Retired Members

UNISON believes that many members, when they retire, want to go on benefiting from union membership.

Membership Services and Benefits

Most people join and stay in UNISON to get the best representation and support at work when they need it. But UNISON retired members also receive superb membership benefits that can save them money on a wide range of services.

As a retired member you would still have access to UNISON Welfare and UNISON Legal Services as well as receiving special rates or increased benefits from UNISON's service providers. See the Membership Benefits page.

Who can become a Retired Member?

If you have been a UNISON member (or a member of one of the partner unions) for at least two years on the day you retire and you will either be getting a pension or have reached state pension age, and you will not be doing another job, you can become a retired member.

Keeping in Touch

Usually you will remain a member of your existing UNISON branch. If, however, you move house, you can transfer to your new local branch. If you are already in retired membership and have moved, you can become a retired member of your new local branch immediately. You will need to provide proof of your membership - a membership number for example. The UNISON office in your region can tell you which branch is nearest to your home.

You will be able to keep in touch with former working colleagues and attend and participate at branch meetings in accordance with UNISON Rules - provided that the subjects under discussion are not related to the pay conditions of working members.

any UNISON branches have formed active retired members' groups which meet on a regular basis; for social events and outings as well as keeping up to date with UNISON campaigns and pursuing issues of concern to older people. The Durham Branch has its own active Retired Members Group, with Marilyn Sadler is their Retired Officer. The group meet on a bi-monthly basis either at County Hall or Spennymoor, Green Lane Offices. For more information please contact the office on 0191 3834617/3607. Even if you do not wish to be part of the active Retired Members Group you will still receive an invitation to the branch Annual General Meeting each year and you would also receive a regular copy of UNISON's 'U' Magazine which gives general information on what's happening with the union.

How can I become a Retired Member?

If you would like to become a retired member of the Durham Branch of UNISON, please contact us for an application form. Retired membership costs £15.00, this is a one-off payment and is paid to the Branch.