68 is too late - important campaign update

The union’s long-running campaign to lower the retirementage for operational grades gets a new boost today (Wednesday).  Following the recent members’ survey, to which there was over 3,000 responses, there is now a new chance to put the views of POA members directly to government.  Click on the QR code in the members’ communication issued today to access automatically generated emails for you to send to the key government offices.  GS Steve Gillan and AGS Andy Baxter explain what is happening and why – and why the union will simply not let this issue go.  More info at poauk.org.uk

Drone incursions into airspace above prisons has risen sharply, meaning an increased supply of contraband and an increased level of danger for POA members.  In this episode National Chair Mark Fairhurst discusses the steps being taken by the union to push back against the drones and their dangerous cargo.  He also sets out the problems of the government’s current approach and the steps the union wants them to take - and describes what members and local reps can do to aid the campaign.  More info at poauk.org.uk

In the first episode of a new POA podcast venture, national chair Mark Fairhurst takes questions from POA members and reps. The first Mark knows of the subject matter is when the question is read out to him on the show. This time round Mark is grilled on pensions, support for branch officers, changes to overseas’ nationals’ right to work in the UK and where his football loyalties lie. Members from Belmarsh to New Hall, Nottingham to Dumfries have their say - isn’t it time you had yours? Email your question to [email protected]

In the latest POA podcast, National Chair Mark Fairhurst sets out the process for submitting and securing the union's pay claim through the Prison Service Pay Review Body. Mark decries the deficiencies in the employer's approach and the jeopardy facing approximately 2000 officers affected by the government's changes to the level of income needed to remain in the UK as a working overseas national. More details at poauk.org.uk.

General Secretary Steve Gillan reviews a successful Trades Union Congress for the union, and looks forward to the challenge and opportunity of his election to the TUC Presidency, including mobilising against Reform and the far right.  TUC Assistant General Secretary Kate Bell offers insights into the role and importance of the President. More information at poauk.org.uk

In this episode, we get the inside track on a great "win" for the union - 147 members at Gatwick IRC were found to have had their employment rights breached when the employer, Serco, imposed a pay deal in 2023 rather than continuing negotiations with the POA. Featuring Gatwick IRC Branch Secretary Heran Limbachia, Iain Birrell from Thomson's solicitors, GS Steve Gillan, DGS Mick Pimblett and National Chair Mark Fairhurst. More details at poauk.org.uk.

Since 2023, Chesterton Grant has been providing expert advice to union members on mortgages, pensions and estate planning – all subjects where a little help can make a big difference.Steve Wright leads for Chesterton Grant on pensions and estate planning, and Dave Rooney who is responsible for the company’s work on mortgages, set out why this should be of interest to many if not all POA members.More information poauk.org.uk/our-union/member-benefits/financial-services/

National Chair Mark Fairhurst reviews Labour's first year in office. What progress has been made on key POA concerns and what is left to be done? Spoiler alert - the dial has been turned in a positive direction, but there is still a long way to go. More information at poauk.org.uk

POA members will probably be familiar with POA Protect, the organisation that partners with the union to provide a wide range of members’ services and benefits.  But how well doyou know what those services are and what benefit they could be not just to members but to their families too?  In this episode Alison from POA Protect gives us the inside track on just what is available. You may be pleasantly surprised. More information here. Join the union at poauk.org.uk/join

New research work by trainee Forensic on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) was unveiled at the union’s recent annual conference.  Out of a survey size of 400, a frightening 51.7% were found to be exhibiting signs of PTSD.   In this episode report author and trainee ForensicPsychologist Laura Wright tells us more about the report’s findings, what an appropriate response might look like and how to know if you may be carrying the symptoms of PTSD. To access support for PTSD speak to your GP or EAP provider.For urgent help, call Samaritans on 116 123. Further information and advice isavailable from PTSD UK (https://www.ptsduk.org)Lifelines Prison Service (https://www.lifelines.scot/prison-service)Hub of Hope (https://hubofhope.co.uk)To learn more about the union's work on this issue, visit poauk.org.uk