The conference opened with a robust debate on how to combat the rise of Reform UK. Delegates warned that the party’s anti-worker policies would hit young people hardest, while its health policies would further disadvantage disabled people at work and in accessing support.
Speakers expressed their fears about Reform-run councils alongside concerns over the Labour government’s decision to withdraw day one protections against unfair dismissal from the Employment Rights Bill. Santhosh Kumar highlighted the divisive rhetoric around migration, warning that rising salary thresholds risk trapping people in modern slavery, and stressed that “UNISON is the real defence for workers, not division and hate.”
Equality and inclusion ran throughout the conference. Northern Ireland delegates moved a motion on championing young members with hidden disabilities, with one speaker telling conference,“I may not read the room, but I will always address the elephant in the room.” Others pointed to the positive impact of Access to Work support when it is properly implemented. Sarah Walsh from the East Midlands moved a motion on tackling gender-based violence and harassment within the trade union movement, arguing that “before we fix a problem, first we have to face it.”
Intersectionality was a defining theme, with motions passed on growing the national A-spec network, supporting trans people following the recent Supreme Court ruling, developing the young Black members network and improving paternity leave for young single fathers. The union also committed to tackling pay discrimination – an issue several delegates said they still experience, despite 50 years of the Equal Pay Act.
Two emergency motions addressed rising hostility and fear-mongering. One focused on the scapegoating of migrant workers, with Maria telling delegates how constant rule changes had put her future at risk despite working and paying taxes in the UK. Another condemned the new manifestations of antisemitism following the attack on Heaton Park synagogue, stressing that opposing racism is “not a zero-sum game.”
General secretary Christina McAnea told conference the government must improve its messaging and clearly explain how it is helping workers, including through the Employment Rights Bill, which she said must receive Royal Assent by January. She urged young members to be brave and ambitious, reminding them they are not limited to young members’ roles alone. Marking the UN International Day of Solidarity with Palestine, she welcomed Marwan Yaghi from the Palestinian Mission, who thanked young members for speaking out about Palestinian liberation.
Delegates also heard from UNISON president Catherine McKenna, who praised their leadership and invited them to engage with a new low-paid women’s network launching in 2026. She presented the Eric Roberts Awards, which celebrates young activists from across the union.
Closing the conference, young members’ network co-chair Rebecca Bushnell reported growing engagement among young members, while noting there is still room to expand organisation and leadership across UNISON’s branches. “Young members are a force to be reckoned with,” she said, a message which echoed throughout the Brighton conference.
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