UNISON is the union that represents all ambulance staff – no matter what your role is. From mechanics and technicians to paramedics, control room staff, and administration teams, we are united in our mission to make things better for every member.
Our East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) branch understands the unique challenges you face in your work. We know the pressure you’re under, whether it’s from low pay that doesn’t reflect the vital work you do, organisational change, recruitment challenges, or the rising issue of violence against staff. But you don’t have to face these challenges alone – UNISON is here to support you.
As the union that’s fighting for ambulance staff, we’re working tirelessly to create real improvements and make a tangible difference in your working life. Here’s just some of what we’ve achieved:
- Better Pay for Paramedics: We led negotiations that successfully moved paramedics from Band 5 to Band 6, ensuring they’re paid fairly for the vital work they do. That wouldn’t have happened without UNISON.
- Mental Health Support: We’ve put mental health at the forefront by partnering with NHS employers and ambulance services to create the “HeadFirst” online hub, offering support to protect your mental health and well-being.
- Fair Pay and Entitlements: We’re campaigning to ensure that all ambulance staff receive the pay they are rightfully entitled to, including holiday and sick pay.
- Career Development: We’re pushing for proper career development opportunities, allowing you to grow your knowledge and access new training to further develop your skills.
- Professional Support and Representation: As a UNISON member, you gain access to our Professional Services Unit, which provides full representation for paramedics, student paramedics, and other regulated roles. We handle your case from start to finish, giving you the peace of mind that you’re supported throughout.
- Improving Banding for Roles: We’re committed to fighting for better banding across all roles. We are proud to announce that after months of hard work and collaboration between the UNISON EMAS branch and EMAS, we’ve secured the introduction of a new Band 4 job description for Emergency Medical Assistants (EMAs), alongside an updated Band 3 role. This win acknowledges the evolving responsibilities of EMAs, including mentoring and the implementation of Pathways.
- Ongoing Banding Campaigns: We’re also campaigning for improved banding for Patient Transport Service (PTS) staff, Urgent Care assistants (UCA), Ambulance support crews (ASC), Emergency Care Assistants (ECA), and more. We’re working to ensure all staff are in the right roles with the right pay to reflect their hard work and responsibilities.
On top of that, UNISON membership includes all the benefits you’d expect – from discounts on holidays and insurance, to free legal advice and hardship grants.
Your concerns are our concerns. Join UNISON today and add your voice to ours. Be part of the union that gets results. Be part of the largest union in the UK, serving more than 1.3 million members.