Prospect Young Workers FAQs

In 2019, Prospect updated its branding to reflect workers in the 2020s. We are facing new challenges in recruiting and retaining new members especially young workers. As part of the rebrand we moved from using the union for professionals to the union for ambition.

Following this, the young professionals committee felt we should move from talking about young professionals to young workers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the name change?

As Prospect updated its branding to be more forward facing and relevant to young workers, it was right that the Young Professionals Network (YPN) followed suit. Once the new branding for Prospect had been approved by the National Executive Committee (NEC) then YPN committee wanted to make sure that the YPN mirrored this change, will will help us continue to be relevant and relatable to young workers across the country.

How was the decision taken?

The young workers committee met in August 2019 and decided that a rebrand in line with Prospect’s was due. The committee had a discussion on several new name options but decided that we should bring the branding in line with the TUC young workers’ network. The committee then met the Vice President of Prospect, Ele Wade, and discussed the name change and why it was important. In July 2020 the change was voted on and approved by the National Executive Committee (NEC).

How will this help young workers?

Trade unions need to double the rate at which we recruit members aged 35 and under just to replace those existing members due to retire over the next few years. We have drawn on excellent research by the TUC looking at how unions could adapt to meet the needs of a new generation of young workers. We are also partnering with the Young Workers Lab at UNI Global Union, which is looking at new forms of organising and how we can responsibly use technology to strengthen our collective voice.

If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Young Workers Organiser – Gareth Spencer