news/local-n...

Some of the amazing people who supported us at Chesterfield Pride on Saturday.