[skip to main content]

NHS Pensions - UNISON Briefings

UNISON has produced two important briefings for health service members:

The first edition of NHS Pension Campaign News explains why we need to take strike action in defence of public sector pensions and why we are asking members to VOTE YES in the ballot. Click below to access your copy.

NHS Pension Campaign News 

The second in the series of NHS Pensions Briefings is a special edition focusing on Special Class/Mental Health Officer (MHO) Status. The briefing shows any member with such status the particular impact of the proposed NHS Pension reforms on them and includes examples of the reduction in pension through increased retirement age. Click below to access your copy.

Pension Briefing 2

We hope you find these briefings valuable.

Last Updated: October 14, 2011

reason 1

You can earn more

Year on year, UNISON wins pay rises for its members. Average earnings are around eight per cent higher in unionised workplaces.

reason 2

You're more likely to get equal pay

UNISON is campaigning to bring women's pay into line with men's. Workplaces with union recognition are 20 per cent more likely to have an equal opportunities policy.

reason 3

You get more holiday

UNISON has won increased leave for many of its members wherever they work.


reason 4

You get more and better training

UNISON provides courses to help you learn new skills, improve existing ones and develop your career. Since 1994 UNISON has won agreements with employers to pay for courses and provide time off for employees to attend them.

reason 5

You get more maternity leave or parental leave

If you belong to UNISON, your employer is more likely to have parental leave policies which are more generous than the statutory minimum.

reason 6

You're less likely to be injured at work

UNISON health and safety stewards are trained to minimise the risk of workplace injuries and ensure that employers meet their legal obligations.

reason 7

If you do get injured at work, you'll get better compensation

UNISON wins millions in legal compensation for people who are injured or become ill at work. We won over £37 million in 2004 for members and their families.

reason 8

You're less likely to be discriminated against

UNISON campaigns for tougher laws to make it illegal to discriminate on the basis of sex, race, age, disability or sexual orientation. Black and Asian trade unionists earn 32 per cent more than non-unionised colleagues.

reason 9

You can help keep our public services public

UNISON campaigns against all forms of privatisation, including PFI and foundation hospitals. Where our members have been transferred to the private sector we have won them pay and employment protections.

reason 10

You're less likely to be sacked

Trade union members are only half as likely to be sacked as non members.