News - SWU Social Workers Union

Social Workers Union (SWU) and ITV News Social Work Survey - accompanied by a photo of rusty swings in a muddy, empty playground

Dec 05

Social workers report poverty crisis for children

The cost-of-living crisis has led to a third of UK social workers witnessing child removals in the past three years where poverty or financial poverty has been a key factor.

"Grief in the Workplace" written by Dr Neil Thompson - A Social Workers Union (SWU) blog for National Grief Awareness Week | 2-8 December 2024 | "Shine a light on people, places, and projects" by the Good Grief Trust

Dec 03

National Grief Awareness Week 2024: Grief in the Workplace

Grief is generally seen as a private and personal matter and therefore tends not to be associated with public domains like the workplace.

SASW & SWU - social workers for: equality, social justice, human rights, diversity, empowerment, communities

Dec 02

Anti-Racism and Anti-Fascism Rally 2024

SWU and SASW marched together under one banner to show that there is no room for racism or fascism in Scotland.

International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People

Nov 29

In Solidarity with the Palestinian People

As a human rights-based profession, we cannot stay silent. The ongoing violent escalation in the region cannot be allowed to become normalised.

Nov 28

Dog whistle narratives – xenophobia

People moving is a fact of life – we always have, and always will. It’s time those who hold positions of power in this country recognised that.

Trans Day of Remembrance - November 20th, 2024

Nov 20

Trans Day of Remembrance, 20 November 2024

Today we honour the lives of all the trans and non-binary people who have been killed by anti-transgender violence and discrimination.

SWU General Secretary John McGowan and SWU National Organiser & Union Contact Manager Jessie Hoskin shaking hands in front of the SWU office in Birmingham

Nov 14

Meet Jessie Hoskin, SWU’s new National Organiser and Union Contact Manager

I’m looking forward to developing our activist members’ confidence, skills, and networks. Now more than ever we need members to play an active part in their union so consider becoming a SWU Union Contact.

John McGowan, SWU General Secretary, said, “I am delighted to have this formal recognition with HNYICB. SWU will be a great addition to the formal bargaining group and I look forward to hearing how this progresses.”

Nov 12

SWU gains formal recognition with HNYICB

We are pleased to announce that SWU has gained formal trade union recognition with the Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (HNYICB).

The logos of the Social Workers Union (SWU) Campaign Fund and the Scottish Association of Social Work (SASW) next to a photo of the Scottish Parliament Building

Oct 29

Progress in Scottish students’ campaign welcomed

Social work students campaigning for bursaries while working on placements in the public sector have welcomed promises made by the Scottish Government, but warned that more still needs to be done.

"SWU and SASW will work together with our members and colleagues in professional bodies, other unions, and affiliates to accomplish sustainable changes which go beyond pay and help create a working environment that not only is effective in supporting our citizens, but offers a healthy and sustainable career." - Alison Bavidge, SASW National Director & John McGowan, SWU General Secretary

Oct 25

One Deal for Social Work campaign reaches 1000 signatures

SWU is thrilled that this call for fair terms and conditions in Scotland has reached such a huge milestone and we urge everyone to sign the petition.