GMB Southern Region

20/08/2026

Nike foam manufacturer in Croydon slashes 100 jobs as production off-shores to Vietnam

Helen O'Connor, GMB Membership Development Officer said:

"Zotefoams is not a failing company. They increased profits last year by 34 per cent.

"Despite this they are abandoning the workers in Croydon who are responsible for this success.

“The workers now face the threat of redundancy and production moving to Vietnam.

"These are high-quality manufacturing jobs – the type the country is crying out for.

“Some people have worked there for many years, yet the employer is making them redundant with the bare minimum redundancy package.

"GMB calls on the business to rethink their plans and keep the jobs in Croydon.

“We will demand the government and local politicians' step in to stop these job losses."

https://www.gmb-southern.org.uk/news/zotefoams-slashes-jobs

17/08/2026

GMB Southern Race Network is deeply saddened by the passing of Professor Jason Atta Kwei Arday.

We should reflect on how race, disability and class can shape who gets scrutinised and how scrutiny is formed. Professor Jason's passing should encourage us all to reflect on these dynamics truthfully.

Professor Jason’s words “I would take a thread and a needle and I'd interweave love into our society” feel especially relevant now.

GMB Southern region will be joining the vigil for Jason this evening. Please come along.

Full statement here: https://www.gmb-southern.org.uk/news/jason-arday

31/07/2026

As South Asian Heritage Month comes to a close, we recognise and celebrate the remarkable contribution of South Asian communities to the NHS.

For generations, South Asian staff have been at the heart of our health service, helping to build the NHS and providing outstanding care with skill, compassion and dedication. Their contribution continues to make a real difference to patients, colleagues and communities every day.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, South Asian NHS workers were among those who served tirelessly on the frontline, caring for others during one of the most challenging times in our history. This month, we also remember and honour those who sadly lost their lives in the service of others. Their courage, commitment and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Today, South Asian colleagues make up the largest ethnic minority group in the NHS workforce. We celebrate the doctors, nurses, healthcare assistants, allied health professionals, porters, administrative staff, cleaners and the many other NHS workers whose dedication, skill and compassion continue to strengthen our NHS every day.

At GMB Union, we are proud to stand alongside our South Asian members. We celebrate their rich cultures, histories and achievements, and we will continue to stand up for fairness, equality and respect for every NHS worker.

This South Asian Heritage Month, we say thank you to those who came before us, those who continue to serve today, and those whose legacy lives on through the lives they touched. Together, we celebrate the people who help make our NHS stronger.

01/07/2026

How many words of South Asian origin do you use every day?

Today marks the start of South Asian Heritage Month.
This year's theme, "Unity in Diversity", reminds us that our strength comes from standing together.

At GMB, we know that when working people from different backgrounds unite in solidarity, we can win better pay, safer workplaces, equality and dignity for everyone.

Throughout the month, we celebrate the history, cultures and contributions of people with heritage from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

South Asian workers make an enormous contribution to every part of our society. They work across the NHS, social care, energy, manufacturing, transport, education, local government, the gig economy and many other sectors, helping to keep our country running. South Asian communities have also played a vital role in the trade union movement, standing together to campaign for fairness, equality and justice at work.

The influence of South Asian heritage can also be found in our everyday lives. For example, the word "bungalow" comes from the Bengali word bangla, meaning "in the style of Bengal", showing how South Asian cultures have helped shape the English language and British society.

This South Asian Heritage Month, GMB proudly celebrates the people, cultures and achievements that enrich our union, our workplaces and our communities.

Together, we are stronger.

29/05/2026

Three more strike dates announced at the Royal Pavilion & Museums Trust in Brighton.

We think it's high time for Brighton & Hove City Council to get involved and help put a stop to the dispute.

If the Trust can't afford to maintain our members' contracts, surely they need to be brought back in-house?

BHCC must intervene before the Trust’s financial difficulties lead to bankruptcy, says GMB

21/05/2026

Live from the picket line at Net-A-Porter in Charlton!

85 likes, 2 comments. “GMB are here today at a high fashion company making loads money but paying their staff peanuts 🥜”

05/05/2026

More than two hundred cleaners and caterers across three mental health hospital sites in South London are taking three days of strike action from tomorrow.

Their outsourced employer OCS are threatening to cut service provision by TWENTY PER CENT

‘Wards in disarray’ and ‘bad food’ facing three mental health sites for three days

01/05/2026

500 school support staff, marching for London Weighting Equality. We’re taking the message to Merton Civic Centre. Let’s hope the Council leaders are listening

01/05/2026

Outstanding turnout in Merton, too! Assembling in the park and about to set off and march to Merton Civic Centre!

01/05/2026

Outside Woolwich Town Hall now!