Legal Services

LEGAL SURGERY AT ESSEX COUNTY BRANCH OFFICE

Thompsons locally run a free legal surgery for UNISON members in the UNISON Branch Office in Chelmsford. These are held between 1pm - 3pm and members may book a half an hour slot. These are held on the third Thursday of each month in the branch office. If you would like to book an appointment, please phone the Branch Office on 01245 354044.

UNISON provides the broadest range of legal help to union members in the UK. We offer advice and assistance not just with work issues, but for you and your family outside the workplace too.

Employment Problems

UNISON boasts the largest number of local union reps, branches and officers in the UK. They're your first port of call for advice and support with problems at work. Where necessary they can refer your case to the regional office of UNISON's specialist in-house lawyers and trade union solicitors, Thompsons.

Injury and accidents at work

UNISON has won more than £350 million in compensation for members involved in work related personal injuries. This includes assaults, industrial diseases and accidents at work, on the way to and from work or on union business.

Accidents outside work

UNISON's personal injury service covers any accident which happens to you and your family outside the workplace, including:

• Road traffic accidents
• Accidents in the street
• Accidents while on holiday http://www.unison.org.uk/acrobat/B1768.pdf
• Disease cases
• Slipping and tripping accidents

Online accident form

If you've had an accident on the job or outside work during the last three years, you may be entitled to compensation. Your family may also qualify for injuries outside work. In case of accident or injury you can phone UNISONdirect on 0845 355 0845 or complete the online accident form

Free initial legal advice

UNISON members can get free initial legal advice on any matter not related to work from UNISON's solicitors. This service entitles you to receive a 30-minute telephone interview. The service does not apply to advice on a legal action that you are already pursuing or cover Inheritance Tax issues. Members are not entitled to return for advice on the same issue under this scheme. Phone UNISONdirect on 0845 355 0845 for more details.

Work tenancy problems

You may be eligible for advice from UNISON's solicitors if you need to live in particular accommodation as part of your job or your employer has given you accommodation as part of the job.

Wills and conveyancing

Members can use our free wills service and are eligible for cut price conveyancing. Phone UNISONdirect on 0845 355 0845 for more details.

Criminal cases

Members get free legal represention if they face criminal charges arising out of their work. We can also represent members for road traffic offences if your job is at risk should you be convicted. You must contact your UNISON branch if you need to use this service. If you have any problem please phone UNISONdirect on 0845 355 0845.

Immigration

UNISON can provide advice or represent members who experience immigration problems that threaten their employment.

Medical negligence

UNISON offers a free initial screening service for members who have been affected by medical negligence.

Legal information for UNISON reps

If you are a UNISON steward looking for legal briefings and other information for activists go to our Resources section.

Online solicitors' library

Thompsons solicitors' online library offers advice on all sorts of issues from problems with neighbours or goods to trade union rights, discrimination against lesbians and gays at work and clinical negligence: http://thompsons.law.co.uk

Legal services - a branch guide to what we offer

This branch guide outlines the legal services provided by UNISON. It is important that you are able to advise members about the extent of the legal services offered and this guide will help you do just that. http://www.unison.org.uk/acrobat/16922.pdf of if you would like a hard copy of this, please phone Tracey Sparkes on 01245 354044 and one will be posted to you.

BEWARE "NO WIN, NO FEE" LAWYERS

"No win, no fee" rarely means that there is actually no charge. Some people have used these lawyers and have received bills for costs such as loan agreements that they did not expect. There are no "hidden" costs when you use UNISON's solicitors.

Author: Tracey Sparkes