Recommendations for employment lawyer / trade union rep

[Adam B]

My gf is being badly treated at work and company trying to push her out. Rather than hiring a (possibly expensive) lawyer can anyone recommend a service she could use/hire to accompany her to a disciplinary meeting? Happy to fight this and pay hundreds but not thousands.

She googled and tried a couple of places but one was Solidarity Union who seemed pleasant and to know their stuff but googling again they have links to the BNP so not comfortable with that!!?!

Any recommendations please?

[shed driver]

Is she in a union? If not, very few will take on a pre-existing case if she does join.

SD.

[Magic919]

I can recommend this Employment Solicitor http://www.keystonelaw.co.uk/lawyers/philippa-wood...

[davepoth]

Adam B said:

My gf is being badly treated at work and company trying to push her out. Rather than hiring a (possibly expensive) lawyer can anyone recommend a service she could use/hire to accompany her to a disciplinary meeting? Happy to fight this and pay hundreds but not thousands.

She googled and tried a couple of places but one was Solidarity Union who seemed pleasant and to know their stuff but googling again they have links to the BNP so not comfortable with that!!?!

Any recommendations please?

A couple of questions first.

1) How long has she been at this workplace?
2) Can you give an idea of the reason for her being pushed out?

The ACAS guidelines on disciplinary hearings are here:

http://www.acas.org.uk/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=1043

They aren't binding but since non-adherence looks bad in a tribunal they're mostly followed. Read them and understand them, because in my experience a lot of HR people (and investigating managers) don't, and that can often be an opportunity to call the metaphorical dogs off.

The statutory rights allow for either a fellow worker, a trade union rep, or an employee of a trade union to accompany the worker to a disciplinary hearing. Other people (lawyers, family, friends) may be allowed by the company, but it's entirely at their discretion and usually they'll say no.

[Adam B]

She has been there 7 years, there behaviour has been quite shocking to me (I work in a large professional company where these things are followed correctly) she just wants to leave in a mutually agreeable way.

Thanks Dave - will pm you

[Adam B]

Magic919 said:

I can recommend this Employment Solicitor http://www.keystonelaw.co.uk/lawyers/philippa-wood...

Thank you

[Jasandjules]

If you wish to email me I can offer some assistance.

[davepoth]

Go with Jasandjules. My only experience is having been involved in (ahem) several disciplinary processes.

[Adam B]

Thank you jasandjules - you have pm

[Jasandjules]

Replied.

[HenryJM]

Unless they permit it she won't be able to take someone to a disciplinary meeting. That is someone who is not a fellow employee or a union representative.

[Adam B]

HenryJM said:

Unless they permit it she won't be able to take someone to a disciplinary meeting. That is someone who is not a fellow employee or a union representative.

Understood, is it possible to hire (and pay) a trade union rep directly even if you are not a member of that union ?

[shed driver]

Adam B said:

Understood, is it possible to hire (and pay) a trade union rep directly even if you are not a member of that union ?

I wouldn't have thought so, it's a bit like only buying insurance when you have an accident. Most unions will give advice (for free), but most will stipulate a qualifying period of membership before all of the benefits kick in.

What industry is she in?

SD.

[Adam B]

I meant just pay them independently of their trade union role, retail

[davepoth]

Adam B said:

I meant just pay them independently of their trade union role, retail

It's unlikely they'd do it.

I think someone from within the company who understands that particular workplace might be sensible idea. Is there anyone trustworthy there?

[Mojocvh]

I worked in the renewables industry for 3 years, twice the average.

It's time they and all the others were brought to boot.

Good luck.

[Adam B]

Thanks for all your help especially Jason

davepoth said:

It's unlikely they'd do it.

I think someone from within the company who understands that particular workplace might be sensible idea. Is there anyone trustworthy there?

Have found some, Castle Associates as an example

[Adam B]

To close the loop, she has amicably agreed to leave, reasonable pay off with good reference

A good result

Many thanks to Jason who has been a star, offering some sound advice, PH is great sometimes

[Jasandjules]

Glad to have helped.