Private contractors

After more than 20 years of privatisation and outsourcing, more and more of our members are employed by private sector organisations, with many of our members now working for private companies that deliver public services. 

Private contractors who work in the public sector face a unique set of challenges which can negatively affect their pay and working conditions compared to public-sector employees. 

UNISON believes a two-tier workforce, where private contractor members doing similar jobs are paid less than public sector counterparts, is divisive and unfair.

Who we represent

A growing number of multinational companies operate in the public sector, including Capita, Compass, Four Seasons, ISS, Serco, Sodexo and Veolia. If you work for a private contractor that delivers public services, you are likely to be eligible to join UNISON.

Our private contractor members include: 

• hospital cleaners;
• care workers;
• administration officers;
• school meals staff;
• call centre workers.

Being part of our union gives members a voice in their workplace, protection against unfair treatment, access to benefits and training and legal support. You can strengthen our power to campaign for better pay with private contractor employers across all sectors, including healthcare, education, social care and local government.

How we support private contractors

UNISON’s Private Contractors Unit provides a co-ordinated approach to the union’s work in the private sector at a national level. 

We negotiate national recognition agreements with private sector employers and support our private sector members in bargaining at a local level. We are currently exploring ways of providing members in the private sector with better representation within UNISON’s democratic structures. 

UNISON helps private contractors by negotiating for better pay and conditions, and campaigning for fairer terms. We also tackle issues like TUPE transfers (when contracts change), often fighting for pay parity with public-sector workers. 

The unit also offers general advice and support to regions and branches on matters relating to private contractors.

If you’re already a member, you can get in touch with our dedicated Private Contractors Unit, which offers general advice and support to UNISONs regions and branches on matters relating to private contractors. 

Contact [email protected] for more information.