What this tool is for

If you are facing redundancy and have never been in a trade union, you might be wondering whether joining one now would actually help, or whether it is too late to bother. This tool gives you a quick, honest answer based on your own circumstances rather than a generic leaflet.

It looks at things like whether your employer recognises a union, how far along the redundancy process is, and what support you already have in place, then tells you whether union membership is likely to make a real difference.

Who should use it

It is aimed at employees in the UK who are being made redundant, have just been told redundancy is on the cards, or suspect it might be coming soon. You do not need to know anything about employment law or how unions work. It is just as useful if you have never thought about joining a union as it is if you are weighing up two or three that have been suggested to you.

It is probably not the right tool if you are already a union member and want advice on a specific dispute, or if you are self employed. In those cases, speaking directly to a union rep or an employment adviser will be more useful.

How it works

You answer a handful of short questions about your job, your employer, and where you are in the redundancy process. The tool then gives you a plain English summary covering whether joining a union is likely to help at this stage, what a union could realistically do for you (for example representation in consultation meetings or checking a settlement agreement), and what other options are worth considering if union membership is not a good fit. Your answers are not saved, and you do not need to give your name, email address, or any details about your employer.