Retiring Chair Mairi Murray (left) with Flora Somerville, recent UNISON Local Area Organiser at the 2017 AGM

Get help staying warm this winter 


With rising fuel costs and another cold winter many members are worried about how they’re going to pay this year’s winter fuel bills. Help is at hand. “There for you” has set up a limited fund to help UNISON members on low income by way of a one off payment of up to £60.


To apply and download the application form visit www.unison.org.uk/thereforyou (opens in a new page) download the application form and Q&A or simply contact UNISON Direct on 0800 0857 857 between 6am and midnight Mon-Fri and 9am - 4pm Saturday.

UNISON Western Isles Health Branch

Welcome to our branch website UNISON represents over 450 staff in NHS Western Isles, including nurses, AHPs, health care assistants, administration staff, porters, ambulance staff and estates staff.

We negotiate for better pay and conditions, 

support training initiatives, help individuals 

in trouble and campaign for a safer, fairer 

society.

We have workplace stewards in many areas, see our About Us page for a list of who does what and where.

On our Links page you can connect to other UNISON sites.

NHS Pay and Conditions of Service 2018

See the Pay Journey Tool 

This tool can be used to show how your basic pay will change during the transitional period to the new pay system.

Are you a Healthcare Student? See the fantastic deal available

Tax Relief on UNISON Membership

If you work in a clinical role, you may be able to claim tax relief on your UNISON membership fees, Click here for FAQs and links (opens in a new window)

Student Nurse? Find out about the benefits being a UNISON member can bring you: https://www.unison.org.uk/at-work/health-care/representing-you/nursing/student-nurses/

Supporting Hebridean Pride

Chris Ann, Michelle and Janet took part in the Hebridean Pride event on the 1st June by having a UNISON recruitment stall. We were the only Trade Union present at the event and we highlighted the UNISON commitment to fighting discrimination and prejudice in the workplace on behalf of all its members. We did not let the rain dampen our spirits.

Watty Gaffney and Lynn Sheridan came up from Glasgow to support the Branch during this event and, despite the downpour, had a great day. Videos from the day have been shared on Twitter, Facebook, UNISON Scotland, Equality Network and much much more, thanks to Watty with his communication contacts and to Lynn.


We had a good amount of interest at the stall, handed out over a dozen membership forms, distributed some LGBT freebies, provided advice to members during the day, had fun and met some lovely people along the way.


This was UNISON’s first ever “outside” event, and despite the rain, we would be happy to do this again.

Membership Services


Most people join and stay in UNISON to get the best representation and support at work when they need it. But UNISON members also receive superb membership benefits - you could save the cost of your subscription many times over.

For a comprehensive list of the superb offers available please visit the national UNISON website: http://www.unison.org.uk/benefits/index.asp

Looking for information about pensions?

UNISON have a dedicated website:

https://www.pensionsscotland.org/nhs.html

UNISON Western Isles 

Health Branch 

We represent members working for NHS Western Isles. Branch members have access to a local network of branch officers, stewards and health & safety reps, with full time professional support, legal services, fringe benefits and all the power of the UK's largest union.

On this site you can contact the branch, ask questions, check out benefits, policies and conditions, join us, update your existing details, get leaflets and posters and get regular news updates.


For lots more information and news visit the UNISON Scotland site at:

http://www.unison-scotland.org

Annual General Meeting 

The AGM on Thursday 21st March at 3:00pm in the Lecture Theatre, Clinical Skills area, Western Isles Hospital had video links to St Brendans, and Uist & Barra Hospital. Our guest speaker was Stephen Smellie, Vice Convenor of UNISON Scotland who spoke movingly of the tremendous difference that UNISON Scotland makes to the working lives of NHS and other public service employees.

He also congratulated the Branch on getting their proposed motions onto the preliminary agenda for National Delegate Conference in Liverpool, June 2019