NIPSA Branch 731 - Northern HSC Trust

NIPSA Branch 731 - Northern HSC Trust �The page for NIPSA members in Northern Health Trust. Committed to supporting your rights at

Welcome to the FB page for all of our NIPSA members in Branch 731 covering the Northern Health & Social Care Trust! This page is for members to get information about the branch and union as well as a means of contacting your union reps. Also about a bit of craic so members feel free to post anything of interest!

19/05/2026

Did you know that NIPSA members can access FREE Essential Skills Courses in numeracy, literacy and ICT?

It's Learning at Work Week and this year’s theme, “Many Ways to Learn,” reflects something NIPSA has always believed in.

We're committed to making sure our members have access to learning, skills and opportunities that help them grow, thrive and feel confident in their roles. Through our work, we:

✔ Support access to training and development
✔ Promote fair opportunities for all members
✔ Help build confidence and workplace skills
✔ Campaign for the right to learn at work

👉 Contact Roisin Graham at [email protected] for more information, or contact your Branch ULR.

15/05/2026

📣 Join us at Stormont next week to show your support for fairer, stronger employment rights!

NIPSA will stand together with other trade unions to call on the Executive to move forward with the Good Jobs Bill - without delay. It’s time for MLAs to debate this vital legislation and deliver the upgrades workers deserve.

🗓 Mon 18 May, 12 noon
📍 Steps of Parliament Buildings, Stormont

Bring your union flags, banners and voices ✊

𝗟𝗲𝘁’𝘀 𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗮 𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗲:
👉 We need action
👉 We need debate
👉 We need the Good Jobs Bill now

22/04/2026

🎭 A powerful story of solidarity 🎭

To mark 100 years since the 1926 General Strike, NIPSA is proud to support The Cramlington Train Wreckers, a critically acclaimed stage play telling a true story of working‑class resistance, injustice and trade‑union solidarity.

Following a sell‑out tour across England, the production is coming to Belfast and Derry/Londonderry this summer:

📍 The Playhouse, Derry/Londonderry, Wed 8 July
📍 The Waterfront Hall, Belfast, Thur 9 July

The play tells the real story of eight miners imprisoned during the General Strike, whose harsh sentences sparked outrage and were ultimately overturned through sustained trade‑union pressure. A century later, the themes of collective action and standing together against injustice still resonate powerfully.

Written by Ed Waugh (Dirty Dusting, Carrying David) and starring award‑winning performer Micky Cochrane, this is a moving, thought‑provoking and often uplifting production, and one we’d strongly encourage members, families and friends to see.

𝗧𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘄:
🎟️ Derry/Londonderry: www.derryplayhouse.co.uk/event/the-cramlington-train-wreckers
🎟️ Belfast: www.waterfront.co.uk/what-s-on/the-cramlington-train-wreckers/

Proudly supported by, Unison Northern-Ireland, Unite the Union, Northern Ireland, Fire Brigades Union and Irish Congress of Trade Unions.

15/04/2026

FUEL CRISIS – URGENT ACTION SOUGHT

NIPSA has formally written to the Health Minister to raise serious concerns about the ongoing fuel crisis and its devastating impact on our members, particularly those working in domiciliary care and other essential frontline roles.

In our correspondence, we highlighted the stark reality facing many members who are being forced to choose between putting fuel in their cars to attend work or putting food on the table. With fuel costs having increased significantly and average fuel bills for some workers rising by as much as 50%, many are now experiencing in-work poverty, despite delivering critical services.

We made clear that the current mileage reimbursement rates are no longer fit for purpose, as they are based on outdated fuel prices. In real terms, this has resulted in a pay cut for staff, who are effectively subsidising the delivery of Health and Social Care services. The situation is further compounded by delays of up to six weeks in receiving expense payments.

NIPSA has called for immediate intervention and set out a number of practical measures that could be implemented without delay, including:

· The Immediate introduction of the Real Living Wage

· Free public transport for HSC staff during the fuel crisis

· The provision of fuel cards for essential car users

· Consideration of targeted crisis payments for the most vulnerable staff

We have urged the Minister to act decisively and without delay to address this worsening situation. NIPSA will continue to press for urgent action and will keep members updated on any developments.

Your union is actively advocating on your behalf during this challenging time.

Kevin Kelly
Assistant Secretary

15/04/2026

When stress starts to feel unmanageable, it’s important to know you’re not alone and that support is available.

Led by The Stress Management Society, April is Stress Awareness Month, an opportunity to raise awareness and share practical steps that can help when work feels overwhelming.

If work is causing you stress, be the change by taking early action:

✅ Speak up early – don’t struggle alone
✅ Keep a record of workloads or pressures
✅ Talk to your union rep for advice and support
✅ Ask for reasonable adjustments where needed
✅ Remember: feeling stressed is not a personal failure

NIPSA supports members to by challenging unhealthy working practices and protecting wellbeing at work.

More information and resources:
stress.org.uk/stress-awareness-month-2026

Congratulations to our Chair Fiona on her wedding. Wishing you and Kevin all the best for a very happy future x
11/04/2026

Congratulations to our Chair Fiona on her wedding. Wishing you and Kevin all the best for a very happy future x

10/04/2026

Fuel prices are soaring and workers are paying the price.

Fuel costs in Northern Ireland have risen faster than anywhere else in the UK. Since the end of February, petrol prices are up 19% and diesel has increased by 35%.

For many workers, driving to work is a necessity, not a choice. These sharp increases are pushing household budgets to breaking point and adding serious pressure to the cost‑of‑living crisis.

NIPSA is calling on employers and government to act now, including:

✅ Expanding remote and hybrid working where possible
✅ Increasing mileage and fuel allowances to reflect real costs
✅ Offering greater flexibility in working hours
✅ Introducing temporary fuel or travel support measures

07/03/2026

International Women’s Day 2026 Marches and Rally’s – Saturday 7 March

This year there are a number of International Women’s Day marches and rallies being held on Saturday 7 March:

Writers Square, Belfast: from 11.30am with a march setting off at noon/12pm to Belfast City Hall for speeches (see attached). The Keynote speaker will be Mary Robinson. Further details about the rally can be found on the Reclaim the Agenda website: Reclaim the Agenda.

Bishops Gate, Derry: assemble at 1.30pm with a march setting off at 2pm to the Guildhall (see attached)

NIPSA will be supporting the rallies and would encourage members and your families and friends to come join us. Please do all you can to maximise NIPSAs participation in the 2026 International Women’s Day celebrations demonstrating our support for equality and social justice throughout the world.

Happy International Women’s Day
07/03/2026

Happy International Women’s Day

Address

Holywell Hospital, Steeple Road
Antrim
BT412RJ

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