Our survey showed that 99% of ambulance staff have had problems with their leave, with 4/5 having been given a week off — except a shift in the middle. Long term, it's going to add to burnout and damage the service. The trust must come up with a sustainable solution. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

🗳️ There are local elections across the region today, make sure you get out and use your voice! Find your polling station: www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voting-and-e...

✊️ Wishing a strong, united May Day to all workers across the region and across the world.

🥳 Amazing news from Essex - Lift support staff have won their SEN allowance ✊️✊️✊️ It should never have taken eight days of strikes, but workers stood together and got what they were fighting for. Read more: eastern.unison.org.uk/news/article...

Another fantastic day in Southend standing up for the University of Essex against senior leaders determined to run it into the ground 👏👏👏

In unions we know we’re stronger together, and we 💜 working together with our sister unions in the region. That’s why it’s always great to get together in the London, East and South East region. Louisa Lewis recently attended her first TUC LESE AGM: eastern.unison.org.uk/news/article...

It's not just the shake-up to indefinite leave to remain that's a problem, the government must also take away the absolute power it gives to employers over care workers’ lives, says Josephine.

I'm with migrant workers in Eastern region preparing to meet MPs to explain why they need fair visas now as part of UNISON's National Day of Action. Click here to get involved 👇 unsn.uk/4e0V4rs

Josephine says the government's proposed changes have shattered people's lives. "Policies are not about papers, it's about the mind it's about souls, it's about humans."

Olamilekan sends a thanks to his MP Rachel Hopkins, and other politicians who have raised the issues: "our experiences become part of the public record, they cannot be ignored."

Stephen clears up some misconceptions. "There are over 111k vacant positions in care but people say migrant workers are taking their jobs." "Care workers should down their tools and make the country reflect on what we do."

"We need more than sympathy, we need action." Great contribution from Joy.

Mohammad Yasin MP joins us virtually. "I know these issues because I'm one of the immigrants. I know the struggles we face." He's raised the issues with the home secretary and will continue to support UNISON's campaign.

Sharon: "We won't repent until our voices are heard and changes are made."

Kayode takes the stage. "This isn't just about working conditions, it goes to lives people are trying to build for themselves." Pointing to the betrayal from the government, he adds: "We have followed the rules, we have worked really hard. We paid our taxes."

Clive Lewis: this county owes you more than it has ever given you. But he's clear he's not here to speak for migrant workers, he's come to stand with migrant workers and amplify their voices. "What this government is proposing to do to you is wrong."

Andrea's kicking off our day of action for fair visas here at UNISON Eastern HQ, explaining how UNISON members are calling for a better immigration system at the highest levels of government. She told ministers: "You've broken a contract to workers."

@unisontheunion general secretary Andrea is in the Eastern region for the national day of action demanding fair visas 👏 Check back here for more from the day, including updates from our migrant worker members 👀

We’re all ready for tomorrow’s day of action on fair visas, welcoming general secretary Andrea Egan, MPs and most importantly some of our inspiring migrant members to explain why the current system is not fit for purpose. ✊️ See you there!

😀 Give a cheer for the latest superstars to complete their @unisontheunion reps training! If you want to take the plunge and build the union in your workplace, contact us or your local branch.

✊️ Great to have new general secretary Andrea Egan kicking off our regional council AGM.

What a week for University of Essex staff fighting to stop ruinous cuts. A massive vote of no confidence in vice-chancellor Frances Bowen and a chance to raise the case directly with the Department for Education. #IBelieveThatWeWillWin Read more: eastern.unison.org.uk/news/2026/04...

Out at the University of Essex today sending a loud and clear message that bosses must stop these cuts. Thanks so much to Southend MP Bayo Alaba for making the trip from Southend, where the uni plans on shutting the whole campus, to show his support.

The Local Government Pension Scheme has been in the news recently, but how much do you really know about it? Here's the lowdown.

Migrant workers like Joy have a simple ask of the government: fairness. No more moving the goalposts, treat migrant workers fairly.

Thanks so much to MPs Bayo Alaba and David Burton-Sampson and Southend Council leader Daniel Cowan for continuing to support University of Essex staff threatened by jobs losses and campus closures. Stop the cuts: unsn.uk/EssexPetition

We’re marching on 28 March in London to show that hope is always more powerful than fear. Join us to say enough is enough to the far-right. togetheralliance.org.uk #Together

⏲️ Time is running out! We’re looking out for two local organisers to join the UNISON team. If you’ve got the passion to make a difference, why not apply? www.unison.org.uk/about/jobs/?...

Fantastic to be in Basildon this week as the council signed up to @unisontheunion's Anti-Racism Charter. Find out all about the charter here: eastern.unison.org.uk/regional-cam...

🎶 Our jobs, your city 🎶 Fantastic march through Southend yesterday with everyone clear south Essex needs a university. ❌️ Stop the cuts ✅️ Save Southend campus

Solidarity to women everywhere as we mark International Women’s Day 2026! It’s a day to celebrate, but also remember that the fight is far from over ✊ Read Kerry’s blog now: eastern.unison.org.uk/news/2026/03...

✊️ March to save the University of Essex this Sunday ✊️ ⏰️ 1pm 📅 8 March 📍 Top of Pier Hill (outside Royals) march to rally outside Odeon

Join the team! We are looking for a highly motivated and organised administrator to join us here at UNISON Eastern! Apply today 👇️ www.unison.org.uk/about/jobs/2...

🚨 NEWSFLASH 🚨 The latest strike at Lift schools Columbus and Pioneer have been suspended after more talks at Acas this week 👏 ✊️ @unisontheunion members will hopefully be voting on an improved offer soon. eastern.unison.org.uk/news/2026/02...

🌈 Celebrate LGBT+ History Month, with our new young LGBT+ workers network! This Saturday at 2pm. events.teams.microsoft.com/event/3332a3...

🏳️‍🌈 Celebrate LGBT+ History Month with our young members LGBT+ network! ⏰️ 2-3pm 📅 Saturday 28 February 📍 Teams webinar events.teams.microsoft.com/event/3332a3...

Paul Nowak brought solidarity from millions of workers in the TUC to University of Essex staff fighting plans to 👎️ cut jobs 👎️ cut courses 👎️ close Southend It’s time for the uni to scrap the plans and ministers to properly fund higher education. ✊ Solidarity with UCU members on strike this week

Amazing joint rally with UCU and students at the University of Essex today ✊ Staff won't take these callous cuts lying down ✂️

UNISON Uni of Essex branch secretary Ryan explains why we’re battling to keep the Southend campus open. The battle against the cuts continues this week: ⏰ 12 noon-1pm 📅 Thursday 12 February 📍 Uni of Essex, Colchester Road entrance (Wivenhoe-side)

🤯 Wow, an absolutely amazing day in London taking the fight to Lift HQ. Bosses refused to come out and meet strikers or even accept a delegation upstairs, but they can't have missed the message: fair pay for SEN staff ✊ eastern.unison.org.uk/campaigns/su...

Thanks so much to new @unisontheunion general secretary Andrea Egan for coming down to the Lift picket lines with a message of solidarity from UNISON's 1.3 million members ✊ Read all about it: eastern.unison.org.uk/campaigns/su...

🌧️ The rain couldn't dampen Lift’s staff’s spirits today – they’re still fighting for the pay they deserve. Read all about it: eastern.unison.org.uk/campaigns/su...

Rianna and her colleagues have far more responsibilities than teaching assistants in mainstream schools, but their pay is the same. They’re being forced out on strike again this week. Read all about it here: eastern.unison.org.uk/campaigns/su...

Join Andrea as we fight to defend jobs at the University of Essex! ⏰ 12 noon-1pm 📅 Thursday 5 February 📍 The Forum, Southend eastern.unison.org.uk/news/article...

Give it up for Joy and Kolade who are in Parliament today ahead of the debate on indefinite leave to remain to make a case for a fairer visa system. Read all about it: www.unison.org.uk/our-campaign...

✊ Brady and his colleagues are on strike for the recognition they deserve. Read all about it: eastern.unison.org.uk/campaigns/su...

😍 Sensational scenes at the SEN school strike. Here’s why Lift workers are taking action. Read more: unsn.uk/LiftStrike

Lift Schools staff supporting SEN pupils are on strike for the pay and recognition they deserve. Head to the picket lines to show your support ✊ 📅 Wednesday 28 January ⏰ 8am to 11am 📍 Columbus, Chelmsford and 📍 Pioneer, Basildon Read more: eastern.unison.org.uk/news/2026/01...

Cambridge City Council has signed UNISON’s Anti-Racism Charter 👏👏👏

🚨 Big announcement time: Kerry Baigent is our new regional secretary 👏 Everyone wish a warm welcome to Kerry and all the best to Tim in the South West. eastern.unison.org.uk/news/article...