Union sees surge in young members

The T&G general union has seen what it describes as "an unprecedented boost in membership amongst young people", having recruited 2,000 under-26-year-olds since July 2001.

The new recruits come particularly from the retail sector, call centres, agencies, food distribution companies, catering, cleaning and local government, according to the union.

T&G national secretary for youth and development Sharon Graham said: "Young people often find themselves being bullied at work, or do not receive respect for the contribution they make."

She pointed out that many young workers were excluded from the national minimum wage and said the union had recently achieved the eradication of the age-rate system in a food distribution company.

The T&G has visited schools across the country to educate 11-to-14-year olds on workplace issues, and has launched a text messaging service for members and potential members.

* Convincing young people of the need to join unions will be one of the priorities facing the 20 trainees who joined the TUC's Organising Academy last month. The Academy, which opened its doors five years ago, has now trained 150, mainly young, organisers. The nine unions backing this year's entrants are: UNISON (five), CWU (four), PCS, Accord, ISTC and Prospect (two each), and the NUJ, AUT and the FDA (one each).