Are you paying the right UNISON subscription?
Are you paying the right UNISON subscription?
One of the most common — and most easily fixed — membership problems we see is members paying the wrong subscription rate. With more people now joining online directly rather than through their employer’s payroll, your subscription doesn’t automatically go up when your pay does. That means many members are unknowingly undersubscribed.
This matters. UNISON’s rules are clear: your subscription must reflect what you actually earn. If it doesn’t, it can affect your access to representation and legal support when you need it most. That’s not a risk worth taking.
How subscriptions work
Your UNISON subscription is based on your annual salary. It’s calculated as a percentage of your earnings, so the more you earn, the more you pay — but the rates are genuinely affordable. Here’s what you should currently be paying:
| Annual salary | Monthly subscription |
|---|---|
| Up to £2,000 | £1.30 |
| £2,001 – £5,000 | £3.50 |
| £5,001 – £8,000 | £5.30 |
| £8,001 – £11,000 | £6.60 |
| £11,001 – £14,000 | £7.85 |
| £14,001 – £17,000 | £9.70 |
| £17,001 – £20,000 | £11.50 |
| £20,001 – £25,000 | £14.00 |
| £25,001 – £30,000 | £17.25 |
| £30,001 – £35,000 | £20.30 |
| Over £35,000 | £22.50 |
Students and qualifying apprentices pay just £10 a year. Northern Ireland members have slightly different rates — contact the branch if that applies to you.
You can also claim tax relief on 70% of your subscription, which reduces the real cost further.
Check your subscription now
If you’ve had a pay rise — even a small one — check whether you’ve moved into a higher band. If you joined online and pay by direct debit, your rate won’t update automatically. You need to do it yourself.
You can update your details through My UNISON at unison.org.uk/my-unison or contact us at the branch and we’ll help you sort it.
Why it matters
UNISON’s support — whether that’s representation in a disciplinary, backing for a grievance, legal advice, or the equal pay work we’re doing right now — is only available to members who are in good standing. Paying the correct subscription is the foundation of that. It’s also how we fund the work: campaigns, organising, negotiations, and casework all depend on members being properly subscribed.
If you’re not sure what you’re paying or whether it’s right, get in touch. It takes five minutes to check and fix.
Contact Barnet UNISON: 0208 359 2088 or email contactus@barnetunison.org.uk