When you join Advance Union, you’re joining more than just a union – you join an extended community with thousands of other members, all with a common goal of improving their daily working lives.

Reps are the beating heart of our union and offer a friendly and sympathetic ear for members. We ensure that when we speak on behalf of our members we represent at work we act with integrity and professionalism. We have many workplace representatives who complement our senior consultants across the country. They are there to listen when things are not going so well.

Our helpline team provides confidential advice, information, and guidance. Senior consultants support more complex issues and where formal representation is needed.

We are a forward-thinking, modern trade union that believes there is a right way to achieve results – and that it is through constructive relationships with employers and other unions. By keeping the lines of communication open, even when we disagree we believe there is often common ground that can be found.

With so many members, Santander sees Advance Union as a strategic partner. The more members we have, the stronger we are when negotiating on the things that matter to you. We believe with more members our representations become more relevant and consistent with the overall views and concerns shared by every one , which is one reason why joining and strengthening your voice at work is essential.

Our members trust us with two primary responsibilities:

Collective representation of members’ when negotiating with their employer. The most obvious of these negotiations usually occur annually. Yes, we are talking about the annual pay review! We know this is important to you, but it also includes consultation on critical matters such as job security and policy.

Individual representation of members in formal procedures. This includes grievance, attendance, performance, or disciplinary meetings. Our highly skilled and knowledgeable consultants ensure you are treated fairly and will hold your hand if you ever need to have formal representation from your union.

There are many other benefits to Advance membership – check out the benefits section

Advance Union can trace its roots to 1977. Abbey National employees who wanted an independent employee voice to represent them collectively in their dealings with management. They formed A.N.S.A. (Abbey National Staff Association). The following year, it received a Certificate of Independence from the government regulator to show we were not part of Abbey National.

In 1997, Abbey National Staff Association established a new leadership team, led by Linda Rolph, which began modernising the union. We also changed our name to Abbey National Group Union (A.N.G.U.). We are proud to note that when we affiliated with the Trades Union Congress in January 1998, we were the first finance Union to do so.

Santander Purchased Abbey National Group in 2004, and they went on to buy Alliance & Leicester and the branch network and savings business of Bradford & Bingley.

At this time, A.N.G.U was merged with the “Union for Bradford and Bingley Staff and Associated Companies (U.B.A.C.)”, representing staff in Bradford & Bingley since 1977. Following all the name changes, the union formally changed its name to Advance (Union) in 2008.

Advance Union is the largest union representing people in Santander in the U.K. We provide a comprehensive range of services for our members, ranging from negotiation on Pay and Terms & Conditions of employment to personal representation for individuals at many meetings. Irrespective of our name, Advance’s priority has always been to be your voice at work.