As we approach the summer, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment for our union, our industry, and the wider trade union movement. A lot is happening, and it has never been more important for us to stand together, stay informed, and make our collective voice heard.

Shape Our Future: Conference Lite

First and foremost, I want to look forward to Conference Lite, our virtual union conference taking place on 24th June.

This is your platform. Being part of this process is vital because it gives every member a direct voice in shaping Advance Union’s strategic direction. I strongly encourage you to get involved. Please remember that the absolute deadline for submitting motions is 18th June. Don’t miss the chance to have your say on the issues that matter most to you and your colleagues.

A Changing Landscape: The TSB Takeover

In major industry news, the bank has officially completed its takeover of TSB. This monumental move makes us the third-largest bank by current accounts and the fourth-largest by mortgages in the UK.

What does this mean for us? Collectively, this is excellent news. It firmly cements the group’s long-term commitment to the UK market, providing a solid foundation for the future.

However, we are not blind to the reality of big corporate shifts. We fully understand that while the macro-view is positive, a takeover of this scale naturally brings individual concerns, questions, and anxieties for our members. Please be assured that your union is by your side. We are actively engaged in discussions and promise to keep you fully updated with transparent, timely information via our usual communication channels.

Strength in Numbers: Our ‘Starter for 10’ Campaign

To ensure we can navigate these industry changes from a position of absolute strength, we need to keep growing. That is why we launched our ‘Starter for 10’ campaign.

I am asking every single one of you to talk to your colleagues about the undeniable benefits of being an Advance Union member. To sweeten the deal, remember that for every new member you sign up, you will receive £10. Beyond the financial incentive, growing our numbers is about power and being a truly representative voice. It is more important than ever that we maintain a powerful, robust, and undeniable collective voice in the workplace.

The Power of the Movement

Our push for growth mirrors a massive national trend. TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak recently announced that trade union membership across the UK increased by a staggering 192,000 in 2025. As Paul rightly put it:

“Whether it’s fighting for fair pay and conditions, demanding better health and safety, or tackling the scourge of insecure work, unions are delivering real change for working people.

“Thanks to trade union campaigning, millions more workers will now benefit from stronger rights at work – including day one sick pay and stronger protections from unfair dismissal.

“When unions do well, working people do well. It pays to be in a union.”

Defending Our Hard-Won Rights

Those words couldn’t ring truer, especially when we look at the milestone protections achieved through the Employment Rights Act. Because of tireless trade union campaigning, workers across the country now enjoy significantly stronger day-one rights and legal protections.

But let me be absolutely clear: we cannot afford to become complacent.

In the coming weeks, months, and years, these hard-fought protections—as well as existing, vital legislation like the Equality Act—will undoubtedly come under attack from those who wish to roll back the clock on workers’ rights. We must remain vigilant. We need to stand shoulder-to-shoulder to defend exactly what we have collectively fought so hard to achieve.

Thank you for your continued support, your dedication, and for being the backbone of Advance Union. Please look out for one another, be part of the union community,  get your motions in for Conference Lite, and let’s keep building our union.

Jim Leoanrd

General Secretary