Pakistan Flood Appeal

On 23 August UNISON nationally donated £10,000 to the Pakistan Flood Appeal and urged branches to follow suit. UNISON president Angela Lynes commented:

"The recent floods in Pakistan are probably the worst humanitarian disaster in the UN's history because so many millions of people are affected. The international community must respond faster and more generously if more lives are not to be lost ... thousands are dying needlessly from preventable diseases and millions more are without food or shelter."

The Reading Borough UNISON Executive Committee this week approved a motion for our branch to donate £500 to the same Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) appeal to help alleviate the awful human tragedy caused by the flooding.

To find out more about the DEC and the Pakistan flood appeal, or if you would like to make a personal donation, please visit: www.dec.org.uk/

Save NHS Direct!

An online petition has been launched as part of a campaign to save NHS Direct after the coalition government revealed plans to replace it with a cut-price service staffed by non-medical workers.

The coalition plan to roll out the non-emergency "111" service nationally once trials had been completed in Nottingham, Lincolnshire and Luton.

Around 11,600 have signed the petition so far. Cameron has previously promised a Commons debate on any petition that receives 100,000 signatures.

Please sign the petition and encourage others to do so at: www.savenhsdirect.co.uk/

Introducing Moneyway: Unison’s new Personal Loan provider!

When members enquire about taking out a personal loan with Moneyway, you’ll be met by a friendly, experienced team who will offer advice that is specific to your needs explaining your options clearly and carefully. This ensures that no only do they lend responsibly but any loan offered is at a level that you can comfortably afford to repay.

Moneyway offer an unsecured lending facility for almost any purpose, ranging from home improvements to holidays, that once in a lifetime special occasion to consolidating any other lending. Members can apply for personal loans to £500 to £15,000 with each loan tailored to your individual circumstances to ensure you are offered the best rate available with Moneyway.

· Loans available from £500 - £15,000*
· Term 1 – 5 years
· Unsecured lending only (i.e. your home is not used as security)
· We don’t borrow from other banks
· Same day decisions in most cases

So why not give them a call now on 08451 117 113** (opening hours 9am – 7pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 1pm Saturday) or for further information visit our website at www.moneyway.co.uk/unison.

* Terms & conditions apply. Loans subject to status. Available to UK residents 18 years and over.

** Calls may be recorded and monitored for quality and training purposes.

Loans provided by Secure Trust Bank plc.

Learn Something New:

CREDIT CRUNCH COOKERY

FREE FUN COURSE
TEACHES YOU COOKERY ON A TIGHT BUDGET

4pm - 6pm: Monday 18th January
until Monday 22nd February

In Six Two Hour Sessions In Our fantastic Teaching Kitchens At:
NEW DIRECTIONS SOUTH READING

This course is open to UNISON members only. We will ask you for a deposit of £20, which is fully refundable on completion of the course.

Limited Availability
To secure a place or to find out more please contact the branch office:

Ext. 72890 / Unison@reading.gov.uk

Free 2010 Diaries!

As an early Christmas present, the branch has a number of UNISON 2010 diaries to give away to our members FREE on a first-come first-served basis.

The diaries are pocket sized, leather, and are burgundy coloured with gold trim.

If you are a member of this branch of UNISON and would like a free diary, please email unison@reading.gov.uk, quoting ‘UNISON 2010 Diary’ in the subject line, and giving your work address where the diary can be posted.

We anticipate high demand for these, so email soon to avoid disappointment!

Membership Benefits Event

The branch is holding an event to advertise the full benefits of UNISON membership:

12.30 - 2 : Monday 14th December

Kennet Room : Civic Centre

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Representatives from Thompson's Solicitors, UIA insurance, Britannia Building Society, Frizzell Financial Services, and Lealta (administrators of the UNISON discount card,) along with Branch Officers, Stewards, H&S Reps, and ULRs, will all be there to talk about the membership services and the substantial discounts available to UNISON members.

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Free Tea, Coffee, Orange Juice, and Mince Pies

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The event is open to all RBC employees - members and non-members alike. Come along and find out how UNISON can save you money.