Occupational Therapy News OTnews July 2019 | Page 51

BAOT/UNISON Being a BAOT member means you also belong to Unison and can access support and advice on workplace issues at any time. Unison urges an end to the ‘ongoing crisis in social care’ At Unison’s national delegates conference held in June, delegates spoke of their first hand experience of the continuing crisis in social care and of workers who are ‘almost universally underpaid, largely undervalued and often exposed to exploitation’. Although social care has been relatively protected compared with other council services, care spending per adult resident has fallen substantially since 2009-10 and rarely is it out of the public eye. The sector is under ever increasing pressure as demand for services increases, alongside decreasing budgets and the knock-on effect of cuts to other related public services, such as housing and welfare. These factors have resulted in 8,000 fewer care beds available, compared with Unison’s principles for a high-quality social care sector remain unchanged; a well resourced service, collectively funded, staffed by highly skilled professionals who are properly paid and delivering care that is person centred. Social care has and will continue to remain a priority for Unison and the union is heading a cross-service group programme aimed at recruiting and organising social care workers. Speaking at the conference, James Anthony, a member of Unison’s NEC, told delegates: ‘Even before austerity, social care was on the brink, way down the political agenda, always the poor cousin of the NHS. Unison will not let social care staff down… we are determined to get it right.’ Though the problem remains both stark and deep rooted, there has been incremental just three years ago, and a record 1.4 million older people who do not receive the level of care they need. Were it not for the ongoing dedication and commitment of the social care workforce the situation would be even poorer. Although the government has been forced to consider the issue, the promised green paper has been delayed five times and its current publication date is ‘at the earliest opportunity’. progress. The social care inquiry carried out by the fair work convention in Scotland has recommended that the Scottish Government support a new sector body ensuring a stronger voice for the sector and collective bargaining rights. For the rest of the UK, Unison is working with all stakeholders and affiliates to campaign for proper funding as part of a longer-term plan to ensure parity with the NHS in terms of access to services and its status within society. National BAOT stewards’ training seminar On 13 and 14 November we visit Warwick University, Coventry, for the annual BAOT stewards’ training seminar. Every year we have a packed programme of speakers and taster training sessions on a range of topics designed to help BAOT stewards in their union role. The programme is now taking shape and we will publish it in full imminently. Previous seminar sessions have included: health and wellbeing, pay and pensions, OT career framework, leadership skills, and more. The seminar also offers a great opportunity to network with BAOT stewards and share your experiences. It will count towards your CPD as all delegates receive a certificate of attendance. Don’t miss out. If you are a BAOT/Unison steward, contact your Unison branch now to register to attend. For more information please contact: [email protected]. If you have a problem at work, BAOT/Unison is there to help Anyone can face problems at work, but if you are a member of BAOT, you don’t have to face them alone. Whether it is about bullying, duty rotas, flexible working, annual leave or sickness procedures, a BAOT or Unison representative is on hand to help, wherever you work. We are also there to help you make sure your workplace is healthy and safe and to support you in case of disciplinary action, dismissal or redundancy. For help and advice at work – or to find out more about Unison services – please contact your local BAOT/ UNISON steward or call our helpline: UNISON direct on 0800 0857 857. Lines are open 6am to midnight Monday to Friday and 9am to 4pm Saturdays. Have you changed your address, do you have a new employer, have you told us? If your personal or employer details have changed, telling your professional body or trade union might be the furthest thing from your mind. Members of RCOT/BAOT are automatically members of Unison. Luckily, this means that members of BAOT need only to notify RCOT of any changes, and this information will automatically transfer and update Unison’s records. So if you have changed your job, address or name lately, remember to let us know – contact BAOT/ RCOT on 020 7450 2348 or email: [email protected]. OTnews July 2019 51