Croydon, May 2026 — Croydon Health Services NHS Trust has unveiled plans for a new “Management Passport” development programme, aimed at strengthening the skills, confidence and professional recognition of operational and administrative managers. While the initiative has been broadly welcomed by UNISON as a positive investment in staff development, the union has also outlined a series of concerns and safeguards it says are essential to ensure the programme succeeds without unintended consequences.
Today we have sent the following letter to Matthew Kershaw, our CEO to ask him to ensure Croydon Health Services NHS trust to ask for his help to fulfil the promise of flexible working for everyone.
One of the most common questions members ask is whether they must tell their manager the reason they are off sick. The short answer is:
No — employees are not legally required to disclose their specific medical condition to their employer.
A UNISON member with a recognised disability has secured a vital workplace victory after the Trust failed to follow its own policies, wrongly directing her down an inappropriate procedure and leaving the organisation exposed to potential claims of disability discrimination. Following decisive union intervention, the member has now been granted 100% home‑working in line with professional medical advice.
UNISON has welcomed the Employment Rights Act 2025 as one of the most significant advances in workers’ rights for a generation. The Act received Royal Assent in December 2025 and will be implemented in phases between 2025 and 2027.
Croydon Health Services NHS Trust (CHS) has introduced a new Sickness and Attendance Management Policy (Version 3, December 2025) following a short consultation with trade unions. While UNISON provided detailed feedback and highlighted significant concerns, the Trust made only minor amendments before publishing the policy.
From 20th November to 20th December 2025, we mark UK Disability History Month – a time to celebrate the achievements of disabled people, raise awareness of the barriers they face, and promote equality in the workplace and beyond.
External consultants are reviewing admin and clerical roles at Croydon University Hospital, aiming to cut costs. UNISON is concerned this could mean job losses or restructuring. We’ve launched a short, confidential survey to hear your views and guide our response.
Croydon University Hospital UNISON Branch has secured a major win for Healthcare Support Workers (HCSWs) through a new agreement with Croydon Health Services NHS Trust. Following months of negotiation, qualifying HCSWs will be regraded to Band 3 and receive backpay from 1st August 2021. Payments are expected in October or November. The agreement recognises the increased complexity of HCSW roles and ensures fair pay for their contributions. Staff can opt to remain in Band 2 without losing backpay eligibility. UNISON played a key role in achieving this outcome, demonstrating the power of collective action and partnership working.