The right to join a union is protected by UK law and an employer cannot discrimate against you for joining one.

All workers have the right to:

• choose to join, or not to join, a trade union;
• decide to leave, or remain a member of, a trade union;
• belong to a trade union of their choice, even if it is different from the one recognised by their employer;
• belong to more than one trade union.

An employer cannot discriminate against you for joining a trade union. You cannot be refused employment, treated unfairly at work or dismissed for joining a trade union.

If your employer does discriminate against you, you may be able to make a complaint to an employment tribunal.