I've got a problem at work. Where can I get advice?

Contact your local BAOT/UNISON steward or UNISON branch as soon as possible.
 
If you don't know who your local UNISON rep is or aren't sure who to contact, ring our hotline:

• UNISONdirect 0845 355 0845 (calls charged at local rates)
• Freephone textphone 0800 0 967 968

Lines are open 6am-midnight Monday-Friday and 9am-4pm Saturdays.
 
Every BAOT/UNISON member belongs to a local branch which is run by a committee consisting of fellow members elected to take on different roles.  Your local branch is your first point of contact for advice and support. 
 
Please remember that the local stewards in your branch balance their trade union duties with the demands of their jobs. If there isn't a BAOT member elected as a steward in your workplace, please volunteer. We can't effectively represent members without stewards (see also: ‘How can we elect an OT Steward in our workplace?‘).
 
If you need representation or support for a workplace issue then this will be provided by a steward in your branch. This may be a fellow occupational therapy staff member (i.e. and OT Steward), if there is one in your branch or it may be a trained steward who works in a different occupation, such as a social worker, nurse or cleaner.  All UNISON stewards are trained and accredited to deal with problems affecting you at work. They also have certain legal rights to undertake their trade union duties. 
 
Your branch can also seek advice from the regional or national office, where necessary. 
 
In certain instances, cases may be referred by the branch to the regional office for representation. Please note that any decision to refer a member to the regional office must be made and approved by the branch.