Anglia Ruskin University UNISON Branch

10/10/2026

It's World Homeless Day!
A successful morning raising money for Essex CHESS Homeless in conjunction with Black History Month
'Safe, Decent and Affordable Homes for All' is the vision of UNISON.
Firdy Finch, UNISON Essex Branch Secretary is pictured presenting a wonderful cheque to Rob Saggs, CEO of CHESS Homeless

10/10/2026

💙 𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗗𝗮𝘆! 💙

A little kindness can make a difference. Sometimes, a simple check-in, a listening ear, or a conversation can mean more than we realize.

Today, let’s remind ourselves to check on a friend, listen without judgment, and make time for our own well-being, too. Every small act of kindness helps build a community where everyone feels heard, valued, and supported.

Let’s make mental health a priority—not just today, but every day. 🌿 💙

01/10/2026

Would any ARU Branch Members like to support UNISON Essex with their Charity Collection?

🖤 UNISON ESSEX BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2026 – TACKLING HOUSING INEQUALITY AND HOMELESSNESS IN OUR COMMUNITIES and Charity Collection 🖤

📅 10 October

As part of our Black History Month activities, UNISON Essex is proud to come together in solidarity with our local community and support people experiencing homelessness.

If you would like to register to attend the event please use the link below. 👇

https://forms.gle/BCVPwSMnxczH7JvU9

🤝 This year, we are raising money to support CHESS Homeless in Chelmsford, helping provide vital support, accommodation and services to people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

💷 We will be collecting donations on Saturday 10th October, and every contribution, big or small, will help make a difference.

If you would prefer to donate directly to CHESS Homeless, you can do so through their website:
🔗 https://chesshomeless.org/

Let’s use this Black History Month to celebrate community, solidarity and our shared commitment to making a positive difference.

Together, we can help make a difference. ✊🏾🖤

23/09/2026

Young Women's Network meeting
The Young Women's Network meeting is open to all UNISON Young Women members (aged 30 or under) in UNISON. The meetings are a chance for you to meet other Young Members in a more informal setting, discuss the issues that matter to you, and share your experiences. Join us to hear about what young Members and women are campaigning on in UNISON and to talk about your priorities for 2027: UNISON's Year of Women Workers.
This is your UNISON, consider becoming an ARU Branch Young Members Officer! (age 30 years and under)
Wednesday, 30 September, 12:30 pm. Register below!

Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams

23/09/2026

28 September – 2 October 2026 is Welfare at Work Week - if you're struggling financially, UNISON is here to support you...not just that week!
A wide range of great resources are available to members who are having difficulty managing debt, budgeting, or just making ends meet. Check out the UNISON web page to find out more https://unison.org.uk/get-help

06/09/2026

BIG thank you to all ARU staff who work hard protecting the University staff and property. 24/7 safety and support. https://www.facebook.com/share/1Fizr5W6iV/

Safety reps are at the heart of safer workplaces. ✊
Andrea Egan Unison General Secretary speaking at on the critical work safety reps do every day to protect workers and save lives.

03/09/2026

In the first joint study by UNISON and the RMT (National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers) it was revealed that "facilities" management contracts (eg cleaning, security, and catering) hit a value of £6.2 billion in 2025.
Has it affected your workplace?

UNISON has welcomed Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s pledge to put “life’s essentials back under stronger public control”...an urgent programme is required

Keep up to date with this UNISON news item.

03/09/2026

💜 KNOW YOUR RIGHTS 💜

📢 Did you know?
You have the right to be accompanied at certain formal workplace meetings, including disciplinary and grievance hearings.
You can choose to be accompanied by a UNISON Representative or an eligible workplace colleague.
💜 You do not have to face difficult workplace situations alone – UNISON is here to support you.
If you are an Anglia Ruskin University UNISON Member and have been invited to a formal meeting, contact the Unison Branch as soon as possible.
We strongly advise that you seek further assistance from a UNISON Rep to explore what options might be available in your situation.

02/09/2026

Support staff keep Universities running; it is time we are fairly paid!
Following national negotiations, UCEA made a final 2% pay offer for 2026/27.

UNISON’s Higher Education Service Group Executive strongly recommended rejecting the offer, which falls far short of what members need during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

UNISON, EIS (Scotland) and Unite have now formally rejected the pay element.
UNISON will continue to fight for its Members!

17/08/2026

Please read:
https://www.facebook.com/share/185uVATrc8/