In a book chapter* written five years ago (also published as NIESR DP 362**), we looked in some detail at trade unions’ fortunes in the period from 1999-2009. We assessed their membership, financial and organisational health, and influence within the workplace. In the intervening five years, the British economy has experienced the longest recession in living memory, and, with the election of a new government, unions are facing a new set of restrictions on their activities. This project will provide an up-to-date assessment of trade union membership and influence in 2015.