The Workers of England Union believes firmly in freedom of expression, a right protected by law.
Disciplinary action must always be evidence-based, proportionate, and corrective, not punitive or symbolic. Working people deserve representation that does not collapse under media pressure or political fashion.
The Workers of England Union will not shy away from members who need support, especially when that support is uncomfortable, unpopular, or inconvenient.
Had Mrs Batchelor been defended by an independent trade union such as the Workers of England Union, one prepared to challenge the assumptions of the NMC, the outcome may well have been different. Our record demonstrates consistent and robust support for members facing regulatory and employer overreach.
A Warning, Not Just a Case
This case is not solely about one nurse in Birmingham. It is about every NHS worker with a social media account. Healthcare assistants, porters, cleaners, nurses, paramedics, and administrators all hold personal views that may fall outside politically approved narratives.
Today the focus is on immigration and religion. Tomorrow it could be industrial action, government policy, or criticism of regulators themselves.
If the boundary between professional conduct and personal belief is erased, no worker is truly safe. This concern reflects wider patterns examined by the union around disciplinary overreach and freedom of expression in the workplace.
Conclusion
The Workers of England Union condemns the striking off of Roberta Batchelor as excessive, unjust, and politically driven. It represents a clear failure of proportionality and a serious threat to fundamental freedoms.
Workers need an independent trade union willing to stand up for them when doing so is difficult. Defending rights does not mean endorsing every opinion, but it does mean defending the right to express those opinions without fear of disproportionate punishment.
If you want protection from a trade union that puts workers before institutions, the Workers of England Union exists to do exactly that. Talk to your colleagues.
Stay organised. Join us.
Statement from the Workers of England Union
Stephen Morris, General Secretary of the Workers of England Union, stated:
“Independent representation matters most when pressure is at its highest. Workers must never be sacrificed to satisfy political narratives or institutional convenience. The WEU will continue to defend proportionality, fairness, and the fundamental rights of working people.”
References
- Nursing and Midwifery Council disciplinary procedures.
- UK Equality and Human Rights Commission guidance on freedom of expression.
- Workers of England Union policy on proportionality and representation.
