Author Archives: Neil

Drop-in Dissolution Advice Session, Tuesday 17th March On Tuesday 17th March branch members will be able to come and discuss any queries and concerns with Branch Chair Max Freedman, House dissolution authorities and Unite’s solicitors who will be on hand to steer you through dissolution arrangements.  The event will run from 1pm-3pm in Room D in 1 Parliament Street. Stand up to Racism and Fascism Demo, Saturday 21st March Join … Continue reading →

Members will be aware that the recent heightened media interest in working conditions in Parliament, particularly in alleged instances of harassment, has led to a realisation by political parties and the House authorities that the unregulated status quo is not acceptable. I am pleased to announce that as a result of this, your Parliamentary Staff Branch has been able to achieve some positive steps forward in negotiation with these bodies. … Continue reading →

By Lucille Harvey It is farcical that the employment regulations that MPs put into law are not accessible to their own staff. Revelations about the treatment of MPs’ staff are unsurprising to those of us who have worked for a Member of Parliament. Sexual harassment, on the scale that Channel 4 News uncovered, is symptomatic of a culture where abuse of power and impunity are rife. A culture that allows … Continue reading →

Following the publication of proposals for a new code of conduct for Conservative MPs, the branch has written to Sir George Young, the Conservative Chief Whip, to outline its concerns.

We welcome any initiatives to improve conditions for staff, but we want to ensure that the helpline really does give substantive help. Having produced the evidence that convinced the Commons Commission that the line should be created, the Branch is certain that those answering the calls must be fully trained in employment law. We are now working with the Commons authorities to ensure that it is a comprehensive and helpful … Continue reading →

Thank you to everyone who has completed our survey on conditions for those working for MPs. We were able to use the data and information that you provided to make the case to the House of Commons Commission yesterday that it is essential that more support be provided to staff in Parliament and constituency offices. Following that meeting, the Commission has announced a phone line to offer support and advice for staff, as … Continue reading →

The Branch has put together a survey so we can get a better idea of current working conditions for staff in parliament. The survey is completely anonymous and will only take minutes to complete. We’d be grateful if you could fill it in and encourage your colleagues to do so too. Feel free to pass onto to any members of parliamentary staff who may be interested. You’ll find the survey at … Continue reading →

Following an address from Steve Hart (Chair of UAF) on the upcoming Stand up to Racism Demo and Rally marking UN Anti-Racism Day, we holding elections for the following positions:  Executive Positions: Secretary                                        Assistant Secretary             Chair                                           Vice Chair                       Treasurer                          Political Officer             Campaigns Officer              Union Learning Rep             Equality Rep                                Social Secretary                                     Intern Officer   Membership Secretary   Newsletter Editor Health & Safety Officer Auditor x 2 Website Officer Environment Rep LGBT Officer Constituency Coordinator … Continue reading →

From worksmart.org.uk: Work Your Proper Hours Day (1 March 2013) is the day when the average person who does unpaid overtime finishes the unpaid days they do every year, and starts earning for themselves. We think that’s a day worth celebrating. Over five million people at work in the UK regularly do unpaid overtime, giving their employers £29.2 billion of free work in 2011 alone. If you’re one, why not … Continue reading →

As part of the union’s continuing work on developing young members we are putting on a training event for members who are 30 and under in the London & Eastern region who expressed an interest in making a change in their workplace or getting more involved in union campaigns.   This course will build on the knowledge and skills of young members to get active within their workplaces and communities, … Continue reading →