Can I join a union and get advice straight away?

[Teacherstrife]

NC for this. Secondary teacher here. I’m currently not in a union (stupid I know!) There is potentially a situation brewing whereby I may need advice and support. Can I access that support and advice straight away if I join now?

Most likely will only cover situation which has occurred after membership but you can only ask them see what they say

The situation has to have occurred during your membership so if you've got that sense of something brewing but nothing has happened then they will help you with anything that happens in the future (but not for things before the membership).

And because it's a thread about not having union membership in schools make sure you're in a union everyone or have education legal cover such as edapt.

Just do it.
They may only offer advice from when you signed up though and not a previous incident

A colleague was recently accused of something and was not in a union. None would represent her or advise her, she joined one but they still won't help her with the current case. However she only approached them once she already had a big problem. If you think something might kick off I'd join ASAP

Definitely join one ASAP. I'm astonished how many people don't bother! They're there to protect you (legally if nothing else).

Managing the performance of one of my staff - she joined a union at the start of the formal process (once she was aware that this was happening) and they did support her.

Sorry to drag up a slightly old thread but I've just had this. I joined a union due to an awful situation at work and they said they would only attend meetings / support me after 4 weeks.