September meeting cancelled
Posted: 26
We are cancelling the September meeting, we’re looking to rearrange the date and will let our members know when we have more news.
Branch News
On capability measurement
Posted: 16
I asked google gemini, “Is there a law that requires an employer to judge poor performance against a standard minimum level?” and supplemented it with, “what about section 98 of the Employment Relations Act?”
It replied in detail, although qualifying its advice as being from an AI and not from a lawyer. This answer…
Documenting Congress 26
Posted: 14
At tonight’s Branch meeting, Dave Levy will present a verbal report of Congress 26. (I plan to convert it onto my normal substantial written report.)
Viewing the following web sites, may help to understand the Congress, see GMB Congress 2026 for the documents and GMB Congress Playlist @ YouTube for the video record.
What can companions do?
Posted: 16
I had reason to look up the legally granted powers of ‘workers companions’. These are defined in Employment Relations Act 1999, §10 which says,
The employer must permit the worker’s companion to —
a) address the hearing in order to do any or all of the following—
- (i) put the worker’s case;
- (ii)…
Gary Smith re-elected as GS.
Posted: 1
Over the Spring, the union has been running an election for the role of General Secretary.
The result has been announced on the union’s web site. General Secretary & Treasurer Election 2026 | GMB Union. Gary Smith, the incumbent has been elected unopposed.
We offer our congratulations.
Image: from wikipedia by 23letham
New ‘Getting Started’ Resources Page
Posted: 7
We’ve brought together a handy collection of trusted advice and support to help members understand their rights and get help when they need it. Our new Getting Started page signposts key sources covering employment law, workplace disputes, redundancy, legal support and keeping your union details up to date.
Redundancy Pay
Posted: 26
If being made redundant, and you have the necessary service longevity i.e. more than two years, you are likely to be entitled to a redundancy pay package. This will usually consist of your notice, or the statutory minimum notice which ever is greater, unpaid leave and a tax free redundancy compensation agreement.
This latter payment…
GMB Congress 25
Posted: 9
I was elected to represent the branch and region at GMB’s Congress held in Brighton in June 2025. I have reported in detail on my personal blog, and the list of articles can be found at my blog, tagged gmb25 .
I have written about the debates on our branch motions on Privacy, Immigration…
What are bullying and harassment?
Posted: 18
I think people need reminding, bullying may be defined as, “Offensive, intimidating, malicious or insulting behaviour, an abuse or misuse of power through means that undermine, humiliate, denigrate or injure the recipient.”. This definition is promulgated by ACAS.
Harassment as defined in the Equality Act 2010 ias, “Unwanted conduct related to a relevant protected characteristic,…
New workers protection laws
Posted: 9
At the Regional Council, it was reported that, the following legislative changes came into force in April 2024 which will help make the workplace a fairer space for all:
- Protection from Redundancy (Pregnancy and Family Leave) Act 2023
- Carer’s Leave Act 2023
- Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Act 2023
- Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality…