Nationally, as 2024 comes to an end, it is a difficult time for services in local authorities due to funding and Solihull is no exception. The increasing needs that people require such as our elders in the community and in care homes, the stresses and pressures that are inflicted on families which can impact children including those with additional needs and the needs of others in our communities who are particularly vulnerable especially those with disabilities, who all need support.

The workers who are there to ensure that everyone who needs support are able to receive it are also under pressure due to reduced resources and the same strain in trying to make ends meet.

At Solihull UNISON branch, we have enabled workers to organise and ensure that in workplaces they feel supported and safe in order to carry out the essential roles that they do. Whether it is Children’s Services, Adult Services, support staff in schools, housing and homeless teams and every branch of local government including those working in private companies delivering services on behalf of the local authority, workers who are in UNISON have strived to improve working conditions through stewards and branch officers but ultimately through their own actions.

Let us celebrate what we have collectively achieved and for 2025, let us imagine what can exist that doesn’t exist in 2024, both nationally and internationally. No matter who is in government, it is up to all of us in trade unions to make the argument and take action for change, so that we can all prosper and not just a few. The union is us and we are all the union.

Merry Christmas and a Peaceful New Year.