OUR ORIGINS

Unite is the largest trade union in Britain and Ireland. Unite rose out of a merger of Amicus and the Transport and General Workers' Union (TGWU). Amicus was formed from 4 unions – GPMU (print), Unifi (banking and insurance), AEEU (Amalgamated Engineering and Electrical Union) and MSF. The Faith Workers Branch was part of Amicus (and its predecessors) and is now part of Unite.

Unite is affiliated to the Trades Union Congress and the Labour. It is a modern, forward-thinking and dynamic union. It is campaigning and ‘member-led’. Because of its size, it sets the agenda that others follow. So, when you join the Faith Workers Branch – you are part of the most influential union in the movement.

WHAT WE DO

Here When You Need Us

From day-to-day queries to complex employment disputes, the Faith Workers Branch provides expert support at every stage of your working life.

Helpline Support

A seven-day-a-week helpline for all faith workers, members or not. Immediate guidance on employment matters, pay, conditions, and more. Call 0333 123 0021.

Rep Representation

A trained network of Branch Reps supporting you through difficult times — from informal conversations with employers to formal proceedings.

Legal Services

Full Unite legal support for members — employment disputes, discrimination claims, and tribunal representation that would otherwise cost thousands.

Campaigning

We campaign on behalf of faith workers nationally, engaging with denominations and faith bodies on pay, conditions, housing, and wellbeing.

Collective Dialogue

Our committee meets senior church institution staff three times a year, and annually with the Remuneration and Conditions of Service Committee.

Connect & Belong

Be part of one of the UK's largest unions — over 1.2 million members — while staying connected to a specialist community that understands faith work.

Unite Faith Workers Branch LE/0631M

We are here to listen, to walk with you when you feel most alone.

The Branch Helpline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

We negotiate for

Fairness and dignity.

Recognition of need.

Fair support.

Best practice by those in authority.

Better pay and pensions, and terms and conditions of service.

The Faith Workers Branch will

01 Deal in a professional manner with members and their work-related concerns.

02 Work to improve members’ working conditions.

03 Always assist you with integrity and confidentiality.

04 Seek to promote reconciliation where relationships have been impaired.

05 Respect differing views of others without implying agreement or avoiding challenge.

06 Actively promote diversity, equality and inclusion in line with the Unite Rulebook.

07 Train our representatives to a high standard and offer training to members on issues of concern.

08 Campaign with the wider trade union movement to promote a just society.

Why the branch was founded

Who we are

The Faith Workers Branch was founded to provide advice, support and negotiate for better terms and conditions for the thousands of faith workers in the UK and Ireland. Our aim is for churches, synagogues, mosques and temples, and their associated administrative structures to have the best environment for their ministers and employees to flourish.

We advise members to contact us as soon as issues start to emerge: the sooner you have support the more likely is a satisfactory result. The Branch Helpline is the first port of call. Our trained representatives will give you the support you need or signpost you for additional help.

Members including Vice Chair of Branch, Revd Helen Harrell, Revd Wendy Kilworth-Mason Secretary, AMFW recruiting at the Methodist Conference

Revd Beverley Ejimofo, at the Anglican Minority Ethnic Network Conference (AMEN)

Rooted in shared values

The Faith Workers Branch is rooted in the universal values of social justice shared by faith communities and the trade union movement — the roots of which started in Tolpuddle, Dorset, by people of faith.

Organised around you

The branch is divided into workplace groupings to ensure that members of all faiths and denominations have their own representatives who understand their difficulties.

Branch Helpline

0333 123 0021

The Branch helpline is usually staffed 9am to 5pm on weekdays and you can leave a message 24/7/365.

“We are here to listen, to walk with you when you feel most alone.”

The Branch Helpline is the first port of call. Our trained representatives will give you the support you need or signpost you for additional help.

OUR ORIGINS

WHAT WE DO

Here When You Need Us

From day-to-day queries to complex employment disputes, the Faith Workers Branch provides expert support at every stage of your working life.

Helpline Support

Rep Representation

Legal Services

Campaigning

Collective Dialogue

Connect & Belong

Unite Faith Workers Branch LE/0631M

We are here to listen, to walk with you when you feel most alone.

The Branch Helpline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

We negotiate for

Fairness and dignity.

Recognition of need.

Fair support.

Best practice by those in authority.

Better pay and pensions, and terms and conditions of service.

The Faith Workers Branch will

01

Deal in a professional manner with members and their work-related concerns.

02

Work to improve members’ working conditions.

03

Always assist you with integrity and confidentiality.

04

Seek to promote reconciliation where relationships have been impaired.

05

Respect differing views of others without implying agreement or avoiding challenge.

06

Actively promote diversity, equality and inclusion in line with the Unite Rulebook.

07

Train our representatives to a high standard and offer training to members on issues of concern.

08

Campaign with the wider trade union movement to promote a just society.

Why the branch was founded

Who we are

We advise members to contact us as soon as issues start to emerge: the sooner you have support the more likely is a satisfactory result. The Branch Helpline is the first port of call. Our trained representatives will give you the support you need or signpost you for additional help.

Members including Vice Chair of Branch, Revd Helen Harrell, Revd Wendy Kilworth-Mason Secretary, AMFW recruiting at the Methodist Conference

Revd Beverley Ejimofo, at the Anglican Minority Ethnic Network Conference (AMEN)

Rooted in shared values

The Faith Workers Branch is rooted in the universal values of social justice shared by faith communities and the trade union movement — the roots of which started in Tolpuddle, Dorset, by people of faith.

Organised around you

The branch is divided into workplace groupings to ensure that members of all faiths and denominations have their own representatives who understand their difficulties.

Branch Helpline

0333 123 0021

The Branch helpline is usually staffed 9am to 5pm on weekdays and you can leave a message 24/7/365.

“We are here to listen, to walk with you when you feel most alone.”

The Branch Helpline is the first port of call. Our trained representatives will give you the support you need or signpost you for additional help.

OUR OFFICERS

Chair John Applegate

Vice-chair Helen Harrell

Secretary James Wilson

Treasurer Pete Hobson

Equalities Beverley Ejimofo

Learning David Teasdel

Comms Bethel Alloyda

Unite Faith Workers Branch LE/0631M

We are here to listen, to walk with you when you feel most alone.

The Branch Helpline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.