UNISON
UNISON has worked closely with BAOT/RCOT for almost 30 years and in 2022 we renewed that long standing partnership. Membership of the British Association of Occupational Therapists grants membership of both the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (a wholly owned charitable subsidiary of BAOT) and UNISON – the largest union in the NHS and in the UK.
Through this arrangement occupational therapists and occupational therapy support workers get access to high quality professional support and advice from RCOT, as well as access to the full UNISON membership offer including protection and representation in your workplace.
All BAOT members are members of UNISON (except for those who are wholly self-employed or employed overseas).
UNISON provides industrial relations support for the British Association of Occupational Therapists (BAOT). UNISON is a powerful voice for working people in the United Kingdom, with over 1.3 million members working in public services, the community and voluntary sector and for private companies.
UNISON represents members in many ways, from advising and supporting individual members about a problem at work, to using its voice to influence decision-making at a national level, that will affect all occupational therapy staff. RCOT and UNISON work together to make sure our members concerns are heard – whether it's about pay, health and safety, discrimination or the future direction of occupational therapy services.
Stay informed about UNISON’s latest campaigns, including what it’s doing to negotiate fairer pay for occupational therapists and other health and social care professionals by visiting the UNISON website.
Problem at work?
UNISON helpline: 0800 0857 857
Get help from UNISON online
Find the contact details for your regional office.
If you don't have an Occupational Therapy Steward in your workplace, then make sure you elect one
Every workplace should have a BAOT/UNISON Steward to represent the views and needs of occupational therapy staff. If you don't have a steward in your workplace then you should raise this issue at one of your team meetings. Occupational Therapy Stewards are given accredited training and are entitled to paid time off to carry out their union duties.
UNISON benefits
Your UNISON membership entitles you to a wide range of benefits including:
Legal advice
UNISON provides quality legal services for employment-related and non-work issues at no extra cost to members and their family. It provides the broadest range of legal help available to union members in the UK.
UNISON There for You
Members experiencing financial and emotional difficulties can contact our welfare charity, There for You, which provides a confidential advice and support service for members and their dependants.
UNISON Learning and Organising Services
offer a wide range of learning opportunities, from basic skills through to professional level qualifications. It opens the door to more and better training through a range of free courses and a partnership with the Open University.
Discounts and benefits from UNISON Living
UNISON members can access a range of exclusive deals and discounts on financial services, travel, leisure activities and holidays.
UNISON political fund
BAOT/RCOT does not contribute to UNISON’s general political fund nor UNISON’s affiliated political fund.