Why Join UFS?

Personal Support at Work

At a time when job security is a rarity, UFS strive to ensure all of our members are being treated fairly and offer advice and representation when things go wrong.

The UFS Helpline is a unique service which allows members to call the Head Office and speak to a Full Time Official about any query they might have.  This could be for a quick bit of advice or more in depth guidance on a specific circumstance.

UFS are proud of our commitment to individual representation and, should you need us, you can have access to a dedicated UFS Full-Time Official who will handle your case from the first query right through to conclusion.

We are also active in branches up and down theUKwhere we have recognition.  Therefore, if you are in one of the main employers we work with, we will organise branch visits and your local Reps committee will work to ensure the working conditions in your branch are acceptable.

Pragmatic Problem Solvers

Trade Unions have historically gained a reputation for organising strike action which has have caused major disruption and has attracted media attention.

UFS believe that strike action should always be a last resort and we will always strive to reach a solution which benefits all parties.  Our workplace Reps are trained and experienced in dispute resolution and work tirelessly to ensure that issues are dealt with without the need for formal procedures.

UFS is a strong advocate for working in Partnership with employers to solve problems and has been recognised by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (formerly the Department for Trade and Industry) as winners of the Partnership at Work Fund award. 

This approach allows us to work closely with employers to reach solutions which are beneficial for the staff as well as the business without resorting to aggressive tactics.  This has been especially helpful in helping individual staff members, as UFS work closely with HR departments and are sometimes able to reach agreements behind the scenes.

Member Discounts

As well as offering support at work, UFS also has a range of discounts and benefits available to our members, ranging from money off Theme Parks and Spa days to money-off chocolate.

You can find out more by clicking on the logos to the right hand side of this page 

UFS Legal Services

As well as support at work, UFS also offer legal support outside of the workplace by offering various legal services through our partner solicitors, Thompsons. 

Services include:

To find out more information, you can visit the UFS Legal page by clicking the logo on the right hand side of this page

Independent and non-politically affiliated

UFS are a completely independent organisation and has no ties to any political party.  This means that our sole focus is looking after your interests and all of our resources go towards providing you with the best possible service.

UFS are a not-for-profit organisation and has no shareholders to satisfy.  All member subscriptions are reinvested into the union to ensure our members are receiving the best support at work and the best discounts outside of work.

UFS do not participate in political campaigning; however we take a keen interest in Government consultations on changes to Employment Law and Codes of Practice.  We are members of theAlliancefor Finance (AoF) and will get involved, wherever appropriate, in AoF activities which affect the Finance Industry.

Learning Project

As well as offering support and guidance on employment matters, UFS also runs a Learning Project who work to put people in touch with course providers and funding sources that work for their circumstances. 

You can find out more about the learning project and get involved by visiting their website http://www.ufslearning.co.uk/

To date, we have already helped hundreds of people get involved in learning, whether a refresher in Numeracy or Literacy, right through to Further Education opportunities.  We have found numerous online and distance learning courses to work around an individual’s circumstances.