A recent testimonial made me think about unions and their role in defending clients.  A great number of my clients are paid up union members, and yet still they end up paying for my services.  Why is that?  Is it because unions are under-resourced?  The unions don't seem to be doing too badly, from what we read.  Is it because they don't have access to specialist legal advice and representation?  No, because they have access to Thompsons, a massive and greatly experienced law firm.

Whatever the reason, registrants do not feel that they are getting the help that they need from their union.

I find it sad really.  We need powerful unions to counterbalance the power of the employer firstly, and secondly to defend the interests of professionals against the power of their regulators.  Often, clients tell me that the NMC for example, doesn't seem to care about them at all.  I tell them, that when the NMC is disciplining you by way of fitness to practice procedures, the overriding objective is to protect the public and the profession, and you come way down the list of priorities.

In order to stand a fair chance, you need someone on whose list of priorities you are first and foremost.If it is not your union's list, then find someone else who will fight for you.