Welcome to new staff

Now you've got a new job with an MP, you should think about joining a union. The Unite Parliamentary Staff Branch is part of the largest trade union in the UK, Unite, and is the only union recognised as representing MPs' staff. They warmly invite you to join.

The more staff who join, the stronger a case they can put for improvements in pay and conditions. This is especially important under the new IPSA MPs’ Expenses Scheme, where staff pay and employment conditions have suffered a significant blow. The union is fighting to improve the terms for MPs’ staff under IPSA. Information about the work they have been doing is available on the Campaign page.

Union membership gives you the right to representation in times of trouble and legal advice through the union helpline on matters not related to work. They also hold social events to help you meet your colleagues at work. A third of their Parliamentary members are in constituency offices, so they are not just Westminster-centred.

For a form contact Membership Secretary John Stormont at stormontj@parliament.uk or click here for a welcome letter and to download a copy of the membership form.

You can also find us on facebook -http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2251518688 where you will receive regular updates and invites.

To find out more call Louise Haigh (Secretary) ext 5074 or Max Freedman (Chair) ext 5989.

Introducing the union…

Working for an MP is an exciting and rewarding job, but at some point you may face exactly the same difficulties as you would in any other workplace – a dispute over your job description, a grievance against your employer or simply the need to put a collective case for improvements in working conditions.  The Unite Parliamentary Staff Branch represents staff of MPs and MEPs, in Parliament and the constituency and has many trained shop stewards who will be more than willing to help, however small your problem may seem; our members’ well-being in the workplace is of the utmost importance to the branch.

Where we fit in…

The Unite Parliamentary Staff Branch is based in Region 1 of the union (London and the South East) but includes staff from all over England, Scotland and Wales. It has members who work for MPs and MEPs of all the major political parties and most of the smaller ones.

The Unite Parliamentary Staff Branch is the only union recognised by the Parliamentary Labour Party and is regularly consulted by the Houses of Parliament authorities on issues affecting staff. We hope that if you have not already done so, you will join.   

Campaigning…

The union campaigns for better working conditions and pay for staff. Click here for current campaigns and here for previous campaigns.

The union’s Interns' Network is a non-partisan network to help both people already interning in Parliament, and those who want to. Click here to read more about this initiative.

Contact us… 

So, if you have not already done so, please contact us to join the union – it’s an old slogan but as true today as it ever was – “unity is strength”. To join simply email John Stormont, stormontj@parliament.uk or call him on ext 4652.

For any other matter, please contact:

Branch Officers 2011

Check out other groups staff can join here.