UNISON in Schools

20/08/2026

‼️ **Have you been asked to cover classes at your school? UNISON wants to hear from you.**

We’re looking for UNISON members in a range of roles and settings, including teaching assistants, HLTAs and other support staff working in primary, secondary and special schools.

We would particularly like to hear from you if:

➡️ Your usual duties are left uncovered while you cover classes.
➡️ You are not paid extra for covering classes.
➡️ Your workload has increased over the past year.
➡️ You have concerns about being asked to cover lessons when you do not feel qualified or properly prepared.
➡️ Covering classes without the right support or equipment has affected your wellbeing.
➡️ Wider staffing pressures, such as colleagues being off sick with stress, are placing additional demands on support staff.

If any of this reflects your experience, please email [email protected] with “Cover in schools” in the subject line and include your job role and a phone number if possible. A member of the press team will then text you to arrange a convenient time to speak.

Getting in touch does not commit you to taking part in anything. We will not share your details or use your experiences without your agreement. If your story is used, you can remain anonymous.

Thank you!

20/08/2026

Congratulations to everyone who has received their GCSE and BTEC results today.

Everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive and excel in their passion and today marks an important next step for thousands of young people across the UK.

A big thank you to all support staff who guide young people every day. Schools simply could not operate without support staff.

19/08/2026

🌱 As part of our Year of Green Activity, UNISON hosted a webinar earlier this year on the impact poor air quality has on our members and children in schools.

🎥 You can watch the webinar here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buRIwL9Zzoc

Some outcomes are bigger than politics.

10/08/2026

Are you a low-paid woman working in the public sector?

Come along to our next South West low-paid women's network meeting.

🗓️ Wednesday 19 August July, 5.30pm–6.30pm
🙋🏻‍♀️ Sign up: unsn.uk/LPWnetwork

The network provides a supportive space to:
✅ Connect with others
✅ Share experiences
✅ Discuss the challenges facing low-paid women
✅ Help shape campaigning and priorities

06/08/2026

05/08/2026

Too hot to work? ☀️🌡️
Help us change the law.
Climate change is making heatwaves more frequent and severe.
Write to your MP and help us secure stronger protection at work.
https://unison.org.uk/news/2026/08/turning-heat-government

03/08/2026

New UNISON website, new member courses, new union learning rep for your workplace?

It's all happening over here: unsn.uk/SeptLearning

03/08/2026

📮UNISON council and school members - have you posted your ballot yet?

The NJC ballot closes at 10am on Thursday 6 August.

If you've voted but your ballot paper is still sitting at home, now is the time to get it in the post.

✅ Vote YES
✅ Post it today
✅ Remind a colleague

31/07/2026

31/07/2026

🚨 PRIZE DRAW: LAST DAY TO ENTER
Activate your UNISON online account today and you could win one of five £500 shopping vouchers! 🛍️
🔗 https://unsn.uk/Activate
Prize draw closes Friday 31 July at 5pm.