You will need to have been a member for at least four weeks to qualify for some of our benefits and help. This means that we cannot represent a very new member and even if we did so, if the matter were to escalate to the extent that a union official (or solicitor) needed to become involved, the following rule is strictly applied. Section K 2 (i) of the UNISON Rule Book says "The member must have been in membership of the union for at least 4 weeks prior to the incident or occurrence that leads to her/him seeking legal assistance from the Union.". The rule also applies to members who have 4 weeks, or more, arrears of subscriptions.