Frequenly Asked Questions
We've got an extensive archive of answers to frequently asked questions about Work Trade Unions and Workers of England. Have a browse to see if there's anything you'd like to know, or even information on similar issues you're facing.
Select your FAQ below, and filter by Topic.
- All
- Access Request
- Affiliations
- Disciplinary
- Employers
- Medical Exemption
- Membership
- One-Day Sickness
- Recognition Rules
- SSP
- Sick Pay
- Statutory Sick Pay
- TUC
- Trade Union Access
- Trade Union Rep
- Trade Union Representation
- Trade Union Rights
- Work Problems
I have just joined Workers of England because I have a problem at work, am I entitled to help?
The WEU can only provide assistance to members. If you join, we can offer you immediate advice. T...
Who can be a member of the Trade Union?
Anyone can join our the WEU because we are a General Trade Union, meaning we represent workers ac...
My son/daughter has a problem, can Workers of England Union help as I am a member?
Yes, as a member of the Workers of England Union, some support services are available to your fam...
I have a problem at work, what should I do?
If you have a problem at work and are a member of the Workers of England, you should contact the ...
Are you a member of the TUC?
No, the Workers of England Union is not affiliated to the British TUC, Scottish TUC, Welsh TUC, o...
I have a problem but I don’t have a rep in my workplace
The WEU don’t have workplace reps to avoid conflicts of interest. Instead, our independent repres...
Are you affiliated to a political party?
The WEU is not affiliated to any political party, and we value our independence as essential to r...
I have a problem at work but I am not a Workers of England Union member
The WEU can only provide assistance to members. If you join, we can offer you immediate advice. T...
My subscriptions have stopped and no one contacted me to say I am no longer paying. Now I have a problem, what do I do?
If your subscriptions have stopped and you were not contacted, it is still your responsibility to...
I have a problem at work but I think my membership may have lapsed
You may not be eligible for legal assistance if your membership contributions are in arrears. Any...
What family-friendly leave is available from my first day at work?
From your first day, you can access Maternity Leave, Paternity Leave, Unpaid Parental Leave, Adop...
Do I get sick pay from the first day of illness in 2026?
Yes. As of April 2026, the three-day "waiting period" for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) has been aboli...
What are the new day one rights for 2026?
The Employment Rights Act 2025 (enforced in 2026), introduced several immediate protections: Stat...
What is a trade union access request?
A trade union access request to the workplace location, is a formal notification sent by a union ...
Can I be disciplined for talking to a union at work?
No. You are legally protected from "detriment" or dismissal for participating in trade union acti...
How do the 2026 union recognition rules work?
The process for a union to become "recognised" for collective bargaining has been simplified as o...
Do I have to wait to request unpaid parental leave?
No. As of 6 April 2026, unpaid parental leave is a Day One right. You no longer need to complete ...
Can I take paternity leave if I just started my job?
Yes. For babies born on or after 6 April 2026, paternity leave is a Day One right. You can give n...
Do I have protection from day one if I am a part-time worker?
Yes. All 2026 day-one rights apply equally to part-time workers. This includes the removal of the...
How is 2026 sick pay calculated for low earners?
For workers who earn less than the standard weekly SSP rate, the payment is calculated as a perce...
Does my employer have to tell me about my right to join a union?
Yes. From October 2026, employers are legally required to provide all workers with a written stat...
Can a union representative visit my workplace under the 2026 law?
Yes. A new statutory right of access takes effect in October 2026. Independent trade unions can r...
Is the SSP lower earnings limit still in place?
No. The 2026 reforms removed the Lower Earnings Limit (LEL) for Statutory Sick Pay. Previously, t...
Can my boss refuse to pay me for a one-day sickness?
No. Under the new 2026 legislation, your employer must pay SSP for a single day of absence if you...
What are the new rules for SSP medical evidence?
While you can still self-certify for the first 7 days of illness, the 2026 rules encourage digita...
Day One Rights
Questions relating to Day 1 Employment Rights of when starting your new job or career role.
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)
Common Questions and Answers relating to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) in the workplace for Part-Time and Full-Time workers.
Trade Union Access & Rights
Questions and Answers relating to your rights to a Trade Union.