Advice and support for work-based issues
MiP provides individual advice and representation for members who are having problems at work.
Some of the issues we help members with include:
- Disputes over grading or job evaluation (including the Agenda for Change and Hay systems)
- Unreasonable workloads and working hours
- Sick leave and ill-health benefits
- Unsafe or unhealthy working conditions
- Refusal of annual leave, special leave or carers leave
- Problems arranging maternity leave and accessing maternity rights
- Disputes over responsibilities and changes to job descriptions
Over the coming months, we will be publishing more detailed advice on understanding and responding to common problems at work. Please look out for our weekly member emails to be notified of the updates.
Talk things through
Many problems at work are down to mistakes or misunderstandings. Try discussing your problem informally with your line manager or HR if you can. Draw their attention to any relevant policies or terms in your contract. If they promise to help, give them a reasonable amount of time to resolve the problem – but keep checking on progress regularly.
If you are unable to resolve matters informally, and want 1:1 support, please email memberadvice@miphealth.org.uk.
You can't have too much information
It will usually be easier and quicker to resolve your case if everyone is clear about the terms of your contract and what policies apply. Make sure you check the wording of your contract and that your job description is up to date. Gather together any relevant local policies or procedures. If you want 1:1 support, please email memberadvice@miphealth.org.uk.
It will help if you have all the relevant information. Keep copies of any relevant emails or letters from your employer or colleagues, and make a note of any phone or face-to-face conversations relevant to your case.
In some cases, it's a good idea to keep a diary, recording the hours you worked, working conditions, what work you did, contact with managers and colleagues and so on – anything that might be relevant to your case.
Discrimination
If you believe your problem may be the result of discrimination by your employer or a colleague, contact your national officer for advice as soon as possible. In legal terms, discrimination is unfair treatment on the grounds of a protected characteristic (sex, race, sexual orientation, age, disability or gender identification). You can also visit our Discrimination & Equality page for further advice.
Pensions & retirement
MiP reps and national officers are not able to offer 1:1 pensions or retirement advice.
If you have a pensions or retirement query, Lighthouse Finance offer a free initial consultation to MiP members or you can raise your issue with NHS Pensions. You can also try emailing your query to UNISON’s pensions unit.
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