Unison

Andy Burnham is poised to become the UK’s next prime minister after securing the backing of the largest union, Unison, and mathematically guaranteeing victory in Labour’s leadership contest with 349 nominations from lawmakers. He will replace Keir Starmer, who resigned amid internal pressure, and aims to prioritize economic growth and power decentralization.

Andy Burnham is leading the Labour leadership contest with 349 nominations, securing support from the Unison union, and is poised to become the UK's next prime minister. He requires backing from two more Labour-affiliated organizations to finalize his leadership bid.

Unions, including Unison, are pressuring the Labour Party to shift left by demanding public sector pay increases and a reversal of immigration policies. A Unison leader linked potential funding for Labour to these policy changes and higher pay for public sector workers.

Labour-supporting unions predict Keir Starmer will not lead the party into the next general election, citing the need for a new plan and leader. The unions, including Unite, Unison, and the GMB, are expected to issue a joint statement on the matter. This prediction comes after a damaging few days for the prime minister.

Migrant care workers and the Labour-affiliated Unison union are launching a mass leafleting campaign in Shabana Mahmood’s Birmingham constituency to oppose a planned immigration policy change that would extend settlement wait times for migrants. The campaign marks the first time Unison is lobbying en masse against a key Labour policy, citing adverse impacts on migrant care workers who make up a significant portion of the NHS workforce.