Trade Union memberships among the young people are decreasing in numbers considerably in spite of a rising pay gap between the older and young workers. In government sector it has fallen by 5% since 2001 while the private companies are showing a decrease in figures by 3%. The private sector is where 80% of under -30s are employed. The young workers are very much worried about the financial status and uncertainty at work place.

The general secretary of Trade Union Corporation has acknowledged its inability to communicate with the young workers. They are unable to present the importance of unions to the younger generation even when their salaries have seen a major drop in the past 20 years. In general it is assumed that a trade union member earns higher than an average worker. Statistics show that over 30s are now earning more by 21.9% as compared to the under 30s. It is very much natural for old people to have more earning but the moderate wage growth rate among the young workers has also added to this gap.

Stacy O’Grady, general secretary of TUC has expressed concerns over the insecurity young people face over job stability in certain sectors like health care and retail. She said that employers are also causing hindrances to these young workers and the union. The executives especially in the private sector don’t want their young workers to be a part of the union.

TUC has also admitted to not being up to date with the current scenario where most young workers are in temporary contracts. They are committed to work towards making themselves organized and give support to the workers through online coaching. They understand that to gain the confidence of under 30s, they will have to work towards it by recognizing their problems at the work places.