Getting legal advice for a problem at work

This leaflet tells you where you can find more help and information if you have a problem at work, or you are thinking of making a claim to an employment tribunal.

Thinking about making a claim to an employment tribunal can be scary. Many people find it helpful to get some advice before they take action. There are lots of organisations that might be able to offer you advice, or help with your case. You can find more information in this leaflet.

You might also want to find someone to help you prepare your case or represent you if there is a hearing. However, when you make a claim to an employment tribunal, you can’t automatically get help or representation with your case.

This leaflet gives you some ideas about where you might be able to find someone to help you prepare your case or to represent you if there is a hearing.

But if you can’t get advice or legal representation you can represent yourself. Further information can be obtained from the Employment Tribunal Service on 0300 123 1024.

If you’re a member of a trade union, you should contact them to see if they can help with your problem at work, before trying to find help elsewhere. There might be a union representative in your workplace, or you might need to contact your local branch. You can find out more about your rights at work and as member of a union, and how to contact your union on the Worksmart website at www.worksmart.org.uk.

If you live or work within their catchment area, your local Citizens Advice should be able to give you some help with your employment problem or employment tribunal claim. you can find out more details on their website www.citizensadvice.org.uk.

A Law Centre may be able to offer you free, independent legal advice and representation. They focus on providing legal advice to people who find it difficult to get advice or who are experiencing discrimination. You should contact your local Law Centre to see if they’re able to help you. You can find their contact details by searching online at www.lawcentres.org.uk.

You may have to pay for help from a solicitor, or it may be possible to get free help. There are various different ways a solicitor can be paid for, so it’s worth looking into whether any of these could apply to you.

Some insurance policies include legal cover. This means you might be able to get a solicitor, and sometimes specialist representation, paid for by your insurance company. Check your household insurance, car insurance and any other policies you have.

You cannot get legal aid for employment cases unless it is a discrimination problem. To find out more about legal aid, see Help with legal costs.

If you can’t afford to pay for a solicitor and you can’t get legal aid you may be able to find a solicitor who will take your case on a no win no fee basis. If you win or settle your case, you will normally pay up to a third of your compensation to your solicitor. If you’re for a solicitor in this way, make sure you check your agreement with them carefully at the beginning, so that you’re clear about what you’re paying.

• The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) Telephone: 0300 123 1150

• Cumbria Law Centre Telephone: 01228 515 129

• Employment Tribunal Service Telephone: 0300 123 1024

• Equality Advisory and Support Service Telephone: 0808 800 0082

We promise to use your information fairly and legally, and in line with local and national policies. You have a right to understand how your information is used and you can request a copy of the information we hold about you at any time. NHS North Cumbria Talking Therapies Practitioners and North Cumbria Talking Therapies Employment Advisors work alongside each other to provide integrated employment support and will have shared access to your information. Please speak to your North Cumbria Talking Therapies Practitioner if you have any questions about your information and your clinical record.

If you want to make a comment, suggestion, compliment or complaint you can:
• talk to the people directly involved in your care
• ask a member of staff for a feedback form, or complete a form on the Trust website www.cntw.nhs.uk/contact/complaints/
• telephone the Complaints Department Tel: 0191 245 6672
• email [email protected]

We are always looking at ways to improve services. Your feedback allows us to monitor the quality of our services and act upon issues that you bring to our attention.

You can provide feedback in the following ways:
– the quickest way for you to do this is to complete our short online survey at
www.cntw.nhs.uk/yourvoice
– complete a Your Voice survey, available on wards, reception areas or from staff
– other options for sharing your feedback and experience www.cntw.nhs.uk/yourfeedback

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
PALS provide confidential advice and support, helping you to sort out any concerns that you may have about any aspect of your or your loved ones care.

We act independently when handling patient and family concerns, liaising with staff, managers and, where appropriate, relevant organisations, to negotiate prompt solutions. If necessary, we can also refer patients and families to specific local or national-based support agencies.

PALS North of Tyne
Tel: 0800 032 0202
Email: [email protected]
Post: FREEPOST PALS

PALS South of Tyne
Tel: 0800 328 4397
Text: 07825 061 035
Email: [email protected]
Post: Patient Advice and Liaison Service, Garden Lodge, Hopewood Park, Ryhope, Sunderland, SR2 0NB

9.00 am – 4.30 pm, Monday to Friday
An answerphone is available at all times for you to leave a message. A member of the PALS team will aim to return your call as soon as possible.

NHS North Cumbria Talking Therapies Employment Advisor Telephone: 0300 123 9122

NHS North Cumbria Talking Therapies
Elmwood
Tynefield Drive
Penrith
Cumbria
CA11 8JA

Further information about the content, reference sources or production of this leaflet can be obtained from the Patient Information Centre. If you would like to tell us what you think about this leaflet please get in touch.

This information can be made available in a range of formats on request (eg Braille, audio, larger print, easy read, BSL or other languages). Please contact the Patient Information Centre Telephone 0191 246 7288.

Published by the Patient Information Centre
2024 Copyright, Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust

Ref, PIC/860/0924 September 2024 V3

www.cntw.nhs.uk

Telephone: 0191 246 7288

Review date 2027