Members Benefits

Essential cover at work

One of the most reassuring things about being a member of UNISON is knowing that there are people out there who will help you if you find yourself facing a problem.

You never know when you might encounter a problem at work.  What you do know is that by joining UNISON, you don’t have to face it alone.

If you are having problems, our Branch network of trained workplace representatives are there to help. They will give you advice, support or represent you if needed and if necessary refer your case to the Regional Office to make sure you get the most appropriate legal help.

In addition to the individual support we offer to members, the union also negotiates with employers on issues like pay, holidays and all other terms & conditions including pension schemes.

We strive to protect the services that our members provide by opposing cuts and campaigning on a range of local, regional and national issues because we recognise the important work our members do in enhancing, enriching and protecting lives.

Essential cover outside work

UNISON members can access free initial legal advice on non-work related issues and get support for members of their family, for personal injury cases outside work, motor vehicle accidents, a free wills service for you and for your partner if you have mirror wills, low-cost conveyancing and even help with immigration issues.

To be eligible for our legal assistance scheme, you must have been a member for at least four weeks prior to the incident that led you to seek that assistance. You must also be up to date with your subscriptions.

Help for non work-related issues can be accessed via UNISON’s legal helpline on 0800 0 857 857.  For work-related issues members must contact their local branch in the first instance.

For you and your family

UNISON members and their families are entitled to a whole range of benefits and services:

• Exclusive deals and offers

UNISON members have access to a range of exclusive deals and discounts that we have negotiated with a number of suppliers. We choose reputable companies that provide value and good customer service.  Our UNISON Plus deals add real value to UNISON membership: members can save the cost of their UNISON contributions many times over.

• Other benefits

Membership benefits include; winter fuel grants, school uniform grants, professional indemnity insurance of up to £1 million for NHS staff, book grants, various financial support grants and a quarterly members’ magazine.  We are the only Trade Union which has a charity offering support and assistance for members in their hour of need, it is called There For You.

• Croyde Bay Holiday Village

Croyde Bay Holiday Village is situated on the north Devon coast and has been owned and operated by UNISON for more than 80 years. It is a popular addition to the benefits of UNISON membership, offering competitive rates, with special discounts for UNISON members and families. There are additional discounts for low-paid UNISON members.  Croyde Bay

Training and new skills

UNISON runs a broad range of education and training courses that are open to all members.

Some of our courses are aimed at helping members to improve their general skills, for example using computers or building their confidence. Our education courses includes the award winning Return to Learn programme available to all members interested in getting back into learning.

Other courses are designed to help members play a more active role in UNISON through our comprehensive training programme for workplace representatives and branch officers, including health and safety, equalities or learning reps. We also offer taster courses on key issues.  Read more about our courses for reps and activists

All of our courses are free to members.