Young members

UNISON has over 100,000 young members. If you are a UNISON member and aged 30 or under you are automatically entitled to participate as a young member.

Young members’ groups work to:

  • encourage recruitment, organisation and participation of young workers
  • provide a powerful voice for young members
  • give young members the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to participate in the union.

As a young member you are supported by a union of 1.3 million members who can assist you with support, training, advice and guidance.

UNISON encourages young members to get involved in every level of the organisation. At regional level young members get together to plan and organise campaigns and discuss ideas and experiences.

The national young members’ forum includes two representatives from each region, and the young members’ representative on the national executive council. The forum ensures that young members have a strong voice within UNISON and are represented in every tier of the organisation.

Speak to your local representative if you would like to know more about joining UNISON, and how we can help you.

Campaigning

Young members make a difference in the workplace by campaigning on the issues that affect them directly, such as job security and training, apprenticeships, workplace rights, pay and conditions problems and bullying. As a young member you can take part in all UNISON campaigns.

You can join us and help to organise events for campaigns.

As a young member you also have the power to act against inequality or discrimination in the workplace and improve conditions for all.

Career progression

UNISON can help you develop your career with training, advice and guidance. Being a member of UNISON can help you get training in, for example, communication, IT, problem-solving or interpersonal skills.

Volunteering for UNISON makes a good addition to any CV. There are many opportunities to gain new experience such as event management and people management.