GMB
A union for all workers, in every workplace.
GMB is one of the UK's largest trade unions, with over half a million members across the public and private sectors in the United Kingdom and Ireland. We exist to protect the interests of our members and ensure they have the best possible wages, workplace benefits and working conditions.
We organise across every sector, from care and construction to local government, energy, transport and beyond, so our members have a real voice at work. We negotiate better pay, terms and conditions, and represent members through grievances, disciplinaries, capability issues, sickness meetings, restructures, redundancies and everything in between.
- We are one of the country’s largest trade unions, with over half a million members in the public and private sectors
- Our job is simple: to make work better by campaigning for improved pay, terms and conditions
- We offer workplace representation, legal support, and a wide range of other benefits
- Membership costs from £8.61 to £15.22 a month and our membership fee is based on what you earn, so it's fair for everyone
Main Trades
Agriculture and forestry
Banking, finance and insurance
Banks and building societies
Financial services (accountancy, auditors, insurance, etc)
Fintech
Charities, voluntary and membership organisations
Construction
Distribution, logistics and wholesale
Education
Further education
Higher education
Nurseries and childcare
Schools
Electronics, electrical and domestic appliances
Entertainment and the arts
Gambling (betting shops and casinos)
Museums and art galleries
Theatre and cinema
Government and public services
Ambulance service
Civil service
Coastguard
Criminal/civil justice system (inc prisons and secure facilities)
Local government
Police service
Public services - other
Hairdressing and beauty treatment
Health
Health - private sector
Health - public sector
Hotels, restaurants, bars and hospitality
Hotels
Pubs and bars
Restaurants and food outlets
Tech, software and IT
Digital
Hardware
IT services
Public sector IT and data
Software
Telecoms
Legal services
Leisure, sport and outdoor activities
Local authority sport and leisure facilities
Private sport and leisure facilities
Professional Sports
Manufacturing & production
Chemicals
Drinks and tobacco
Food manufacturer
Non metal minerals
Machinery and equipment
Metals
Paper, cardboard and packaging
Rubber and plastics
Textiles, clothing and leather
Vehicles
Wood, furniture and other manufacturing
Mining, quarrying and extraction
Mining and quarrying
Oil and gas extraction
Post and telecommunications
Postal services
Telecommunications
Power, water, sewage and waste
Property & buildings
Property maintenance
Property sales and letting
Publishing and printing
Retail and shops
DIY stores
Food retail
Shops
Supermarkets
Vehicle sales
Sales and marketing
Science and research
Social care
Homecare and care homes
Social work
Transportation
Bike and scooter hire
Planes
Road transport
Taxis
Travel and tourism
Ships
Membership
Male 233,270 | Female 249,661 | Other 656 | Total 483,587
General secretary
Gary Smith
Cost of membership
- Full time employment: £15.22 a month
- Part time employment (20 hours or fewer a week): £8.61 a month
- Apprentices: £3.05 a month
- Non-working students: £1.05 per month
Membership benefits
- Support at work - Whatever workplace issue you're facing, GMB has your back. Our trained reps provide advice and representation across disciplinaries, grievances, redundancies, restructures and more. You're never on your own.
- Legal assistance - GMB members get access to free legal services through our member-owned law firm, including personal injury claims and, will writing, employment law advice and tribunal representation
- Free £5,000 accidental death cover - Your GMB membership includes £5,000 of free accidental death cover, annually renewable and guaranteed for UK residents aged 18-69.
- GMB Credit Union - Fairer savings and loans for GMB members and their families. No loan fees, no early repayment charges, and an annual dividend paid to all members. If you're offered a better loan rate elsewhere, we'll beat it.
- GMB Learning - Access free accredited qualifications and bursaries for further study through GMB Learning. Our education opportunities are designed to help you get a job, progress in your field and prepare for further study, in work and out of it.
- £500 NHS dental cover - GMB members can access dental cover worth up to £500 through GMB Union.
- Deals and discounts - Members get access to a wide range of discounts on days out, travel, retail, and more, Visit: https://www.gmb.org.uk/members/member-benefits
