The TUC and Unions 21 wanted to explore young people's perceptions of unions today, with particular regard to their messaging, campaigns and activities in the context of the public sector deficit and cuts. Community Research conducted three discussion groups with young people in order to explore their views in detail. Findings were used to provide content for two presentations at high profile conferences (the TUC's young members' conference and Union 21's annual conference), in addition to informing ongoing communications and recruitment activities aimed at young people.