Safety gathering

The health and safety of workers has always been a priority for Unite, and every three years Unite Health & Safety Reps gather together to hear about new campaigns, share experiences with fellow reps and gather the latest resources.

The next Unite National Health and Safety Conference will take place in Birmingham on 17 February 2026 – and the union is keen to have as many workplaces and sectors represented as possible.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham will attend and open the conference, followed by a generous array of speakers from across the world of health and safety. 

Unite National Health and Safety Advisor, Rob Miguel said that the Conference is a fantastic opportunity for the union’s army of Health and Safety reps to have a voice as well as get up to speed on issues.

Rob said, “The packed day will consist of speakers from across the trade union movement and industry, all very influential leaders and activists in their field of work. They will cover several key organisations’ policies or strands of work connected to the trade union movement and Governmental bodies, which includes Unite, the TUC and HSE. 

“Unite is a leading voice in tackling health and safety issues at work, with high profile campaigns and negotiating for safe and healthy workplaces. Unite offers support, advice and action to officers, reps and members, interfacing with governments, regulators and employers both nationally and internationally.”

Fellow National Health and Safety Advisor, Luke Collins, added, “Delegates will experience a snapshot of this work through leaders in several fields including education, legal, equalities and international. All which interface with the health and safety unit on various issues. They will also hear about the new and emerging risks our membership are experiencing.”

Rob highlighted AI, workplace temperature, EV’s and suicides related to work as just some of the issues that that Unite is currently campaigning on and producing guides.

Rob urged reps to attend if possible adding, “There will be world class speakers on these emerging risks and a thrilling panel at the end of the session.

“This is an important event and reps will gain a huge amount by attending the conference in Birmingham in February.”

The National Health and Safety Conference takes place on 17 February 2026 at the East side Conference Centre Birmingham.

For more on Unite’s Health and Safety resources, go to the page here. 

By Keith Hatch