Unite - Frequently asked questions

Unite is a trade union that represents the interests of workers in various industries. We negotiate on behalf of our members with employers to secure better pay, working conditions, and other employment-related benefits. Additionally, we are involved in campaigning for workers' rights and social justice.

The easiest way to join Unite the union is via the Unite website. You can join online in four simple steps or contact our membership department.

Unite is one of the largest trade unions in the UK and Ireland, with over 1.1 million members.

You can join Unite for less than £4 a week. Membership fees vary based on factors such as your employment status, income, and other considerations. Check directly on this Unite website for the most up-to-date information on membership fees and how to join.

Unite can negotiate better wages, improved working conditions, and additional benefits on your behalf. We also provide legal assistance, representation in case of disputes, and access to various support services, education and training and more.

We are open to workers from various multiple industries and sectors. Most employed and self-employed individuals are eligible to join. and whether you are in or out of work, studying or retired you can join Unite.

Unite represents workers from a diverse range of industries, including manufacturing, construction, transport, healthcare, hospitality, local government, the services sector and more.

Unite wins better pay for you. Joining Unite provides you with collective bargaining power, legal support, and a network of like-minded individuals working towards common goals. It can enhance your ability to secure better working conditions and benefits; Unite wins 8 out of 10 pay disputes that we’re involved in.

In general, most workers, whether employed or self-employed, can join Unite the union. However, specific eligibility criteria may apply, so it's advisable to check with us directly.

Unite can provide financial assistance or advice on financial matters to our members in certain situations. Contact us for details on available services.

Unite can offer health-related benefits as part of our membership packages, but it's essential to check with us directly for specific details on health and other insurance coverage.

Unite can offer a free or discounted will-writing service as part of our membership benefits. Contact your local Unite office for details.

Unite supports you in fighting for your jobs, pay and conditions. We provide a range of services, including legal advice, representation in employment matters, collective bargaining, education and training opportunities, and more.

Unite members who follows advice and use Unite Legal Services to pursue a personal injury or employment claim keep 100% of their compensation – whatever the injury, however complex the claim. Every year, Unite wins tens of millions of pounds for members and their families.

Members can typically access legal advice through Unite by contacting our legal helpline. The specifics may vary, so it's recommended to check the Unite website or Unite office for the latest information.

Unite provides a range of free training courses for reps across the United Kingdom and Ireland. These courses cover a wide variety of subjects from rights at work, negotiation skills through to equalities, health and safety and organising and bargaining at work. .
We often organise events, training programs, and conferences for our members. Members can stay informed about upcoming Unite Education activities and courses via the Unite website or communication channels.

Members can stay updated on news and updates by regularly visiting our website, subscribing to newsletters, or following us on Unite’s social media channels.

Unite takes the lead in fighting back for workers and jobs, pay and conditions. We are involved in various campaigns, negotiations, and advocacy efforts to improve workplace conditions, secure fair wages, and protect workers' and workplace rights. Updates on these actions and campaigns can be found on the Unite website.

You can contact us through our website, which typically provides contact details for different departments, including membership services, legal assistance, and more.

Yes, with 20,000 workplace health and safety experts, Unite looks after you at work. We offer resources, guidance, and support related to workplace health and safety. Members can access these resources through the our website or by contacting their rep or Unite office.

As a worker, you have rights related to fair treatment, health and safety, fair pay, and more. We help uphold these rights by providing legal support, representation, and advocacy both at the individual and collective level. We offer guidance on employment law, support in disputes with employers, and campaigns for better working conditions.

If you believe your rights are being disregarded at work, contact your rep or us immediately. We provide expert advice, representation, and support to ensure your rights are protected. We can assist with grievances, disciplinary actions, discrimination, and other issues you may face in the workplace.

Union members have rights relating to their trade union activities. Unite offers legal protection and representation for members who face retaliation from employers for engaging in union activity. We have extensive experience in defending members' rights and ensuring fair treatment in the workplace.

You can get involved with us by becoming a member, joining and getting involved in your workplace union branch, participating in union events and campaigns, and volunteering to support fellow members. Contact us for more information on how to get involved.

Unite negotiates contracts with employers through collective bargaining, where union representatives negotiate on behalf of members. Members are involved in the process through consultation, feedback, and voting on proposed agreements.

We provide support and advice on issues related to salaries, wages, pay negotiations, and benefits. We advocate for fair wages and work to ensure that members receive fair compensation for their work.

Unite provides guidance and support for members negotiating salary or pay raises, including advice on negotiation tactics, benchmarking, and representation in discussions with employers if needed.

If you believe you are being paid unfairly or experiencing wage discrimination, contact Unite for assistance. We can provide advice, support, and representation to help resolve the issue and ensure fair treatment.

We offer access to detailed pay and salary data and benchmarks through our research1 and industry expertise and our Unite Investigates forensic accounts team. Contact us for specific information related to your industry or job role.

Yes, we advocate for minimum wage increases and other policies aimed at promoting fair pay and improving living standards for workers. We campaign for legislation and policies that protect workers' rights and ensure fair compensation.

Unite actively campaigns against pay disparities based on gender, race, sexual orientation or ethnicity. We work to eliminate discrimination in the workplace and promote equal pay for equal work through advocacy, negotiation, and legal action when necessary.

Unite provides resources, including informational materials, workshops, and legal advice, to help members understand their rights regarding salary and pay. Contact us for assistance.

We offer a range of resources for professional development, including training courses, workshops, and access to educational materials. We also provide support for members facing challenges in their careers, including redundancy support and career counselling.

Unite helps improve working conditions through collective bargaining, advocacy, and campaigning for better workplace policies. We provide support and representation to members facing issues such as safety risks, general hazards, excessive workload, and unfair treatment.

If you believe your working conditions are unsafe or unfair, contact us immediately. We can provide advice, support, and representation to address the issue and ensure a safe and fair working environment.

Yes, Unite provides resources, including informational materials, workshops, and legal advice, to help members understand their rights regarding working conditions. Contact us for assistance.

Yes, Unite advocates for specific policies and regulations to improve working conditions, including health and safety standards, maximum working hours, and protections against workplace hazards. We campaign for legislation that promotes safe and fair working environments for all.

We address workplace hazards and ensures occupational health and safety through advocacy, education, and calling for enforcement of regulations. We provide support to members facing health and safety issues and work with employers to improve safety standards.

Unite offers resources, including advice, support, and representation, to help members address specific issues with their working conditions. Contact us for assistance.

You can get more involved in advocating for improved working conditions by joining your workplace union branch, participating in union campaigns and events, and volunteering to support fellow members. Contact Unite for opportunities to get involved.