ETUC

The baby bust and why it matters for England’s economy

England’s baby bust is not just cultural, it’s fiscal, structural, and urgent. England and Wales’ total fertility rate fell to a record low of 1.44 children per woman in 2023, well below the 2.1 replacement…

Finding Joy in Your Work Again

For many of us, work is more than just a way to pay the bills. It’s a source of identity, purpose, and pride. But what happens when that sense of satisfaction fades? When the job…

Selling Off Our Green Future:

The Government’s Attack on Allotments Angela Rayner, in her role as Housing Secretary and Deputy Prime Minister, has quietly approved the sale of at least eight allotment sites since Labour entered government. A move that…

Health & Wellbeing 04/08/2025

Lived experiences

Event review – Great North Swim Run on Windermere Ever been tempted to have a go? Is cold water swimming for you? Run, swim and a United Spirit – A SwimRun to Remember on Windermere…

Driving Rules Are Changing in 2025:

A Guidance for WEU members Major changes are coming to UK roads in 2025. These include updates to licensing for older drivers, tax changes for electric vehicles, new commercial driving standards, and safety measures. Whether…

Understanding Harassment in the Workplace:

A Guide for WEU Members Every worker deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. Harassment and bullying, in any form, undermine the values of fairness, equality and safety that Trade Unions fight to protect….

Improving working lives 25/07/2025

How to Impress Your Boss and Get That Promotion – Some tips for WEU Members wanting to get promoted.

Most of us work to support ourselves and our families, but we want to feel like we are getting somewhere at work as well. However, at times when a colleague is promoted, we will wonder…

Call‑Centres Returning to England: Why Now and Why Does the WEU campaign for them to returned?

Part 2 – Reshoring Call‑Centre Jobs to England*: The Latest Stats & Insights How Many Call‑Centre Roles Are Offshore? Nearly half of UK companies (48%) now outsource business functions abroad, a 41% increase since the…

The History of Voting in England: A Timeline of Democracy – Part 1

(The following article will discuss – Should 16-Year-Olds Be Allowed to Vote? – Part 2) The story of voting in England is one of gradual, hard-won change, a centuries-long battle to expand political rights from…

Voting at 16? Not Before We Fix the System?

The idea of lowering the voting age to 16 has been gaining traction in recent years, especially among those who argue that young people should have a say in shaping their future. While this instinct…

Call‑Centres Returning to England: Why Now and Why Does the WEU campaign for them to returned?

Part 1- Brief overview A wave of UK businesses appear to be bringing call‑centre and distribution jobs back from overseas. Is this true and are there benefits to the workers of England if this happens?…

Hosepipe Bans Across England: A Guidance on What is Happening and Why

As of July 2025, hosepipe bans are being enforced or announced across large parts of England due to severe water shortages. Affected areas include: · Yorkshire Water – Ban in effect from 11 July, covering…

Hiring Local: Good for Workers, Business, and Communities.

Hiring local people isn’t just a moral choice, it’s a practical one. Whether you’re a small business, a public sector employer, or a large organisation with a regional footprint, recruiting locally has clear, measurable benefits…

Why the WEU Campaigns to Abolish the Barnett Formula

The Case Against the Barnett Formula Dear Member, Since the foundation of the Workers of England Union, we have campaigned relentlessly for the revision and ultimately the removal of the Barnett Formula. From the outset,…