CWU Manchester Combined

CWU Manchester Combined Serving telecoms members in Greater Manchester and surrounding areas.

You never need to wait until things become unbearable before talking to somebody.If you are struggling, feeling overwhel...
10/09/2026

You never need to wait until things become unbearable before talking to somebody.

If you are struggling, feeling overwhelmed or experiencing suicidal thoughts, Samaritans are there to listen without judgement.

☎️ 116 123
Free to call, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

You do not need to know what to say. You do not need to have reached crisis point. Sometimes simply telling somebody, “I’m not doing okay”, is enough to begin the conversation.

CWU Manchester Combined are also here if problems at work are adding to the pressure. While we cannot replace professional mental health support, we can listen, offer workplace guidance and make sure you are not facing workplace issues alone.

If you or somebody else is in immediate danger, call 999.

Save the number. Share the number. Check in on a mate.

Samaritans: 116 123.

You do not have to be in crisis before you are allowed to say you are struggling.That matters particularly when so many ...
10/09/2026

You do not have to be in crisis before you are allowed to say you are struggling.

That matters particularly when so many men still feel pressure to keep things to themselves, brush problems off or simply tell everybody that they are “fine”.

On World Su***de Prevention Day, CWU Manchester Combined is encouraging our members to look out for one another.

That might mean noticing when a mate at work is quieter than usual.

It might mean asking somebody twice if they are okay.

And it might mean being the person who finally says, “Actually, I could do with talking to somebody.”

There is support available.

🗣️ANDYSMANCLUB runs free peer support groups for men, including groups across the UK and online. They meet every Monday at 7pm, excluding bank holidays. There is no referral and no pressure to speak. Sometimes simply walking through the door is the first step.

☎️ Samaritans: call 116 123 free, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

💚 CALM: call 0800 58 58 58 ring 5pm and midnight every day, with online and WhatsApp support also available.

🏥 For urgent mental health support, call NHS 111 and select option 2.

🚨 If somebody is in immediate danger, call 999.

We are here too. We cannot replace professional mental health support, but if something happening at work is adding to the pressure, you do not have to deal with that part alone either. We can listen, provide workplace guidance and help point members towards further support.

Look out for the people around you.

And if you are the person struggling today, please talk to somebody.

It is okay to say you are not okay.

Your employer has refused your reasonable adjustment. What happens now?The issue of workplace adjustments was put firmly...
03/09/2026

Your employer has refused your reasonable adjustment. What happens now?

The issue of workplace adjustments was put firmly in the spotlight on Good Morning Britain this morning, with a report focusing on disabled workers having requests for support denied.

For workers, this is where knowing your rights and having someone in your corner can become incredibly important.

A reasonable adjustment might involve changes to working arrangements, equipment, duties or the way somebody carries out their role. What is appropriate will depend on the individual circumstances, which is why these decisions deserve proper consideration rather than becoming a simple tick box exercise.

If a request is refused, CWU Manchester Combined can help members look at what has happened, understand the employer's reasoning, consider other possible adjustments and prepare for further conversations with management.

Your union representative can also help make sure your voice is heard when those decisions are being discussed or reviewed.

Trade union membership is not only about support when something has already gone wrong. It is about having access to guidance and representation while important workplace decisions are being made.

You might not think you need your union today. That can change very quickly tomorrow.

If you are already a member and need confidential workplace guidance, contact CWU Manchester Combined and we can walk you through what can be a stressful and anxiety provoking experience.

If you are not yet a member, join before you need us: www.cwu-mancom.org

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Union membership is about more than workplace problems.As a CWU Manchester Combined member, you may also be able to acce...
24/08/2026

Union membership is about more than workplace problems.

As a CWU Manchester Combined member, you may also be able to access a wide range of benefits designed to support your life beyond work, including:

👉 Legal services covering certain work and non work related matters
👉 A free simple will and access to other legal services at preferred rates
👉 Education, training and personal development opportunities
👉 Discounts on shopping, supermarket vouchers and popular brands
👉 Offers covering travel, motoring, insurance and family days out
👉 Health and wellbeing benefits, including selected gym membership discounts

These benefits sit alongside the workplace guidance, representation and collective voice that union membership provides. Current offers and eligibility may vary, so members should check the CWU Member Portal for the latest information. [Explore CWU membership benefits](https://www.cwu.org/telecoms-and-financial-services)

CWU Manchester Combined represents thousands of members across telecommunications and financial services, protecting, supporting and amplifying the voices of working people across Greater Manchester.

Already a member? Make sure you are taking advantage of everything your membership offers. Not yet a member?

Join CWU Manchester Combined today: https://cwu-mancom.org/

Union membership can support you both inside and outside the workplace.

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11/08/2026

Solidarity with our fellow CWU members and comrades in Liverpool.

BT’s plans to relocate 600 jobs away from Merseyside would affect workers, families, local communities and the wider regional economy. Politicians and CWU members across Liverpool are standing together to make their concerns heard.

From CWU Manchester Combined, our message is clear: Liverpool workers are not standing alone. We support the campaign to protect skilled local employment and demand meaningful consultation about the future of these jobs.

When one branch stands up, our whole union stands with them.

Join the CWU today and become part of a union that stands with you: https://cwu-mancom.org/

💎 Think before you press Send 💎Microsoft Teams and Slack make workplace communication easy.They also make it easy to for...
22/07/2026

💎 Think before you press Send 💎

Microsoft Teams and Slack make workplace communication easy.

They also make it easy to forget that every message is sent on company systems.

A message written in frustration can become part of a grievance, disciplinary investigation or workplace complaint months later.

What feels like a private conversation today could be reviewed tomorrow.

Before sending a message, ask yourself one question.

**Would I be happy for this to be read aloud in a meeting with HR?**

If the answer is no, rewrite it or don't send it.

Professional communication protects professional reputations.

Our role isn't just representing members when things go wrong. It's helping workers avoid unnecessary problems in the first place.

You need your union more than you think.

Join CWU Manchester Combined today: https://cwu-mancom.org/join-us/

💎Jim's Gems 💎 Your home doesn't change who owns the device.Working from home has blurred the lines between work life and...
14/07/2026

💎Jim's Gems 💎

Your home doesn't change who owns the device.

Working from home has blurred the lines between work life and home life. It can be tempting to let a partner check an email, a child watch a video or a friend borrow your company laptop for a few minutes.

That's a risk you don't need to take.

Company devices are issued to you for work purposes and you are responsible for how they're used.

If confidential information is accessed, company policies are breached or customer data is exposed, you may still be accountable, even if someone else was using the device.

Protect Yourself

✔ Keep work equipment for work only.

✔ Never lend company phones, laptops or tablets to family or friends.

✔ Keep personal activities on your own devices.

Small decisions today can prevent big problems tomorrow.

The best workplace advice helps you avoid disciplinary issues before they ever happen.

You need your union more than you think.

Join CWU Manchester Combined: https://cwu-mancom.org/join-us/

Thinking about your next career move? There's nothing wrong with updating your CV, drafting cover letters or exploring n...
29/06/2026

Thinking about your next career move? There's nothing wrong with updating your CV, drafting cover letters or exploring new opportunities. But where you store those documents matters. If it's personal, keep it off company property.

Many workers save CVs, cover letters, job applications and interview notes on their company laptop because it's convenient. The problem is that company laptops, desktops, tablets and mobile devices belong to the employer.

Depending on workplace policies and business requirements, employers may have access to files stored on company equipment. Devices can be audited, reviewed, replaced, repaired or investigated, meaning documents you assumed were private may not be as private as you think. Imagine explaining why your updated CV, application forms and interview preparation notes were found on your work laptop.

Awkward at best. Potentially problematic at worst.
Store personal documents on your own laptop or desktop
Use personal cloud storage accounts for CVs and cover letters
Keep job applications away from company devices
Use a personal email address for recruitment and career opportunities
Separate your personal ambitions from company equipment
Good digital habits help protect your privacy and your professional reputation.

Everyone has the right to explore career opportunities. But company equipment is for company business.

Keep the job hunting to your personal mobile, tablet or laptop.

Keeping personal documents separate isn't about hiding anything. It's about maintaining professional boundaries and protecting your privacy. Workplace knowledge is one of the most valuable tools a worker can have. Understanding company policies, employee privacy and workplace expectations can help prevent unnecessary issues before they arise.

You need your union more than you think. Join CWU Manchester Combined: https://cwu-mancom.org/

Earlier this month, young CWU activists from across the country came together for the CWU Young Workers Weekend, an even...
24/06/2026

Earlier this month, young CWU activists from across the country came together for the CWU Young Workers Weekend, an event focused on learning, sharing experiences, and building the future of our union.

The weekend explored what it means to be an effective union representative, the challenges facing our industries, and the vital role young workers play in strengthening the trade union movement. Through discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities, attendees gained practical skills and a deeper understanding of how they can support members in their workplaces.

One of the strongest messages to come from the weekend was the importance of solidarity. Young members from different branches and regions were able to share experiences, discuss common challenges, and learn from one another. It was a reminder that while workplaces may differ, many of the issues workers face are shared, and collective action remains our greatest strength.

The feedback from those who attended was overwhelmingly positive, with many leaving inspired, better informed, and more confident about playing an active role within the CWU.

For us, the message is clear. The future of our union depends on young workers getting involved. Whether you're already active in the branch or considering taking that first step, there has never been a better time to become part of the trade union movement.

If you want to help shape the workplace of tomorrow, get involved today. The more of us who stand together, the stronger our voice and the greater the difference we can make for workers everywhere.

Join CWU Manchester Combined and help us make a difference for tomorrow: https://cwu-mancom.org/

We're back for another 'What should you know' episode.Most workplace conversations now happen on Microsoft Teams, Slack ...
22/06/2026

We're back for another 'What should you know' episode.

Most workplace conversations now happen on Microsoft Teams, Slack and internal messaging systems.

That can make it easy to forget one important fact: Just because a message feels private doesn't mean it is.

If you wouldn't be comfortable reading the message out in a disciplinary meeting, think twice before sending it.

Many workplace communication platforms retain messages for long periods of time. Depending on company policies, messages may be reviewed during grievances, disciplinary investigations, complaints, data requests or legal proceedings.

A quick rant about a colleague. A sarcastic comment about a manager. A joke that seemed harmless at the time. Months later, those messages can look very different when viewed without context.

The reality is that workplace chat systems are designed for business communication, not private conversations.

👉 Keep workplace conversations professional
👉 Avoid discussing colleagues, managers or workplace disputes on company platforms
👉 Be mindful of tone, humour and sarcasm in written messages
👉 Remember that screenshots can be taken and messages can be retained
👉 Treat every message as though it could be reviewed at a later date

Professional conversations protect professional reputations.

One of the biggest mistakes workers make is assuming Teams or Slack is the same as WhatsApp. It isn't. The moment you type on a company platform, you're communicating on company property.

A few extra seconds of thought before pressing send can save a lot of stress later.
Good union advice is about more than representation. It's about helping members navigate modern workplaces, understand workplace policies and avoid preventable problems.

👉 You need us more than you think: https://cwu-mancom.org/

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