We know that when problems come up at work that can be an incredibly stressful time.
UNISON West Sussex supports our members at such times, through our network of trained reps, and through our branch office in Chichester where we have branch officers and employed staff who can support you.
You must though seek our help as early as possible and not leave it to the last minute.
We have had a spate of cases recently where branch members wanted advice at very short notice or even on the day they were due to meet their manager. Also, members have called us seeking formal representation on the day the meeting was due to happen.
We cannot meet your need for support without adequate notice, so please if you receive an invitation from your employer to a formal meeting, don’t sit on it – take action immediately and contact the branch to organise representation and advice as soon as possible.
If your employer invites you to a formal meeting, you’re entitled to ask for it to be rescheduled to accommodate your trade union rep’s availability. Do not therefore accept a date or a rearrangement with your employer before speaking to us, or you will lose your one opportunity to rearrange the meeting!
This is our process for seeking support, when a problem arises and you need advice.
984 members sought support from the Chichester office in 2025, and 322 of those members had formal representation in meetings.
If you’ re reading this and think you’d like to support your fellow members when they have problems at work, get in touch or sign up using our rep nomination form. Full training is given and paid time off from work for training and attending and preparing for meetings is arranged. It can be very rewarding, and definitely adds to your skillset and knowledge. Get in touch if that this sounds like something for you.