TUC: Workers know it “pays to be in a union” as new figures show union membership soars

Commenting on union membership numbers rising by 192,000 to 6.6 million in 2025, TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said: 

“It’s great to see more people across the country joining trade unions.

“There has never been a more important time to be a member of one.

“Whether it’s fighting for fair pay and conditions, demanding better health and safety, or tackling the scourge of insecure work, unions are delivering real change for working people.

“Thanks to trade union campaigning, millions more workers will now benefit from stronger rights at work - including day one sick pay and stronger protections from unfair dismissal.

“When unions do well, working people do well. It pays to be in a union.”

Looking ahead, Paul Nowak added:

“Today’s boost in membership is a huge vindication of the amazing organising work done by unions and reps right across the country – but we are not complacent.

“It’s now time to step up our efforts – especially with the repeal of restrictive anti-trade union legislation and new rights for unions to access workplaces. Unions have to grow, to represent more workers and get more workplaces covered by collective bargaining. That’s how we raise wages, improve conditions and cut inequality.

“We won’t rest until every worker has the security, dignity and respect at work they deserve.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

- About the TUC: The Trades Union Congress (TUC) exists to make the working world a better place for everyone. We bring together the 5.3 million working people who make up our 47 member unions. We support unions to grow and thrive, and we stand up for everyone who works for a living.