Updates & Notices
Member updates, announcements and official notices — cleaned and dated
Following a meeting between MEH senior management and the client on Friday 6 May 2026, a decision was made to implement a 10 On – 4 Off work pattern effective July 2026. MEH has been instructed that all new starters will be placed on this new pattern immediately.
As a Trade Union, we feel our position has been undermined once again. Our focus must now shift to negotiating the best possible terms within this 10/4 structure. — Kevin Holmes, UNITE
Union Proposal Points (tabled for Grouse discussion)
- 10/4, 9/5 arrangement with last Thursday as a full travel day for those with travel time
- 13 travel days
- Existing working hours to remain, with option to work 10hrs 15mins Fri–Sun
- Option to work 11, 12 or 13 days per fortnight
- 25 days holiday
- 6 guaranteed full weekends AA whenever wanted (2 weeks’ notice)
- If booking Tue–Fri as holiday, automatically AA for Sat and Sun
- Full lodge every month with only 1 retainer on travel weekends (HMRC)
- Bank holidays on rest days or rotation days returned to holiday entitlement
- 8 hours basic with 2.25 hours OTA daily on 10.25-hour days
These points were for discussion before any negotiation with MEH. Four extraordinary Grouse meetings were held on Monday to discuss proposals. For the confirmed pattern rules, see the
Working Pattern page.
A number of members have been asking about the August Bank Holiday (Monday 31 August 2026) and how it works under the new 10 On – 4 Off pattern.
If you WORK on the Bank Holiday
You will be paid at the appropriate overtime rate for that day. The Bank Holiday entitlement goes into your holiday pot.
If the Bank Holiday falls on your REST day
The Bank Holiday entitlement also goes into your holiday pot.
These are being held for Christmas.
Two additional annual leave days will also be held for Christmas alongside these.
Unless you specifically want to take payment, you need to save your holidays for Christmas use.
Team 1 vs Team 2 — 31 August 2026
- Team 1: 31 August is a down/rest day — bank holiday entitlement goes into the pot as a day in lieu
- Team 2: 31 August is a working day — paid at overtime rate, plus entitlement goes into the pot
Both teams will have their entitlement held for the Christmas period. See the full Christmas arrangements on the Pattern page.
All notices
UrgentConfirmed6 May 2026
10/4 Pattern Confirmed from July 2026
MEH management and client confirmed 10 On – 4 Off from July. All new starters already on the new pattern. UNITE working on the best possible terms for members.
Meeting7 May 2026
Four Extraordinary Grouse Meetings — Monday
Four extraordinary Grouse meetings confirmed on Monday to discuss the 10/4 proposal. All trade group chats opened for member input beforehand.
Bank HolidaysConfirmed
August Bank Holiday — Holiday Goes into Pot
Whether you work the bank holiday or are on rest, the entitlement goes into the holiday pot and is held for Christmas. Two additional annual leave days also held.
Read full explanation →
Welfare5 May 2026
Support for Tony Hussey — GoFundMe
The Grouse bucket collection for electrician Tony Hussey raised £1,395. The bucket remains open in the East Union Office. Electronic donations accepted via GoFundMe.
Transport9 May 2026
Brean 05:30 Service — 30 Minutes Late
Due to a vehicle breakdown, the 05:30 Brean service ran approximately 30 minutes late. Members should monitor communications for future service alerts.
Correction7 May 2026
Toilet Marshal Message — NOT Real
A message circulating about toilet marshals is not real. Confirmed false by union representatives on site. Please disregard.
