Unison sees rise in membership (From Wiltshire Business Online)

Unison sees rise in membership

5:00pm Thursday 9th July 2009

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New figures show that more young people than ever have joined UNISON during the recession.

Financial insecurity, ageism, bullying, stress and fears about the BNP are among the reasons that 12,472 young members joined the union during January and June this year.

The figure is 1,566 up on the same period in 2008 and the UK's largest public sector union predicts that the growth is set to continue, with this year seeing record rises.

More than 26,316 young members also joined in 2008, compared to 23,492 in 2007.

General UNISON membership rose by 19,000 in 2008 to 1,315,000 and this year recruitment has increased month on month, with 75,612 new members joining so far.

UNISON General Secretary, Dave Prentis, said: "Young people are being hit hard by the recession and are turning to UNISON for support.

"They are fearful of their futures and vulnerable at work, as they are often unaware of their rights.

"The current economic and political crisis and its impact on young people has also seen them desperate to get their voices heard.

"And they are keen to get involved in union campaigns on issues like apprenticeships, the environment and gun and knife crime."

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