UK Intellectual Property Office Branch - Public content

Prospect UK Intellectual Property Office

Why Should You Join Prospect?

Because together we're stronger

The union can only achieve collectively what its members are prepared to act upon individually.  This means that for Prospect at the IPO to be effective in the workplace we need as many members as possible, in order to demonstrate to management that we represent the workforce.


Prospect, our parent union, is not just an advocacy organization that you pay to receive a service from (although that is one of its roles); it is your organization, funded by your subscriptions.  It is run for its members, directed by its members, with support from paid staff. 


Most of the main benefits of union membership are realized in the long term - i.e. a workplace with an active union is more likely to have better terms and conditions of work.


Over the long term, a unionized workplace:

  • is 6 times more likely to have an occupational pension scheme
  • has 10% more pay
  • has less discrimination
  • has better collective agreements (flexi time, family friendly policies)

Much of this is true of the IPO (e.g. Civil Service pension scheme, enhanced maternity pay) - your membership helps preserve these benefits.

Collective Bargaining

Members of Prospect, PCS and FDA are represented in pay negotiations by elected branch reps and full time staff when we need their support. This also applies to any negotiations concerning terms and conditions, for example changes to sick pay or attendance management policies. Your subscriptions also fund national campaigns.

Consultation

Prospect represents members’ interests, for example concerning appraisals, promotion, health and safety. There are regular meetings with senior staff, and involvement in committees or project groups concerned with equal opportunities, health and safety and changes affecting the work that you do.

Representation

Full time officers or locally elected representatives are able to provide legal advice and assistance with personal cases, including discrimination or disciplinary matters. They are also a more general source of advice about terms and conditions, including your statutory rights. See http://members.prospect.org.uk/

Benefits and Services

Including personal injury scheme, career counselling, will-writing service and special offers for financial and insurance products and services. See http://members.prospect.org.uk/advice_and_services/index?_ts=6507


For more information see http://members.prospect.org.uk/becoming_a_member_or_rep/why_join_prospect/index?_ts=6507 for additional details.