UNION membership rose by 192,000 to 6.6 million in 2025, the TUC revealed today.

The union federation hailed the figures as a “huge vindication” of the organising work done by “unions and reps right across the country — but we are not complacent.”

TUC general secretary Paul Nowak said: “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.

“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.”

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

“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.

“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.”

Unison assistant general secretary Jon Richards added: “Union members are likely to be paid more, have better benefits and greater training opportunities. 

“Being in a union means you know someone’s got your back should you have any issues at work. Whether it’s contracts, harassment, redundancy, pensions or discrimination, the union is there to help.”