Derbyshire UNISON
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derbyshireunison.bsky.social
Derbyshire UNISON
@derbyshireunison.bsky.social
Defending public services and standing up for our members. We are all the union.
A really huge THANK YOU to everyone involved in The SEND Sanctuary UK Every Pair Tells a Story protest at County Hall on 3 November 2025. Yesterday the Cabinet of Derbyshire County Council approved £1.3 million additional funding for the DCC SEND team, which will increase staffing in the team by 50%
December 5, 2025 at 9:51 AM
December 4, 2025 at 3:38 PM
Our monthly newsletter, which should have arrived in our inbox members inboxes earlier in the week, including an update on our SEND campaign
December 4, 2025 at 3:38 PM
It was really wonderful to surprise Teaching Assistant Jade Shaw at English Martyrs Catholic Primary School yesterday, to give her a HIdden Heroes award. Jade was nominated by her colleagues for her outstand work and commitment to the children, so it was only fair we rewarded her.
November 26, 2025 at 11:07 AM
We met waste collection workers from Alliance Environemental Services in Buxton at 5AM this morning. They are unhappy about new work practises and unrealistic demands, and refuse to listen to recycled arguments from management.
November 24, 2025 at 10:44 AM
Solidari-Tea with Kaz Tweedie and the Teaching Assistants at St Charles' Catholic Primary School in Hadfield.

We heard that some Teaching Assistants aren't allowed to have hot drinks during school hours, even though staff they work with are, so we're issuing all our TA members with screw top cups.
November 19, 2025 at 11:44 AM
Introducing Matthew Kerry, our new Steward in Bolsover District Council. There's a lot going on at Bolsover at the moment, and they'll be more with Local Government Reorganisation. If you have a workplace issue contact us, and we'll get Matt on your case.
November 17, 2025 at 1:24 PM
Our November newsletter, which should have arrived in the inboxes of our members earlier in the week. If you didn't get one, it's probably because we don't have a current email for you.
November 7, 2025 at 10:44 AM
There was a moving tribute at County Hall this morning to the children who have missed out due to the failures of the Derbyshire County Council SEND provision. Our members in the SEND assessment team report low morale, high sickness rates and experienced staff leaving for other authorities.
November 3, 2025 at 2:51 PM
On Monday there will be a protest at County Hall about the disgraceful state of provision for disabled children (SEND) by Derbyshire County Council. We represent many of the staff in the SEND team and they tell us of undertaffing and unreaistic demands from management. Derbyshire deserves better.
October 29, 2025 at 10:30 AM
A huge welcome to our newest member, Sue Walters, a Social Care Practitioner based at The Quad. UNISON is committed to a better deal for social care staff like Sue and the creation of National Care Service.
October 28, 2025 at 2:11 PM
Notts County Council is looking at a 76 million pound overspend, but don't worry, they've plenty of money for flags.
October 24, 2025 at 11:30 AM
"Sonya Pickford, UNISON Derbyshire’s Children’s Convenor and Health & Safety Lead, has been awarded the TUC Gold Medal, presented at the TUC Congress in Brighton on Tuesday 10 September."

highpeak1.co.uk/derbyshire-u...
October 23, 2025 at 8:40 AM
The SEND Sanctuary UK are planning a dramatic protest outside County Hall for Monday 3 November to highlight the continued failure of the Derbyshire County Council to fund children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
October 22, 2025 at 9:26 AM
Diwali began last night and will be celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains.

Happy Diwali to everyone who is celebrating.
October 21, 2025 at 8:31 AM
We were at The Quad in Chesterfield today, getting members opinions on proposed changes to DCC sickness policy. We also picked up a shocking case of discrimination, concerns about violence at work and major issues of disabled access to the building. Dealing with these is what we're here for.
October 15, 2025 at 1:59 PM
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
October 2, 2025 at 11:01 AM
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...
September 24, 2025 at 12:04 PM
September 24, 2025 at 6:27 AM
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.
September 16, 2025 at 8:56 AM
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.
September 10, 2025 at 10:45 AM
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.
September 10, 2025 at 10:31 AM
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.
September 9, 2025 at 10:46 AM
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!
September 9, 2025 at 10:37 AM
Our Sonya Pickford, Children's Convenor and Health and Safety lead, with some BIG news.
September 9, 2025 at 9:38 AM