Young workers unaware of their rights

Young workers are unaware of the rights they hold within their workplaces and aren’t signing up for union representation despite knowing the benefits membership provides, new research has found.

The study, by UIA Mutual Insurance, shows that 44% of the 18-30 year olds in the East of England said they understood the vital support network trade unions supply. However, 60% of young workers do not belong to their relevant union.

In the East of England, a third (33%) believe young people are far more vulnerable and should be protected by unions. The rise of ‘gig economy’ jobs and zero-hours contracts serves to highlight the changing face of British working life and the growing need for better workplace representation and assistance.

Aston spoke to Jon Craven, CEO of UIA Mutual and Kendal Bromley, Chair of National Young Member’s Forum, UNISON to discuss the limited knowledge young people have about their rights at work and what they can do about it.