Further help on your employment rights
If you are unable to resolve a dispute at work, do seek specialist advice before you take any action. The organisations listed below will have advisers who are experienced in employment law.
General advice on employment rights
ACAS (The Advisory, conciliation and Arbitration Service)
Helpline: 08457 47 47 47
Textphone: 08456 06 16 00
Publications: Tel 08702 42 90 90
Website: www.acas.org.uk; or www.tiger.gov.uk – tailored interactive guidance on employment rights.
Free confidential advice on any work issue, and information leaflets on a range of rights in the workplace.
Citizens Advice
Your local Citizens Advice can advise on a range of employment law issues, including dealing with your employer directly, possible entitlement to free legal advice and assistance, Tribunal applications, and can refer you to an appropriate solicitor or to agencies able to provide representation.
Specialist organisations
These organisations can offer free advice.
Business Link
Tel: 0845 600 9006
Information and advice on setting up your own business.
Commission for Racial Equality
St Dunstan’s House, 201 – 211 Borough High Street, London SE1 1GZ.
Tel: 020 7939 0000
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.2.cre.gov.uk
Information and advice if you think you have suffered racial discrimination or harassment.
DTI (Department of Trade and Industry)
Tel: 08701 502500
Websites:
www.dti.gov.uk/working parents
www.dti.gov.uk/er/disputeresolution – for more information on grievance and disciplinary procedures at work.
www.dti.gov.uk/publications
Comprehensive information on all employment rights, including downloadable guidance.
Disability Rights Commission
Tel: 08457 622 633
Textphone: 08457 622 644
Website: www.drc-gb.org
Information and bookletsfor workers with a disability.
Employment Tribunal Enquiry Line
Enquiry Line: 08457 959 775.
Website: www.employmenttribunals.gov.uk – General information, addresses of Tribunals, and online application form.
Advice and information on Tribunal procedures, applications and hearings (but not legal advice).
Equal Opportunities Commission
Arndale House, Arndale Centre, Manchester M4 3EQ
Helpline: 0845 601 5901.
Website: www.eoc.org.uk
Information and advice on sex discrimination at work.
Health and Safety Executive
HSE Infoline, Caerphilly Business Park, Caerphilly CF83 3GG.
Tel: 08701 545 500
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.hse.gov.uk
Advice and information if you have a concern or disagreement about health and safety at work.
Inland Revenue Enquiry centre
Website: www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk
Information and advice for all general enquiries about tax, tax credits, National Insurance and pensions. The address of your local centre is in your phone book.
Lager (Lesbian and Gay Employment Rights)
Unit 1G Leroy House, 436 Essex Road, London N1 3QP.
Tel: 020 7704 8066 – for lesbians
Tel: 020 7704 6066 – for gay men
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.lager.dircon.co.uk
Free and confidential advice on all aspects of employment law, including discrimination.
Maternity Alliance
Third Floor (West), 2 – 6 Northburgh Street, London EC1V 0AY.
Information Line: 020 7490 7638
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.maternityalliance.org.uk
Advice and information on maternity rights and benefits. Send an s.a.e. for a full publications list.
National Group on Homeworking
Office 26, 30–38 Dock Street, Leeds LS10 1JF.
Helpline: 0800 174 195
Website: www.gn.apc.org/homeworking
Advice and information for homeworkers.
National Minimum Wage Helpline
Tel: 0845 600 0678.
Can help with queries if you are not receiving the minimum wage.
New Ways to Work
1–3 Berry Street, London EC1 0AA.
Tel: 020 7503 3578 helpline
Booklets and factsheets on flexible working.
Parents at Work
1–3 Berry Street, London EC1V 0AA.
Helpline: 0800 013 0313 for low income families
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.parentsatwork.org.uk
Free, confidential advice for parents on a low income, on family friendly working and benefits.
RADAR (Royal Association for Disability and Rehabilitation)
12 City Forum, 25O City Road, London EC1 V 8AF.
Tel: 020 7250 3222
Minicom: 020 7250 4119
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.radar.org.uk
Works for and produces publications for people with disabilities.
Redundancy Payment Office
Tel: 0845 145 0004
To claim the payment if your employer goes out of business.
Law centres
If there is a law centre in your area (look in the phone book or ask at the library), there may be a specialist employment worker who can provide free and independent professional advice and representation.
Solicitors
For a local solicitor who specialises in employment law, contact the Community Legal Service directory line, Tel: 0845 608 1122, or website: www.justask.org.uk.
At your first meeting with a solicitor, ask whether you qualify for financial help with legal advice and assistance and, if not, what the costs will be. Make it clear that at this stage you are not asking them to take on your case as Tribunal representation canbe very expensive. Some solicitors will work on a ‘no-win, no-fee’ basis.
Check if you have cover for legal costs in your home insurance, or in connection with your mortgage, credit card or other policies.
Your legal adviser may refer you the Unit who can put you in touch with barristers who may be able to offer free advice and representation.
Bar Pro Bono Unit
7 Grays Inn Square, London WC1R 5AZ.
Tel: 020 7831 9711
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.barprobono.org.uk
Trades unions
For advice and possible representation, when meeting with an employer, in court or at a Tribunal.
Trades Union Congress
Tel: 0870 600 4882 Know Your Rights Line – for advice on joining a trade union and to be put in touch with the most appropriate union for you.
Employment-related publications from One Parent Families
New Directions: The Guide for Lone Parents Planning to Return to Education, Training and Employment
Benefit and Tax Credits: The Guide for Lone Parents
Getting Legal Help – A factsheet for lone parents about where to get legal advice and the financial help available for the costs