Did you know that as a UNISON member it is your responsibility to make sure you’re paying the correct amount of subs?
If you have changed jobs or been regraded it could mean you are paying too much or not enough.
UNISON’s membership fees are divided into 11 bands – the more (or less) you earn the more (or less) you pay.
| Annual salary |
Monthly cost |
| Up to £2,000 | £1.30 |
| £2,001 – £5,000 | £3.50 |
| £5,001 – £8,000 | £5.30 |
| £8,001 – £11,000 | £6.60 |
| £11,001 – £14,000 | £7.85 |
| £14,001 – £17,000 | £9.70 |
| £17,001 – £20,000 | £11.50 |
| £20,001 – £25,000 | £14.00 |
| £25,001 – £30,000 | £17.25 |
| £30,001 – £35,000 | £20.30 |
| Over £35,000 | £22.50 |
| The subscription rate for students and apprentices is £10 per year. | |
| . |
If you think you’re paying too much you could be due a refund
If you’re not paying enough you could find that you are no longer entitled to receive representation, legal services and all the other benefits of UNISON membership. When members apply for assistance checks are made to ensure that the correct levels of subs are being paid. At this stage payment of back subs will not entitle you to assistance with any existing issues.
How do I check that I’m paying the right amount?
The first step is to work out how much you earn each year before income tax, national insurance and any other deductions are made by your employer (this is known as your gross earnings). You should include all the jobs you want covered by your UNISON membership and all contractual overtime payments. From the table above you will then be able to work out how much you should be paying each month.
If you pay your subs through your employer’s payroll you can find out how much is being deducted by checking your payslip. If you pay by direct debit you should check your bank statement.
I’m not paying enough, what should I do?
The first thing to do is contact your branch secretary to let them know.
If your employer deducts your subs from your wages your branch can let the payroll department know.
If you pay by direct debit you will need to let us know so we can adjust the amount we collect. Your branch can do this for you.
In some cases you may be asked to make an additional payment to cover the shortfall. If you do not do so you may find that you will lose your entitlement to membership benefits.
I think I’m paying too much, what should I do?
Speak to a local steward or your branch secretary who will be able to help you. Your branch will collect the necessary information and send it to the region. If you have overpaid you will receive a refund. Members paying by direct debit will have the amount we collect amended. For those paying through pay roll we will inform you and your employer of the correct amount to be deducted.
I’m not sure whether I’m paying the right amount or not. What should I do?
Contact your local steward or branch secretary who will be able to help you.