Frequently asked questions

How do I join Prospect?

You can join online. It takes just a few minutes. To complete the join form, you will need your employment details and you bank details to set up your direct debit.

How much does it cost to join Prospect?

Your subscription rate is based on your income. See what you might pay on our join page. Discounted rates apply to those who are unemployed, on uplaid leave, or between contracts. Membership is FREE for those on maternity or paternity leave.

I’ve got a problem at work, but I’m not a member. Can I still get help from Prospect?

At Prospect, we help our members. Unfortunately, we’re unlikely to be able to help with problems that occurred at work before you became a member, other than in exceptional circumstances like a collective redundancy.

However, if you work in the private sector and there’s no union in your company, you may be able to use our Employment Law Support Service (ELSS).

I need help with a problem at work – who do I contact?

That depends on where you work. If you don’t have a local representative in your workplace or you’re not sure, give our Membership team a call on 0300 600 1878 or email them. They can put you in touch with the best person to assist you. This may be your local representative, or one of our full-time officers.

Alternatively, log in to your Knowledge Hub to see your main points of contact.

I’ve just joined – how do I access member only content on the website?

If you set your password when you joined, you just need to log in. If you haven’t yet set your password, You just need to set a password, and then you can log in.

Help! I’ve forgotten my login details for the Prospect website

It happens. You can reset your password via the website.

How can I find out what my membership number is?

You should be able to view all your membership details once you’ve logged into your member portal. Alternatively, our Membership team are always on hand to help; simply call them on 0300 600 1878 or email them.

How can I update the details on my membership record?

You can edit your details via the website, or by calling our membership team on 0300 600 1878 or by sending them an email.

I’d like to become more active in the union ­– how can I find out more?

Great news! Your first step should be to contact your local rep, or full-time official. You can also read more about how you can get involved on this website.

I’m moving to a new employer – can I keep my membership?

Leaving your job doesn’t have to mean losing the protection or benefits of trade union membership. Prospect offer support and protection to employees regardless of whether we are officially recognised by the employer. We can even give you advice on the terms of your new employment contract, whether it’s a permanent or temporary post.

If you move jobs within the same sector, we may already represent employees in your new workplace and we can simply amend your existing Prospect membership. We can also advise and support you if you want to build the union in your workplace or fight for a recognition agreement.

If your new employer recognises another union we advise you to join that union, because they will have negotiating rights on your behalf.

Call 0300 600 1878 or email [email protected] to find out more.

I’m retiring – can I keep my membership?

If you’re retiring for whatever reason, you can continue to be a trade union member as part of a retired members’ branch. Receive pension advice and network with other retired members in your area for just £3.94 per month.

Your retired membership at just £3.94 per month still entitles you, your spouse and dependants to:

• Pensions advice
• Continued access to a variety of member benefits
• Opportunities to network amongst other retired members in your area.

Find out about the benefits of retired membership in our retired membership guide.

I’m unemployed or between jobs/contracts – can I keep my membership?

If you are not in employment for any reason you can still access many of the benefits of Prospect membership including advice on entitlement to state benefits and our career development service.

While you are out of work you will pay a reduced membership rate of just £1.42 per month.

Call 0300 600 1878 or email [email protected] to find out more.

I’m going on maternity/paternity leave – can I keep my membership?

Your Prospect membership can continue through your maternity or paternity leave offering the same level of service and protection you are entitled to when in work. Your membership is free for the duration of your maternity/paternity leave.

Call 0300 600 1878 or email [email protected] to find out more.

Visit our Get Involved in the Union and Rep’s Hub for information, support and guidance.

Check out our current vacancies on the careers page.

Check out our staff pension scheme investment principles.