The basics
Prospect works for its members in a variety of different ways.  Our basic role is to look after our members' interests in the workplace.  By acting together in a union, employees will have a greater say than they would by acting alone.

Recognised companies
Where an employer has formally recognised the union (for example, in companies like BT, O2 and Kingston Communications) they will consult with us before making any significant decisions that will affect employees.

In these companies we are also able to negotiate on our members' behalf to get the best deal for them.  This may be in terms of pay, pensions, conditions of employment: whatever issues we have agreed with the company to discuss.  Once again, because we represent the workforce as a whole, we are able to secure better conditions than somebody speaking to the company on their own.

Elsewhere
But even where the union hasn't attained recognition, employees still benefit by being part of a union.  If one of our members gets into trouble or difficulties at work, we are able to ensure that that person has specialist advice and support available to them.

Also, employers know that where a trade union is active, its employees will have a good understanding of their rights at work and will have the legal backup of the trade union if they need it.  It is far harder to walk all over an employee that has the backing of a union.  And as more members join, we can build up sufficient support to win recognition and get the other benefits too.

A campaigning union
Prospect campaigns with employers, other unions and interest groups to secure improvements to our members' working lives.  We make our members' voices heard on a national stage, by talking to the people that make key decisions that will affect our members' lives.  For example, we know that our members want secure pensions, so we lobby government and parliament to make sure they know.

Finally, there are a range of other benefits and services available to our members, ranging from specialist legal and financial services to sickness benefit that we will pay to you if you are off work sick for a long time.  We offer accredited training to our members and are proud to hold the exacting Matrix standard, which covers everyone who is actively involved in the union's work.

Use the links on the right hand side of this page to find out more about how the union works and what we can do for our members.