The changing face of unions – and the challenges they face

UK unions face various operational, financial, and funding challenges. Juggling the need to modernise processes and operations while funding and membership are reduced is a huge task.

Statistic: The proportion of UK workers with union membership has fallen from 50% in 1980 to just 23.7% in 2024. That decline is particularly noticeable in the private sector, where union membership has dropped to only 13.1%, compared to 58.7% in the public sector.

Insight: This decline in membership – and therefore revenues – has put unions under pressure to modernise how they operate, to free up resources for vital frontline work. However, there are opportunities for unions to adapt – with technology playing a pivotal role.

Benefits: Even a small investment in digital transformation can help unions maximise every penny of existing income, free up valuable resources to invest in frontline services, and make unions more appealing to the best talent.

Download the eBook today, to get moving on your transformation!