Here's some reasons why you should join Accord:
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Please complete the form below and a member of our team will contact you to discuss any questions you may have about joining or to help you sign up.
For over 40 years, Accord has been achieving improvements for members. All through constructive dialogue with your employer.
We negotiate terms and conditions of employment and continuously campaign for improvements. The most obvious of these negotiations occurs annually. Yes, we're talking about whether or not you get an annual pay rise and how much you'll get. But we do more than talk about pay.
Throughout the year, our team of experienced negotiators talk to your employer about policies and procedures that govern the way you're treated at work. Things like better parental leave and pay policies, how performance is managed and how issues are resolved fairly. We demand first class safety in the workplace - our record and your employer's treatment of workers during the Covid-19 pandemic speaks for itself.
Watch our 2022 successes video (LBG) Join us online today!
There are many ways that we support our members:
We offer an additional benefits package making membership even better value for money:
When you join Accord, you're joining more than just a union - you're joining an extended family with 21,000 other members!
Accord is a grown-up, modern trade union that believes there’s a right way to achieve results - and that's through constructive relationships with employers and other unions. By keeping the lines of communication open, even when we disagree, we can find a way to make the situation better.
Accord is an independent trade union - that means we don't receive funds from employers which would come with restrictive ties on what we can do or say. We're funded through our membership subscription - nothing else. That's an important consideration for members when choosing a union, and it means that we can focus our efforts on supporting members without constraints.
Accord is a democratic organisation - everything we do is centred around the interests of our members and our collective objectives. A primary aim for the union is to protect, promote and represent the interests of our members. To do this, we have agreed with employers the matters on which we consult and negotiate. Communication and the collation of feedback from members underpins this.
Our voice is louder and stronger when we join together. That's why workers join a union.
Join us online today!
Every year, we support members who run into problems at work - from smaller issues like getting holiday approved, to the significant things like facing disciplinary action. We'll make sure you're treated fairly – without you having to worry about paying for legal support. Whether the problem is with employment contracts, harassment, redundancy, pensions or discrimination - your union will be there to help you.
Accord has negotiated some of the best job security terms in the industry and we’re experienced in supporting members who are at risk of redundancy.
Think of us as an insurance policy for your job and you'll be on the right lines.
Join us online today!
Accord stands up for your right to work in an environment free from discrimination and to ensure you're treated with dignity and respect.
We value diversity and actively oppose all forms of harassment, prejudice and unfair discrimination. Nobody should have to face bullying or harassment at work. Nor should they feel afraid to be themselves. Accord campaigns for dignity and respect at work for all workers.
We’re here to help if you’ve been treated unfairly at work because of your gender, race, ethnic or national origin, religion, colour, class, caring responsibilities, marital status, sexuality, disability, age, or other status or personal characteristic. And we'll assist you in challenging discrimination should it occur.
Join us online today!What our members say Find out about our benefits
Or use our online chat facility or call us on 0118 934 1808
(available Monday-Thursday 08:30-17:30 & Friday 08:30-17:00)
One of our most popular benefits - Accord members whose employer provides private healthcare, regardless of grade, can claim 50% of the excess on their policy. For most of our members that's £75 cashback in any rolling 12 months’ period*.
In 2022 the private healthcare cashback scheme paid out £67,990 to 993 members.
* Only 1 claim can be made in any rolling 12 months period, and cashback is capped at a maximum of £100 for policies with a payable excess of £200 or more. Terms and eligibility criteria apply.
The Accord travel club is operated by Benchmark Travel, no other travel company has the same incentive to offer you the exclusive member discounts and levels of service that we do. It's a free member benefit as part of your membership with Accord members. What's more, your family can use this service, and you can even share discounts with your friends as long as you're travelling with them.
From UK staycations to worldwide tours and everything in between, we can find something for you, your family and friends, usually at better prices than you'll find anywhere else. And you won't find better service elsewhere either - the Travel Club team worked tirelessly during the Covid-19 pandemic to rearrange and protect our members travel arrangements.
Visit the Accord Travel Club website to find out more and to help you plan your holiday arrangements. You’ll also find travel advice, latest news, offers and competition details!
Tel: 01422 847 847
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.accordtravelclub.co.uk
Experts you can trust. All union members and immediate* families are entitled to use this service. The advice is completely confidential, free and easily accessible.
* Immediate family means your spouse, partner and dependant children.
If you're unfortunate enough to be injured in an accident, legal experts on our personal injury claim line can help. They can advise on any type of injury and will ensure you receive maximum compensation* as quickly and simply as possible.
* Maximum compensation means you receive 100% of any compensation awarded. Other 'no win, no fee' solicitors will take up to 25% of your compensation.
Members can benefit from a wide range of legal services at discounted prices. Take a look at what's available for you in your area.
View legal services for your area Not a member? Join us
Members and immediate* families can benefit from a free** online Will writing service as well as discounts and expert legal advice on more complex Wills.
Different types of Wills are available to suit your circumstances.
The service is provided by three leading law firms - depending on where you’re based in the UK.
* Immediate family means your spouse, partner and dependant children.
** Complex and offline Wills will incur a charge however Accord members will receive a discounted rate.
If you think you might have paid too much tax, you can call the free 'Tax Matters' helpline. It's a confidential service for Accord members and their immediate* families. Here are some of the things they can help with:
Similar advice would cost between £150-£200 per hour if independently sought. Read the WMT Tax Matters leaflet.
* Immediate family means your spouse, partner and dependant children.
Tel: 0800 470 4535
Email: [email protected]
Taking out a mortgage or income protection policy and fancy some extra cash? Our brokers can find you competitively priced policies and the best bit... they'll give you back a lump sum which could be up to the cost of your first 9 months' premiums. Members’ partners and other close relatives can use the scheme too.
The average lump sum cashback paid out under the scheme is:
The commission cashback scheme is provided by two brokers; Lifelink and K&M Financial Advisors Ltd. Both brokers are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, and specialise in sourcing income protection, life insurance and critical illness.
Lifelink also offer additional services for Accord members, including equity release and mortgage reviews.
Simply contact one of the two brokers below and they'll find you the most competitively priced policies:
Lifelink: 01189 349 800 | [email protected] | www.life-link.co.uk
K&M Financial Advisors Ltd: 01706 218719 | [email protected] | kmfinancial.net/accord/
KM Financial Advisors Visit Lifelink
Every month the Accord Subscription draw makes a lucky jackpot winner £5,000 better off. Runners up each get £250 - and there will be at least 12 runners-up prizes each month.
Members can purchase up to 5 tickets in the monthly draw at £1 each.
You can add or remove tickets in the subscription draw at any time by logging into your account.
The subscription draw is run by Accord. Terms and conditions apply.
The Lifelong Learning Fund provides support to members who want to learn new skills, from flower arranging to a master’s degree – you can apply for a grant whatever you fancy doing on your self-development journey. The fund will provide grants of up to 50% of the cost of courses and training materials, up to a maximum of £500.
Accord first launched a study bursary, called the Bill Wright Memorial Fund, as an enduring tribute to Accord’s first general secretary, Bill Wright. Bill was a dedicated trade unionist with a lifelong commitment to education and training and he believed passionately in self-development. Accord also commemorated Clive Webster's (Accord Deputy General Secretary), tireless union work by offering a scholarship to provide opportunities for several Accord members to return to degree level education.
If you’ve been an Accord member for at least 3 years and would like to apply for a grant from the Lifelong Learning Fund, please complete an application form. We review applications on a quarterly basis.
Apply for a grant Not a member? Join us
Accord members who take maternity, adoption or shared parental leave may be entitled to a subscription free period of up to 12 months.
Applications must be sent to Accord before the period of leave starts, and members must read the scheme rules to check eligibility before applying.
Those who are eligible for the free period will still be able to use our services and membership benefits whilst on leave.
Terms and eligibility criteria apply.
Membership is excellent value for money, starting from as little as £5.25 per month.
Subscription is via monthly direct debit at the following rates:
£10.50
For members who work full time
£7.50
For members working full time, but who are agency staff or on a short-term contract
£7.50
For members who work part-time (16-34 hours per week)
£5.25
For members who work under 16 hours per week
£5.25
For members under age 21
£5.25
For members who are ‘on call’
Or chat to us online or call us on 0118 934 1808
(available Monday-Thursday 08:30-17:30 & Friday 08:30-17:00)
Why join Accord?
When you join Accord, you're joining more than just a union - you're joining an extended family with 21,000 other members!
Accord has around 400 trained workplace representatives who complement our professional officers across the country who are there to help when things aren't going so well. Reps are the beating heart of the union, and often the first port of call offering advice, guidance, information, and representation.
Accord is a grown-up, modern trade union that believes there’s a right way to achieve results - and that's through constructive relationships with employers and other unions. By keeping the lines of communication open, even when we disagree, we can find a way to make the situation better.
With so many members, Accord already has an important seat at the table. But we believe we can do better to influence employers and that's one of the reasons why it's important to join and strengthen our voice. The more members we have, the stronger we are when negotiating about the things that really matter to you.
In this video, we cover some of the myths of union membership and explain why joining Accord will benefit you and your career
What does Accord do?
When you join Accord, you're joining more than just a union - you're joining an extended family with 21,000 other members!
Accord has around 400 trained workplace representatives who complement our professional officers across the country who are there to help when things aren't going so well. Reps are the beating heart of the union, and often the first port of call offering advice, guidance, information, and representation.
Accord is a grown-up, modern trade union that believes there’s a right way to achieve results - and that's through constructive relationships with employers and other unions. By keeping the lines of communication open, even when we disagree, we can find a way to make the situation better.
With so many members, Accord already has an important seat at the table. But we believe we can do better to influence employers and that's one of the reasons why it's important to join and strengthen our voice. The more members we have, the stronger we are when negotiating about the things that really matter to you.
Our members trust us with two main tasks:
There are many other benefits to Accord membership too.
More about Accord
Being independent means that Accord does not receive funds from employers which would come with restrictive ties on what we can do or say. We're funded through our membership subscription - nothing else. That's an important consideration for members when choosing a union, and it means that we can focus our efforts on supporting members without constraints.
We're not affiliated to any political party and we don't have a political levy. All our membership subscription fees are used by the union to represent our members' interests and provide them with membership benefits and services.
Accord is affiliated to the TUC, the Scottish TUC and the Wales TUC. Through our work with the TUC, we're involved in campaigns and negotiations with the government of the day on matters that affect workers within our recognised employers and beyond. Accord's General Secretary, Ged Nichols, has been elected to the TUC General Council for 20 years and was elected as TUC President for the 2019-2020 term.
Everything we do is centred around the interests of our members and our collective objectives.
Our aims are incorporated into the rules that govern us and explain how the funds we receive can be spent. A primary aim for the union is to protect, promote and represent the interests of our members.
To do this, we have agreed with employers the matters on which we consult and negotiate. Communication and the collation of feedback from members underpins this.
The union also seeks to promote equality in all our work. We actively oppose all forms of harassment, prejudice and unfair discrimination.
Can Accord represent me?
Yes, if you work for one of the following employers:
If you don't work for one of the employers listed above and you're an existing Accord member (through associate membership), you're also covered.
I have an existing issue, can I still join?
Of course you can, but bear in mind we can only offer new members who join with an existing issue telephone advice - we can’t offer representation for that particular issue.
If anything new arises during your membership, you'll be entitled to full support and representation, as long as you’ve continued to pay your membership subscriptions.
Join us online nowHow do I join?
You can join Accord online in just 5 minutes – all we need is a little information about you, and all you need is your bank details then you’re set.
Join us online now
Alternatively, give our membership team a call and sign up over the phone: 0118 934 1808.
How do I get support?
There are many ways that we can support you, and it's easy to get in touch with us:
I honestly feel paying my monthly union subs is worth every penny. We're very lucky to have this help available to us.
Not only have I received amazing support from Accord, I was lucky enough to get the call to tell me that I'd won the top prize of £5,000 in the monthly lottery draw! I couldn't believe it. For the little price I pay for my union membership, the perks outweigh it massively. It's the first time I have ever won anything. I would highly recommend joining the draw to other members. You never know, it could be you next!
Or use our online chat or call us on 0118 934 1808
(available Monday-Thursday 08:30-17:30 & Friday 08:30-17:00)
