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	<title>UNISON &#124; Essex County Branch</title>
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	<link>http://www.unison-essex.org.uk</link>
	<description>The public service trade union</description>
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		<title>MY PERFORMANCE</title>
		<link>http://www.unison-essex.org.uk/my-performance/</link>
		<comments>http://www.unison-essex.org.uk/my-performance/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 30 Mar 2012 12:05:39 +0000</pubDate>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.unison-essex.org.uk/?p=481</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[  Performance Related Pay NOT HAPPY WITH ‘MY PERFORMANCE’? UNISON WANTS TO KNOW YOUR CONCERNS AND HOW WE CAN HELP &#160; UNISON has been unhappy with the various forms of performance appraisal scheme that the county has introduced up to and including ‘my performance’. Now that we are at the end of the appraisal year and the county is saying that it will review the scheme (again!?) we want to know what you think. We may also be able to offer assistance if you have specific problems with your own result. &#160; DON’T AGREE WITH YOUR MY PERFORMANCE RESULT? At present the appeal process is purely paper based and has no UNISON involvement – both things to which we object. But we can advise you on whether and how to appeal within the existing system. There is an appeal mechanism on the Intranet – see Working Here/ Performance/ my performance.If you want to discuss an appeal contact your local steward/ UNISON rep, or Ring the UNISON office. tel: 01245 354044/ ednet 20913. Email the UNISON office unison@essex.gov.uk or unison.essexcounty@virgin.net ______________________________________________ DON’T LIKE THE MY PERFORMANCE SCHEME ITSELF? TELL US WHAT CHANGES YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE. We agree. We think [...]]]></description>
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		<title>GENERAL EXEMPTION FROM STRIKE ACTION</title>
		<link>http://www.unison-essex.org.uk/general-exemption-from-strike-action/</link>
		<comments>http://www.unison-essex.org.uk/general-exemption-from-strike-action/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 29 Nov 2011 11:06:57 +0000</pubDate>
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				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.unison-essex.org.uk/?p=456</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If you have any queries about whether your role is exempt from strike action or general queries please contact your union representative. Please note: even if you are exempt from stike action, if you feel strongly that you would still like to take part, you still have the right to do so General exemptions Employees currently in their last year of service with their employer, who are members of the pension scheme. Pregnant women who have notified ECC of the expected date of birth. People whose state benefits may be affected if they take part in strike action &#160; PLEASE SEE TABLE BELOW  &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; &#160; ECC specific exemptions &#160; Full Name of establishment/service Location address Position title of essential worker e.g. emergency duty social worker Minimum number of staff required to operate Detail emergency services covered e.g. emergency assessments Adults Emergency Bridgemarsh Hostel – tbc&#160; &#160; 184 Main Road,Broomfield,Chelmsford Social Care Support Workers 8 staff for 7-2 and 2-10 shift and 3-4 staff for night shift Front line support in Residential and Short Break setting for  vulnerable adults This will required to cover 7-2 shift, 2-10 shift and [...]]]></description>
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		<title>Latest on Negotiations on Local Government Pension Scheme</title>
		<link>http://www.unison-essex.org.uk/latest-on-negotiations-on-local-government-pension-schemest/</link>
		<comments>http://www.unison-essex.org.uk/latest-on-negotiations-on-local-government-pension-schemest/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 22 Aug 2011 13:25:48 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.unison-essex.org.uk/?p=356</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[REPORT FROM UNISON REPRESENTATIVE ON THE ESSEX PENSION FUND AND INVESTMENT STEERING COMMITTEE Further to the discussion of pensions at the Branch AGM I offered to provide a report on my activities on the Pension Fund on your behalf. I was nominated by Unison in September last year to represent members of the Essex Pension Fund on the Fund Board and the Investment Steering Committee which oversees the work of the fund managers who invest on behalf of the fund. There have been 5 meetings of the Board since my appointment and I have attended 4 of these and all three of the Investment Steering Committee meetings To put things in perspective I am an observer on both bodies, with six County Councillors, two District reps and two representatives of the unitaries, representatives of the Police and Fire Authorities, and of smaller employers ( (e.g. academies) who are all members so what I am able to achieve is  limited. It is to be hoped that the current negotiations may lead to an increase in the number of and the influence of scheme member representatives. There is a great deal of complex information to absorb and the learning curve has been [...]]]></description>
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		<title>IMPORTANT MEETING DATES FOR MEMBERS</title>
		<link>http://www.unison-essex.org.uk/important-meeting-dates-for-members/</link>
		<comments>http://www.unison-essex.org.uk/important-meeting-dates-for-members/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 22 Aug 2011 07:01:23 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.unison-essex.org.uk/?p=348</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[ UNISON ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING  This year&#8217;s Annual General Meeting is taking place at 6pm on Wednesday 7th March in the Council Chamber, County Hall.  We really would like to have a quorate meeting this year so please come along!  The paperwork will be sent out in February, but we will also publicise details of speakers etc., as soon as we have them. If you would like to be nominated for one of the Branch Officerships listed below, please get in touch with Branch Office on 01245-354044. &#160; President Vice-President Branch Secretary Asst. Branch Secretary Service Conditions Officer          Branch Treasurer Asst. Branch Treasurer Equalities Officer Black Members Officer* H&#38;S Officer Education Officer* Communications Officer Social Activities Officer Welfare Officer Young Members&#8217; Officer*  * Posts currently vacant &#8211; although of course members can be nominated for any post. &#160; __________________________________________________________________________ LOCAL GOVERNMENT CONFERENCE  17th  -  18th June 2012 NATIONAL DELEGATE CONFERENCE  19th  -  22nd June 2012 Are you interested in being a Branch Delegate at the above conferences? Any working member can be a delegate.  There are specific places for a young member (26 or under), a women&#8217;s member earning under £8.91 per hour and a black member. Paid time off is available, subject [...]]]></description>
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		<title>FREE LEGAL ADVICE FOR UNISON MEMBERS</title>
		<link>http://www.unison-essex.org.uk/free-legal-advice-for-unison-members/</link>
		<comments>http://www.unison-essex.org.uk/free-legal-advice-for-unison-members/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 20 Jul 2011 10:21:16 +0000</pubDate>
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		<description><![CDATA[Thompsons Solicitors hold surgeries for UNISON members in Branch Office on the third Thursday of every month from 1pm to 3pm. If you have any issues you would like to discuss with them, please ring the office to make a half an hour appointment on 01245 354044.]]></description>
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		<title>ECC Staff &#8211; Proposed Changes to Terms and Conditions &#8211; IMPORTANT UPDATE</title>
		<link>http://www.unison-essex.org.uk/ecc-staff-proposed-changes-to-terms-and-conditions/</link>
		<comments>http://www.unison-essex.org.uk/ecc-staff-proposed-changes-to-terms-and-conditions/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 07 Jul 2011 11:09:36 +0000</pubDate>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.unison-essex.org.uk/?p=316</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[FURTHER UPDATE RE. ECC EMPLOYEE BALLOT &#8211; CHANGES TO TERMS AND CONDITIONS After further discussions with ECC and as a result of assurances made by them, the Branch has agreed that the result of the ballot should stand. During our discussions we expressed our concern about how staff and the unions are being consulted about reviews and they have agreed to have meetings with each service group and to get the timetable to us prior to these meetings. &#160;In light of the above, we have therefore informed management that our members have voted to accept the changes to terms and conditions.&#160; We also want to continue to protect the terms and conditions contained in Part 2 of the Green Book as previously agreed. We can now tell you that the result of the ballot was overwhelmingly to accept the changes to terms and conditions, with 85% of members who returned their ballot papers voting Yes. _____________________________________________ An important letter from the Branch Secretary 1 August 2011 Dear Colleague Re: Ballot &#8211; Changes to Terms and Conditions Your UNISON Branch negotiated with ECC in good faith regarding proposed changes to terms and conditions. The key issues for us were to safeguard [...]]]></description>
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		<title>Switch your current account and receive £100 Cashback</title>
		<link>http://www.unison-essex.org.uk/switch-your-current-account-and-receive-100-cashback/</link>
		<comments>http://www.unison-essex.org.uk/switch-your-current-account-and-receive-100-cashback/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2011 13:40:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.unison-essex.org.uk/?p=281</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Switch to The Co-operative Bank Current Account Plus and join the top high street bank for satisfied current account customers &#160;AND GET &#163;100 CASHBACK. As part of The Co-operative Bank, Britannia can now offer Current Account Plus to UNISON&#8217;s 1.3 million members. And to celebrate the 50th anniversary year of Britannia&#8217;s partnership with UNISON, we are offering &#163;100 cashback plus a &#163;50 donation** to UNISON Welfare. All you need to do is open a Current Account Plus with a regular monthly minimum deposit of &#163;800, and use our dedicated switching service to transfer your Direct Debits and standing orders. Terms and conditions apply. Offer now extended and will now end of 31st August 2011. For more information call 0800 917 7066 or visit www.britannia.co.uk/unison Offer terms and conditions 1 Offer is available to UNISON members who open a Co-operative Bank Current Account Plus. 2 To qualify for the offer customers must: be UK resident aged 18 years or over; credit a minimum of &#163;800 per month into the account for three consecutive months and use the dedicated switching service to successfully transfer their Direct Debits and standing orders. 3 If there are no Direct Debits to transfer the offer is [...]]]></description>
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		<title>National School Support Staff Seminar 2011</title>
		<link>http://www.unison-essex.org.uk/national-school-support-staff-seminar-2011/</link>
		<comments>http://www.unison-essex.org.uk/national-school-support-staff-seminar-2011/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 2011 12:54:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.unison-essex.org.uk/?p=279</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[National School Support Staff Seminar 28 September 2011 The National School Support Staff Seminar will be on 28th September 2011.&#160; The closing date for registration is 1st September 2011. The School Support Staff Seminar will be taking place from 10.00am- 4.00pm on Wednesday 28 September 2011 at The Holiday Inn Birmingham City Centre Hotel.&#160; This is a really enjoyable, informative seminar open to UNISON members in schools. http://www.holidayinn.com/hotels/us/en/birmingham/bhxwm/hoteldetail Seminar Content The seminar will provide an opportunity to discuss a wide range of issues affecting school members. There will be updates on national negotiations and policy developments and speakers and workshops on a range of relevant and professional issues. Importantly, it is an opportunity to meet other school reps and exchange ideas. Branches can nominate up to two people at least one of whom should be a school staff representative. Additionally, branches can nominate two more delegates as reserves for unfilled places&#160; which will allocate extra places on a first come first serve basis after the closing date.&#160; The registration and booking forms are attached and should be returned the Essex County BRanch Office, 70 Duke Street, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1JP, who will authorise and pass onto&#160;&#160;Education and Children&#8217;s Services.&#160; Please [...]]]></description>
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		<title>Branch Bullying Survey</title>
		<link>http://www.unison-essex.org.uk/branch-bullying-survey/</link>
		<comments>http://www.unison-essex.org.uk/branch-bullying-survey/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 21 May 2011 14:51:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Essex County Branch of UNISON is concerned about the amount of bullying that goes on in the workplace. We need your views and experiences on any bullying you face at work. Please help us to help you by answering the following questionnaire. Your replies will be treated in the strictest confidence and you need not provide your name. Many thanks for your help and remember to phone us on 01245 354044 if you need to speak with someone. Please print off the survey (link below) and send it to: UNISON, FREEPOST CL3692, 70 DUKE STREET, CHELMSFORD, CM1 1XZ http://www.unisonessex.org.uk/files/Branch Bullying Survey.pdf http://www.unisonessex.org.uk/files/Branch Bullying Survey.pdf Bullying And Harassment What people find acceptable and unacceptable in another person&#8217;s behaviour can vary widely according to personality, experience and culture. What matters is what the person on the receiving end of the behaviour feels, not what the person carrying out the behaviour thinks and feels. This is not something that a person behaving inappropriately will necessarily understand. They will often excuse inappropriate behaviour on the grounds that they were &#8220;just having a laugh&#8221; &#8211; engaging in normal workplace banter. What some people may find funny, however, others will find offensive. We are all different, [...]]]></description>
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		<title>A Million Voices for Change</title>
		<link>http://www.unison-essex.org.uk/a-million-voices-for-change/</link>
		<comments>http://www.unison-essex.org.uk/a-million-voices-for-change/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 21 May 2011 14:08:03 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[We want you to join our campaign because we think it really is time to create a fairer society. For too long our employers and our politicians have put profit and private gain before people and the public interest. A tiny minority have been getting rich at the expense of the rest of us. Now, because of a crisis caused by the irresponsibility and greed of that minority, we are seeing people lose their jobs, their homes, their pensions, and all their hopes and dreams in the worst global recession since the second world war. We need to say &#8211; never again. We&#8217;re not going back to business as usual &#8211; tax cuts and bonuses for millionaires while everyone else works longer and harder to make ends meet and look after their families. Now is the time for real change. Now is the time to build a fairer society and a more balanced and sustainable economy &#8211; based on social justice, good jobs, and quality public services. Why public service workers are important Public service workers are on the frontline of dealing with this recession &#8211; helping people in financial difficulties, guiding people back into work, creating new opportunities through [...]]]></description>
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