Overseas Nurses - UNISON initiative starts to bear fruit

UNISON Scotland's Overseas Nurses Network - open to all overseas health workers despite its title - has grown from strength to strength since it was started by Sofi Taylor, UNISON NEC member, early last year.

From an initial attendance of six, the regular meetings now see 40 or 50 overseas healthcare staff coming along to raise problems and listen to speakers on training and employment. Plus UNISON is fighting and winning cases for our colleagues - both in employment and other areas of exploitation.

Recently Matt McLaughlin - UNISON Regional Officer, pursued a recruitment agency back to the Philippines to try and retrieve money illegally demanded from nurses they brought over to Scotland.

UNISON's action and pressure on the Philippines embassy forced the agency to cough up a refund.

Matt says, "Whilst it wasn't the amount that was due - it is significant that UNISON's pressure delivered for these members."

Other cases have involved exorbitant rents being charged to overseas staff by a private company.

Sofi Taylor says. "UNISON can be proud of the work we have started in bringing together workers coming here from abroad. The opportunities for unscrupulous employers and agencies are terrifying. We are providing a counter-balance to that. Somewhere they can bring their problems and get advice and assistance."

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