ETUC

Workers of England: the only trade union for critical thinkers.

Bu Niall McCrae It always comes as a nasty surprise. You are called into the manager’s office and on entering you find a serious-looking person sitting there with a file open. It’s the HR officer,…

Understanding the Impact of Student Fees on Students Living in England

The debate over student fees is not new, but for students in England the financial burden is growing heavier each year. While higher education is often presented as a gateway to opportunity, the reality for…

Why Do We Set Goals?

At some point, everyone hears that “you should set goals.” But not everyone stops to ask why. Why does it matter? Why write them down? Why put effort into chasing them? Setting goals is more…

“Who’s on Your Team? The Three Thinking Styles at Work”

Alphas, Betas, and Gammas Explained Every workplace brings together people who think and act in different ways. This mix of approaches can be frustrating at times, but it is also the secret ingredient that makes…

England’s Water Crisis: Drought, Floods and the Need for Urgent Reform

England continues in the grip of a water crisis now officially declared “nationally significant.” After seven months of below-average rainfall and repeated heatwaves, rivers, reservoirs and aquifers have dropped to critical levels. Five regions are…

Uncategorized 10/09/2025

“Switch Off to Sleep Better”

Digital Detox before Bed Struggling to get a good night’s sleep? You’re not alone. Phones, tablets, and laptops are now constant companions, but taking them to bed could be the very thing stopping you from…

Part 2 – The Case For the Four-Day Week

The call for a four-day working week is not some utopian fantasy. It grows out of a long history of trade union struggles to shorten hours and improve the quality of life for working people….

Part 1 – What Is the Four-Day Week and Why Is It Being Discussed?

The idea of the four-day working week has moved from a fringe experiment to a mainstream debate. Across the world, businesses and governments are trialling shorter working weeks in response to pressure from workers and…

Prioritising Ergonomics (Healthy Working Practices) for a Safer, More Efficient Workplace

For many workers, the word “ergonomics” sounds like jargon best left to office managers or health and safety advisors. But the truth is, ergonomics or to put it more simply, healthy working practices affects every…

Uncategorized 01/09/2025

State Pension: A Raw Deal for Working People, Can You Really Live on It?

The government announced that the State Pension increased by 8.5% in April 2025, giving those entitled to the full amount £221.20 a week. This is around £11,500 a year. Government Ministers point to the “triple…

Health & Wellbeing 28/08/2025

Health & Wellbeing: Building Better Daily Habits

Living a healthier life isn’t about extreme diets or gruelling gym sessions, it’s about small, consistent changes that fit into your day. The habits below can help you boost energy, improve mood, and stay strong…

TV Licences, Rising Costs, and BBC Salaries: What WEU Members Need to Know

What Does a TV Licence Cover in 2025? Your licence still covers you for: All TV channels (BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Dave, and international channels) Pay TV services (Sky, Virgin, EE TV) Live TV on…

Coping with Change in the Workplace

Change is a fact of life. Whether it’s a shift in shift patterns, a restructure, or the introduction of new technology, workplaces are rarely static. For many of us, change brings uncertainty and that can…

Building Resilience: Skills for Thriving at Work

Resilience is a word often used in the workplace. It isn’t about “putting up with” whatever gets thrown at you, it’s about adapting, recovering, and even finding ways to grow when things get tough. In…