Paul Nowak appointed TUC Deputy General Secretary

25 February 2016

Paul Nowak appointed TUC Deputy General Secretary

A former call-centre worker from Merseyside has been appointed to the TUC’s second most senior position.

From today (Thursday) Paul Nowak, 43, will become the TUC’s Deputy General Secretary. He will be responsible for a number of key policy areas, including public services, transport and industrial policy.

Paul moves to his new role following the retirement of Assistant General Secretary Kay Carberry. 

Before joining the TUC, Paul had a variety of jobs as a call centre operator, a hotel night porter and a bus information officer. He first became a union member when he worked part-time at Asda aged 17, and has been a union rep and activist in the CWU, the GMB and UNISON.

Paul was a member of the first intake of the TUC's Organising Academy in 1998, when, aged 26, he was an organiser for BIFU, the then banking union.

In 2000, Paul joined the TUC’s staff, later becoming Regional Secretary for the North of England and subsequently Head of TUC Organisation and Services. In 2013 he was appointed to the position of Assistant General Secretary.

At the TUC, Paul helped lead the campaign against the government's plans for regional pay in the public sector, introduced the Leading Change programme for senior trade unionists, and worked closely with member unions to defend public sector pensions.

Paul currently serves on the ACAS Council.

Commenting on his new role, TUC Deputy General Secretary Paul Nowak said:

“Trade unions are facing one of the most challenging times in our history. This government wants to shift the balance of power in the workplace and silence opposition to cuts.

“But we are ready for the challenge. The TUC – and its family of unions – will continue to lead the campaign for a better, fairer and more equal Britain.

“I'm looking forward to playing my part in building a strong and effective voice for working people and their families.”

TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said:

“I am delighted that Paul’s talent and contribution has been recognised and I’m looking forward to working with him in his new role. Paul’s commitment to the TUC and wider union movement is second to none. He knows that ultimately the best response to the government’s draconian Trade Union Bill is to make unions stronger and even more united.

“He will continue to play a leading role in our campaigns on industrial policy and public services, as well as help unions to grow membership so we can make people’s lives better in workplaces, communities and the economy.”

Paul lives in Merseyside, is married to Vicky, and has three children. He is a lifelong Everton fan, and in his spare time can either be found playing the guitar (badly, he says) or walking, cycling and relaxing with his family in North Wales.

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