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White Paper - Equity & Excellence in the NHS?

UNISON, the UK’s largest public service union, said today (14 October) that its fight for the future of the NHS will “go on”, following the High Court’s decision today, that the union’s Judicial Review was unsuccessful.

In a positive move, the judge said it was perfectly proper for UNISON to seek a Judicial Review, saying that we had raised an important principle that was in the constitutional interest. However, Justice Mitting ruled that the court could not place a legal demand on the Government to consult the public, patients or staff over plans contained in its NHS White Paper*.

Karen Jennings, UNISON Head of Health, said:

“Today’s decision is disappointing, but the fight for the future of our NHS won’t stop at the door to the court.

“The Judicial Review has exposed the charade of Government claims that it wants to empower patients, the public and staff over how the NHS is run. The Government said in the White Paper - “no decision about me, without me” - but when it comes to influencing the future of our NHS, clearly they think they can do without us all. The Secretary of State cannot say that he has consulted on the White Paper - the damaging ideas in it are all his own.

“Taking the Judicial Review has successfully galvanised support from other health bodies, patient groups, charities, academics and the public. We will be mobilising that support and making MPs acutely aware of the local and national opposition that their plans for the NHS have generated.

“We will also be battling hard to make others aware of the full extent of the impact of the wide-ranging proposals in the White Paper. It represents the most radical shake-up of the NHS in its entire history and yet there was no mention of it in either the Conservative or Liberal Democrat manifestos. It threatens to turn our NHS into nothing more than a brand, a nice logo to be displayed outside increasingly privately run and owned hospitals, wrestled from the health service. “That is why the fight must go on.” * White Paper Equity and Excellence: Liberating the NHS.

Last Updated: October 20, 2010

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.