Recruitment
Photograph
"Nobody asked me!"
The single biggest reason people give for not having joined a trade union

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Become a recruiter - help keep us strong

UNISON's role as Britain's largest trade union ensures our place at the negotiating table. Whether backing you up at work or weighing in on a national policy issue, UNISON draws its strength from its numbers.

Face-to-face recruiting has proven to be the most effective way to attract new members. This means that existing members share with others what they know and like about their union. There is no better representative than you. Learn more about how to approach potential members below.

First impressions
Recruiting can be fun and rewarding if you're prepared to put the work in.

Why is recruiting important?
One of a steward's most vital jobs is recruitment. Organised workplaces give UNISON greater clout with other trade unions in the same environment.

Tips on successful recruiting
UNISON branches develop their own recruitment strategies and carry materials that help promote UNISON. But you can help recruit at any time.

All for one - Lions, tigers and bears
UNISON has produced a range of materials based on our lions, tigers and bears advertising campaign launched in the summer of 2007. This material can be used to help your face to face recruitment efforts. The lions, bears and tigers illustrate how the union is tough but caring - demonstrating the qualities and protection that public sector workers need in the modern workplace.

Case study: Using the TV ad
UNISON's TV ad campaign of 2004/5 provided an excellent springboard for a concerted round of recruiting. Read about how the different regions used the ad to maximise membership growth.

Case study: Student nurses
One organising assistant spells out the work done to recruit student nurses in the Eastern region.

Recruitment materials
We have created a range of materials to help in your recruitment endeavours, including the 'Your Friend at Work' campaign. On this page you'll find logos, application forms, Your Friend At Work images and the "10 Good Reasons" leaflet in 15 languages!

Recruitment news

Recruitment … the challenge

(26/5/06) The union faces a new challenge – recruiting for strength and influence (InFocus, June)

Recruitment – record success

(28/4/06) The threat to members of the local government pension scheme has seen record rises in recruitment (InFocus May)

A foot in the door

{27/01/06) Learning is a key part of the union’s strategy to recruit and organise in traditionally difficult private companies and voluntary-sector organisations (InFocus, February)

New EU directive brings recruitment incentive

(15/09/04) The Information and Consultation Directive will give workers new rights, but it could also presents employers with an excuse for sidelining trade unions. (InFocus October 04)

Root and branch

(15/09/04) No matter how inactive a branch may seem to have become, you can always revive it, as West Midlands regional organiser Ray Salmon explains. (InFocus October 04)

Your recruiting stories

UNISON activists meet the challenge and hit their recruitment goals.