Sickness benefit

As a Connect member, if you are receiving half pay or less through sickness, you are eligible for a monthly benefit of £400, for up to 12 months. There is an initial two calendar month qualifying period for members in BT after which, if you are still on sick leave, the benefit becomes payable, backdated to the date that your pay was reduced.

You will need to provide copies of current medical certificates and proof of reduction of pay.

Death benefit

If you die while a member, the union will make a payment to your beneficiary of £1,620.

24 Hour Accident Insurance

This scheme covers Connect members if they suffer serious injury from an accident. Lump sum payments are made on a sliding scale up to £60,000 depending on the injury. The full schedule is available on-line.

A benefit of £30,000 is payable should a member die in an accident where the 'death in service' payment is less than three year's pay (ie excludes BT).

Payments under this scheme are only made where it is not possible for the union to sue a third party.

Discount shopping

We have launched a discount shopping scheme for members, and all members should have received a booklet at their home address. The service offers between 5% and 10% off at many high street stores, normally using vouchers which are ordered in advance. Stores involved in the scheme include Argos, Index, B&Q, Woolworths, Next, Virgin and HMV.

For details please phone (01277) 267446 and quote reference 'RG3'.

Tax Helpline

When you have a tax problem, where do you go for help? Until now, you would have needed to consult an accountant (expensive), study a text book (time-consuming) or contact the tax office itself (fraught!). We have now joined forces with Hambro Legal Protection to provide the answer.

If you have a tax problem, all you need to do is phone the Tax Helpline. In many cases, you will be given an immediate answer but, if necessary, the adviser will research your problem and get back to you. Advice will be confirmed in writing and there is no limit to the number of calls that you may make to the Helpline. No charge is made for the advice.

The Helpline is staffed by a team of tax experts drawn from relevant taxation backgrounds, including the Inland Revenue and accountancy practice. Tax advice requires up to the minute advice and the advisers keep abreast of all new developments in tax law and practice.

The Tax Helpline is on 0990 234858 and operates Monday-Thursday 0900-1730 and Friday 0900-1645. You will need to quote your Connect membership number, which is on your membership card or can be obtained from the local branch.

Personal Contract Helpline

Members on personal contracts can get advice and assistance from by telephoning the Personal Contract Helpline on 020 8971 6060. This enables members on personal contracts to speak directly to an officer of the union on any matter relating to their contract of employment or terms and conditions.

Free legal assistance

We provide legal assistance for any work-related matter or for injury on or off duty to any member and legal assistance in respect of accidents outside work to the dependants of members. Our solicitors will provide professional advice and will pursue cases through the courts where there is a reasonable chance of success. The union cannot pursue cases where there is no reasonable prospect of success.

If you need legal assistance contact your local branch secretary or Head Office on 020 8971 6000.

DO NOT REFER THE MATTER TO YOUR OWN SOLICITOR AS THIS COULD AFFECT YOUR ELIGIBILITY UNDER THE SCHEME.

Legal advice scheme

The scheme provides a free initial consultation on any personal matter not covered by the legal assistance scheme and a written estimate of the cost of future work. A free written legal advice service is also available from the STE's solicitors. Members should contact Head Office on 020 8971 6000 for this service.

OPUSII

OPUSII is the STE's specialist employment agency which helps members leaving their employer to find suitable work. Check out their WWW page ('OPUS jobfinder' link) for the latest information.

Will writing

A competitive, fixed price, postal based will making service which includes comprehensive advice and a telephone helpline. Free review of existing wills.

For details please phone (01277) 267446 and quote reference 'RG3'.

Home and contents insurance

For comprehensive cover plus low prices, call Membership Services for an instant quotation. See how easy it is to save money with our special discounts!

For details please phone (01277) 267515 and quote reference 'CMS/520/912'.

Personal property insurance

Ideal for people living in rented or temporary accommodation, or those who are paying too much for a conventional policy because the "minimum insured" is too high.

Contents cover from £2,000 to £5,000 is available for:

• Possessions at any property in the UK in which you live
• Accidental damage to TV sets, hi-fi and fixed glass in furniture
• Up to £100 to change your locks if you lose your keys

In addition you can choose "All Risks" cover for possessions anywhere within the UK and Europe. Pedal cycles and personal money can also be insured.

For an immediate quotation call 01277 267515 quoting CMS/520/912.

Mortgage services

Membership Services shop around to find the best source for your mortgage, in the knowledge that your professional standing entitles you to a better deal on:

• First homes
• Moving - and reading up or down
• Re-mortgages for a reduced monthly payment
• Better income multiples
• Low cost conveyancing services
• A wide range of lenders

Remember that your home is at risk if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage or other loans secured on it. Life assurance or credit insurance is or may be required.

For details please phone (01332) 258049 and quote reference 'CMS/520/912'.

Car insurance

Membership Services' competitive rates can save you over 30% on your Motor insurance. Connect Motor Insurance also gives you:

• Free uninsured loss recovery service
• Free courtesy car if you have an accident
• Choice of payment options including instalments
• Plus many more benefits

For an instant quotation please phone (01277) 267515 and quote reference 'CMS/520/912'.

Pre-retirement, retirement and redundancy counselling

These services are designed to provide specialised financial advice geared to meeting the needs of the individual. The aim is to help you look forward. Whether you're facing retirement, redundancy or other situations which materially alter your income, Membership Services will help you to make the best use of your resources and manage your affairs. They can advise on problem areas such as investment, pension provision, and other commitments such as education and costs of moving home. These services are free of charge.

Personal interviews will be held in strictest confidence and a full report posted to your home.

For details please phone (0870) 5168203 and quote reference 'CMS/520/912'.

Family protection

We are all aware of the need to ensure that our dependants are financially secure in the event of our death. Death in service benefits may well be insufficient for your family's complete needs. However, the range of life assurance companies offering cover can be bewildering.

Membership Services will scan the market and advise you on the policy most suitable for you - and the company best able to provide it at the most economic premium. They are bound by law to give you the best advice.

• Life assurance with savings
• Term life - higher cover at lower cost
• Whole of life

For details please phone (0870) 5168203 and quote reference 'CMS/520/912'.

Personal financial and pension planning

Specialised financial planning advice tailored to the individual's circumstances. The aim is to help you look forward to making the best use of your financial resources. Usually this means advising you on how best to invest your capital to maximise your income and provide secure, tax efficient capital growth. Typical areas of involvement include:

• Widow/Widower Counselling
• Lump sum investment such as inheritance or house sale
• Planning additions to your pension.

Personal interviews will be held in strictest confidence.

For details please phone (0870) 5168203 and quote reference 'CMS/520/912'.

Holiday travel club

Join the Membership Services Travel Club and enjoy low priced travel with discounts up to 12.5% on the prices of most ABTA approved holidays and many other travel related benefits. Membership is free.

For details please phone (01277) 267446 and quote reference 'RG3'.

RAC motoring services

Special reductions for Connect members on most RAC services. Most existing RAC members can also take advantage of these special offers on their next renewal date.

For details please phone (01277) 267446 and quote reference 'RG3'.

Freeway personal contract purchase

Worry free motoring with a maintenance option.

• Instant quotations available.
• Easy budgeting.
• Allows you the choice of new car from almost any manufacturer.

For details please phone (0345) 697243 and quote reference 'CMS-EDI-001'. Lines are open 8.30 am - 8.30 pm Monday - Friday, 9.00 am - 5.30 pm Saturday and 9.30 am - 5.00 pm Sunday.

Airport parking services

10% discount is available at Gatwick, Heathrow and most other major airports - leave your car in total safety.

For details please phone (01277) 267446 and quote reference 'RG3'.

Annual travel insurance

Travel all year with Membership Services. Annual travel insurance provides comprehensive insurance throughout the year, wherever your go - ideal for those who travel abroad more than once a year.

For details please phone (01277) 267446 and quote reference 'RG3'.

Member Loan

Member Loan is an unsecured loan scheme specially negotiated for you by Membership Services Finance plc.

• Up to £10,000 available.
• Instant decision normally given.
• Written quotation available on request.

Call 0800 0280119 quoting ref 'CONEII'.

Simplitax

For members who have to complete a tax return, Simplitax provides a new and innovative tax return service designed for all UK tax payers.

For details please phone (01277) 267446 and quote reference 'RG3'.

STE VISA Gold Card

The Connect VISA gold card is exclusive to members. Key benefits of the card include:

• No annual fee
• Very attractive rate of interest - 11.9% APR for the first six months
• Up to £10,000 credit available
• Free purchase insurance
• Free travel accident insurance
• Free membership to the Beneficial Wine Club.
• £12 off your Connect subscription

Connect VISA cards are subject to status. Written quotations available on request.

For details please phone (01277) 267446 and quote reference 'RG3'.

MBA in Technology Management

We offer members an MBA scheme at privileged rates. The MBA is practically based and developed in conjunction with the Open University.

Phone (01932) 577057 for a brochure, quoting your Connect membership number.

Note that although details on this page are believed to be correct, they may not be! This page was last updated 10 January 2000.