If my DH joined a union in the next few days, how quickly do you get full benefits?

[CarryOnMatron]

My DH works for the NHS in a non clinical role. He has been having issues with his line manager for a while and i've told him countless times that he needs to join a union.

He has been told via email today that he has to attend a meeting next tuesday in order to discuss his performance.

If he joins a union tomorrow, for example UNISON, how quickly would they help him with this situation? Is there some kind of time period?

I can't find anything referring to this on their website so i'd be grateful for any advice. Just feel so sad with it all

Its a outstanding issue, they won't represent him as he's already been told he needs to go.

Is there anything he can do?

In theory as soon as he joins he recieves the full benefits of membership. However the issue is more about the ability of the union to supply a rep at very short notice. On that basis I would always argue someone is better part of a union than not, but I do not think you will get the outcome your husband is looking for. The meeting may not be a disciplinery although you are right to be worried. Your DH could ask to take someone else in with him, or he could see how the meeting goes and ask for representation and advice after the meeting next week.

I think that the amount of notice is unfair and he should be able to ask for the meeting to be reconvened.

Thank you Grevling and Notthefullshilling for replying, I know this isn't the usual friday night Mumsnet thread

They shouldn't represent you for an outstanding issue, otherwise what is the point of union membership? Everyone would just join when they were in trouble. Existing members would rightly feel disgruntled about this.

However, it is worth talking to his local rep, because when I was a new union rep I represented a couple of people in similar situations as a sort of practice, but I did have to get permission from the union to do this.