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UNITE FIGHT TARGETS MSD
Unite has launched a new campaign highlighting the issues workers face regarding musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) and is calling on government and employers to play their part in keeping workers safe from its potential life changing effects, writes Keith Hatch.
The Fight for Your Health campaign calls for mandatory manual handling risk assessments and for manufacturers to design out the need for manual handling, with all materials allocated a weight.
Unite also wants the establishment of a tripartite forum with Health and Safety Executive (HSE) involvement and for the benefit system to be reviewed to ensure all trades and occupations have support.
Employers must properly manage manual handling and ergonomic risk. All too often cheaper equipment that only satisfies legal requirements is selected to cut costs, resulting in employers making a saving, but employees pay with their health.
Unite national health and safety adviser Luke Collins said, “Musculoskeletal disorders are the second largest cause of ill-health and sickness absence across all sectors.
“The Unite musculoskeletal disorders campaign wants change, and we want members to be part of this change by fighting for their health.”
The Unite MSD campaign page is full of useful information and advice to support members.
This includes sections explaining what musculoskeletal disorders are, a Manual Handling Assessment Chart, a downloadable campaign checklist to assess your workplace and information on what benefits can be claimed.
There is also a large selection of downloadable posters and resources to help workers run the campaign in their workplaces.
FIND OUT MORE
See the Unite MSD Campaign page
www.unitetheunion.org/ msdcampaign
GREENCORE GETS GREEN LIGHT
Landworker can now report that food manufacturing giant Greencore completed its £1.2bn takeover of fellow food firm Bakkavor in January, after a court approved the deal.
The takeover was agreed last May, after which it was scrutinised by the Competition Markets Authority (CMA). The regulator raised concerns that the takeover would entail a “substantial lessening of competition” in chilled soups and sauces.
The CMA investigation prompted Greencore to agree to sell off its only chilled soup and sauces factory in Bristol to Compleat Food Group.
Commenting, Unite FDA national officer Paul Travers said, “Before, during and after confirmation of the takeover of Bakkavor by Greencore, Unite has been there every step of the way representing our members’ interests.
"Unite will continue to fight for its members following the takeover as we engage with management in both companies. We remain as committed as ever to protecting jobs and terms and conditions.”
6 uniteLANDWORKER Spring 2026
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