In Britain today there are almost 23 million people in paid employment. Most of them spend up to a quarter of their lives at work - longer, on average, than anywhere else in Europe.

Work can be satisfying, enjoyable and rewarding and most employers treat their workers fairly. But some do not and even the best can make mistakes.That is where unions come in. Indeed, almost every improvement in workplace conditions - for example - equal pay laws, stronger health and safety legislation and statutory redundancy pay, came about following trade union pressure.

On your own you cannot always defend yourself to your best advantage. Not only that - the time when you really need the expertise of a trade union is when you least expect it. Normally life goes on as usual then, suddenly, you are faced with either injustice, redundancy, injury or illness. Of course you could always turn to a friend or solicitor for advice but most people find that specialist guidance is what they need - guidance that can only come from those sufficiently experienced in dealing with industrial problems. That is why every union has its own legal advisors and highly trained negotiators.

Each year trade unions win millions of pounds in compensation for members who are injured at work, are unfairly dismissed, suffer from discrimination on matters of gender or race, and many other industrial issues. Free pension and legal advice is available to trade union members.

The fact is that unionised staff generally get more pay and more paid holidays than non-unionised employees. Collective and individual representation on pay, health, safety and many other issues are provided by trade unions.

Many unions have a vast range of financial and other facilities available to their members, covering car and home insurance, sickness benefits, mortgages, holiday reductions and credit cards.

Unionised workers are less likely to lose their jobs than non-unionised staff. If this does happen, they receive better compensation.

Forty four out of the top fifty companies recognise unions. There is no doubt that trade unions are as necessary today as ever they were.

Can you afford to join? The reality is you cannot afford not to join.