Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, we are unable to hold our usual Annual General Meeting (AGM) with food and entertainment this year.  Instead, we are holding virtual AGM meetings (with a chance to win a Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 - see below).  You've still got chance to register for these events, though we will be closing registration shortly before each event.  Joining instructions will be sent to those who have registered.

The agenda and paperwork for the AGM (both sessions) is available to download here.

The sessions are:

WEDNESDAY 24TH FEBRUARY 2021, 5.30pm - 6.30pm:
https://unison-bpool-agm21-s1.eventbrite.co.uk

FRIDAY 26TH FEBRUARY 2021, 12.30pm - 1.30pm:
https://unison-bpool-agm21-s2.eventbrite.co.uk

Win a Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 (11", Wi-Fi)¹ or equivalent value prize²

To enter you must me a member of the branch and also attend one of this year’s AGM events to win³

To be in with a chance of winning you must attend one of the AGM meetings.  Please use the links below to register and use the password AGM2021:

We will send out joining instructions the evening of the day before each session.

¹ UNISON Blackpool Local Government Branch members only.
² or a prize of your choice up to £550 in value.  Please note, we are unable to offer a cash alternative due to HMRC rules.
³ Not a member? Why not join UNISON now and be in with a chance of winning? Go to https://www.blackpoolunison.co.uk/join to find out more.

Win a Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 (11", Wi-Fi)¹ or equivalent value prize²

To enter you must me a member of the branch and also attend one of this year’s AGM events to win³

Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, we are unable to hold our usual Annual General Meeting (AGM) with food and entertainment.  Instead, we are holding virtual AGM meetings.

To be in with a chance of winning you must attend one of the AGM meetings.  Please use the links below to register and use the password AGM2021:

WEDNESDAY 24TH FEBRUARY 2021, 5.30pm - 6.30pm:
https://unison-bpool-agm21-s1.eventbrite.co.uk

FRIDAY 26TH FEBRUARY 2021, 12.30pm - 1.30pm:
https://unison-bpool-agm21-s2.eventbrite.co.uk

We will send out joining instructions nearer the time.

¹ UNISON Blackpool Local Government Branch members only.
² or a prize of your choice up to £550 in value.  Please note, we are unable to offer a cash alternative due to HMRC rules.
³ Not a member? Why not join UNISON now and be in with a chance of winning? Go to https://www.blackpoolunison.co.uk/join to find out more.

This advice applies to all primary schools, special schools, SEND and early years settings in England.

In UNISON’s view, it is unsafe for you to attend the workplace at present if your school is fully opened to all pupils.

Read more on UNISON's National website -  https://www.unison.org.uk/january-schools-advice/

UNISON has consistently opposed the expansion of pupil numbers in primary schools and nurseries in England on 1st June. We believe that it increases the risks to pupils, staff, parents and the wider community, especially in coronavirus hotspots such as Blackpool.  Many councils and schools have agreed with UNISON and are delaying the expanded return to work. Unfortunately, the government is pressing ahead with its plans and some schools are set to open more widely from Monday 1st June, including here in Blackpool.

UNISON has issued advice for our members working in schools that are planning to reopen in June.  This can be found here.  Please read this advice very carefully. It outlines a series of steps you must take if you have serious specific concerns that returning to work will endanger your health or if your school’s plans are not adequate.

If you are thinking of submitting one of the letters included in the new materials, please read them thoroughly and look at your specific circumstances before sending them and before contacting your branch. However, if you fit the criteria and have carried out the steps and have specific concerns then contact the branch (01253 478492 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) before you send any of these new letters.

We understand this is an extremely stressful time and we are committed to doing all we can to support you. UNISON will support you if you believe your health and safety is at serious risk if you go into school on 1st June.

UNISON has produced FAQ's for school staff in England.  These can be downloaded here.

They cover:

• Operational issues
• Pay
• Easter and weekend working
• Health and safety
• Home working

The NJC guidance contained within these FAQs applies to England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Links to UNISON websites for the develoved nations are also included.

For all the latest Covid-19 information for school support staff: https://www.unison.org.uk/at-work/education-services/key-issues/covid-19-closures/

New (23rd March, 2020) joint guidance has been issued by the NJC joint secretaries on Covid-19, with a focus on critical workers durring the Coronavirus outbreak.  This can be downloaded here.  This is applicable to Council, School, BCH and other workers who are employed on NJC Terms & Condition.

New (23rd March, 2020) joint guidance has been issued by the NJC joint secretaries on Covid-19, with a focus on critical workers durring the Coronavirus outbreak.  This can be downloaded here.  This is applicable to Council, School, BCH and other workers who are employed on NJC Terms & Condition.