Cancel USDAW the easy way

Overview

USDAW is a UK trade union representing shopworkers, distributive and allied workers since 1891. It provides membership benefits including representation, advice, a prepaid cashback card and optional health plan cover.

Services and purpose

USDAW assists members with workplace disputes, legal and industrial advice, and member benefits such as a prepaid cashback card and pension guidance. Pension guidance is free for USDAW members.

Company facts

Web (download and return CAN1)

1. Open the official USDAW cancellation page and locate the CAN1 form or cancellation instructions. See USDAW cancellation page.
2. Download or print CAN1 and complete all fields: full name, membership number if known, address, signature and date.
3. Return CAN1 by post to USDAW at 188 Wilmslow Road, M14 6LJ Manchester or follow the submission instructions on the page.
4. Keep a copy and await written acknowledgement; call 0800 030 80 30 if you have not heard within 14 days.

Phone (obtain and submit CAN1)

1. Call 0800 030 80 30 and ask for the CAN1 cancellation form to be sent to your email or postal address.
2. Complete CAN1, sign and date it, and return it by the method agreed with USDAW (post or email if provided).
3. Ask the agent for a reference number and the expected acknowledgement timeframe.

Post (registered letter with CAN1)

1. Complete CAN1 and send by registered post to USDAW, 188 Wilmslow Road, M14 6LJ Manchester, United Kingdom.
2. Keep the registered post proof of delivery and the returned postal receipt.
3. Expect USDAW acknowledgement; if you have not received acknowledgement within 14 days of delivered date, call 0800 030 80 30.

Email / Ask a question

1. Use USDAW contact routes such as the ask-a-question page or support email to request CAN1 or to notify cancellation. The ask-a-question page is at USDAW ask a question.
2. Attach required identity details and state you wish to cancel effective from the next contribution period.
3. Save the sent message and await written acknowledgement.

Bank - Direct Debit cancellation

1. Contact your bank or building society to cancel the USDAW Direct Debit; banks must act on a valid instruction.
2. Also return CAN1 to USDAW to close membership records; notify USDAW of the bank cancellation.
3. If an error is made on payment, your bank can provide a full refund under your rights.

Moving house

If you are moving and wish to cancel, complete the CAN1 form and state your change of address on the form. Provide proof of new address only if USDAW requests it. USDAW does not publish a separate moving policy; follow the CAN1 return and request written acknowledgement.

Price increase

USDAW membership pricing is published on their membership rates page. If USDAW increases a paid plan, complete CAN1 if you wish to stop membership because of the increase. Specific price increase exception rules are not published by USDAW; your cancellation will be processed from the next contribution period.

Death of the subscriber

If a subscriber has died, notify USDAW and return CAN1 with the executor or next of kin details. USDAW procedures for death are not fully published online; provide a death certificate if requested to close the account.

Legitimate grounds accepted by USDAW

USDAW requires completion of form CAN1 to cancel for any reason. The union's public guidance does not list an exhaustive set of acceptable 'legitimate grounds' online. Where proof is needed, USDAW will advise on the documents required after you submit CAN1.

End of commitment

USDAW membership effective and end dates are handled by receipt of CAN1. USDAW does not publish a minimum commitment period for general membership; cancellation takes effect from the next contribution period after acknowledgment.

Cooling-off (distance or off-premises contracts)

If you joined USDAW at a distance (online, phone or mail-order), you may have a 14-day cooling-off right under the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013. If USDAW failed to provide cancellation information, the cancellation period can be extended by up to 12 months under those Regulations. For subscription contracts, the Consumer Rights Act 2024 provides cancellation rights in initial or renewal cooling-off windows. See Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 and Consumer Rights Act 2024.

Before you cancel: try to negotiate

Research did not identify specific retention offers publicly reported by USDAW. If you want to negotiate, call 0800 030 80 30 and ask to speak to the membership team. You can request a downgrade of services, a payment holiday or alternative payment dates; USDAW will advise what is available when you contact them. Record the agent name and ask for written confirmation of any agreed change.

What cancelling saves you - math and alternatives

USDAW Scale A membership monthly price: £12.92. Monthly to annual math: 12 x £12.92 = £155.04 per year. USDAW also lists an annual price of £155.00.

Cheapest competitor from the research: Accord Professionals at £6.00 per month or £72.00 per year. Savings by switching from USDAW monthly to Accord:

• Monthly saving: £12.92 - £6.00 = £6.92
• Annual saving using monthly multiplication: £155.04 - £72.00 = £83.04

Example other prices you may save by cancelling or changing plans: USDAW Prepaid Plus Card £2.95 per month; Health Plan Level 1 £13.50 per month; Level 2 £18.75 per month; Level 3 £25.50 per month. Consider switching to a lower-cost union such as Accord Professionals at £6.00 per month if their benefits match your needs.

Key consumer law

The Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013 set a 14-day cooling-off right for distance and off-premises contracts. See the Regulations at legislation.gov.uk. The Consumer Rights Act 2015 protects service quality and unfair contract terms. The Consumer Rights Act 2024 introduces specific cooling-off rules for subscription contracts; see the 2024 Act.

Refund and bank rights

USDAW states that no pro rata refunds are made for prior periods after cancellation. If an error is made in the payment of your Direct Debit by USDAW or your bank, you are entitled to a full and immediate refund from your bank or building society. If you receive an undeserved refund, you must repay it if USDAW requests the amount.

Escalation routes

First complain to USDAW via their official channels. If unresolved, get advice from Citizens Advice at Citizens Advice - cancelling a service. For payment disputes, consider Section 75 or chargeback via your card issuer for qualifying card payments. The Competition and Markets Authority flags unclear auto-renewal and hard-to-cancel subscriptions as potential unfair practices.

Keep proof of cancellation

Keep a dated copy of your completed CAN1 form, the registered post receipt or the confirmation email from USDAW. These documents prove the date you asked to cancel and help if a contribution is collected after cancellation.

Direct Debit and final billing

If contributions are paid by Direct Debit, cancel the Direct Debit with your bank and notify USDAW. USDAW do not make pro rata refunds for prior contribution periods. If an erroneous charge occurs, your bank can provide a refund on request.

Access to member benefits and rejoining

After cancellation you will lose active member benefits such as representation and free pensions guidance. To rejoin later, follow the USDAW join procedure on the membership pages or call USDAW for assistance.

Use this checklist to complete and confirm your USDAW cancellation.

• Call 0800 030 80 30 to request CAN1 if you do not already have it.
• Complete CAN1 with your full name, membership number if known, address, signature and date.
• Send CAN1 by registered post to USDAW, 188 Wilmslow Road, M14 6LJ Manchester, United Kingdom, or follow USDAW's submission instructions.
• Retain a copy of CAN1 and proof of postage or the email sent.
• Allow up to 14 days for USDAW acknowledgement; call if you have not heard back.
• Cancel any USDAW Direct Debit at your bank and inform USDAW of the cancellation.
• Check final bank statements for unexpected contributions and use bank remedies if necessary.