Regional Service Groups

Water in the North West

UNISON members in the water industry include engineers, scientists, technicians, industrial workers and staff working in offices and call centres.

They deliver a safe and wholesome drinking water supply, maintain the sewerage system, provide a wide range of customer services and staff the phone lines for emergency calls from the public.

Working in the water industry can be hazardous, so our first concern is good health and safe working for everyone, whether you work at a treatment plant or a sewage works or in an office or a call centre. Pay and conditions, pensions, training, company reorganisations are just some of the issues we pursue through the negotiating and consultative bodies we have set up with water companies.

We believe that all our members should be able to develop professionally and personally while achieving a satisfactory balance between work and home lives. People should be able to work in an environment that is free of discrimination, bullying or harassment. We negotiate policies and procedures with the companies on these issues.

Regional Water and Environment Service Group

Within the NW Region Water and Environment Service Group, we represent members within the water industry working for United Utilities and associated companies, plus members within the Environment Agency. We cover a wide spectrum of issues across both the public and the private sector.

Constant reorganisation is a key issue affecting all our members, whether that be internal change, government budgetary restraints or via outsourcing. We meet as a Group four times a year to discuss and address the issues that affect our members across the Service Group. We work to address the issues relating to the Region locally, and progress the wider, national issues to the national Service Group Executive.

UNISON is the largest union recognised by the Environment Agency, therefore we take the lead role on all negotiations and employment related issues, both within NW Region and nationally. We have members across the workforce from administrative, technical, professional and scientific jobs to our Operations Delivery workers. Among UNISON's priorities for Environment Agency members are workplace health and safety, pay and conditions, diversity equality and access to good workplace training and development.

UNISON members within the water industry in the North West include engineers, scientists, technicians, industrial workers, plus staff working in offices and call centres. Working in the water industry can be hazardous, so health and safety at work is a key issue. Pay and conditions, pensions, training, reorganisations are just some of the issues we pursue through the negotiating and consultative bodies we have set up with United Utilities. Members should be able to work in an environment that is free of discrimination, bullying or harassment. We negotiate policies and procedures with the companies on these issues.

Who to Contact

Christine Yates
Chair, North West Region Water and Environment Service Group
Tel: 01772 714224
Email: [email protected]


Colin Baker (Lead Role)
Tel: 0161 661 6722
Email: [email protected]


Angela Lysons, (Administrative Support)
Telephone: 0161 661 6205
Email: [email protected]
CONTACT DETAILS
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