Work issues can be complicated, so you might want to get legal advice on what to do in your specific situation.
For example, if you are thinking about making a legal claim and want to know if you have a case, you could use a solicitor who specialises in employment law.
You'll usually have to pay for legal advice but some free legal support is available.
For employees and workers
It can be useful to get independent advice if you're thinking about starting an employment tribunal claim or other court claim against an employer.
This can help you:
- understand the strengths and weaknesses of your case
- get support during the legal process, if you do go through with it
If you're thinking of making a claim to an employment tribunal, you do not have to use a solicitor.
You might be able to get legal support through:
- some Citizens Advice offices – find your nearest on the Citizens Advice website
- your trade union, if you have one
- your personal or home insurance policy
- LawWorks, a charity for those in England and Wales
- the free legal services unit for Scotland – find an accredited referral service through the Faculty of Advocates website
If you do want to use a solicitor, you can find one by searching:
- the Law Society website, for solicitors in England and Wales
- the Law Society of Scotland website
For discrimination claims
If you're thinking of making a claim for discrimination, you might be able to get legal advice through legal aid.
Find out about legal aid on GOV.UK
Employees and workers can get impartial advice from the Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS).
For employers
It could be important to get independent advice if you:
- are making a decision that could be challenged by your employees
- want to know the possible outcomes or risks of legal action
You could get legal advice through one of the following:
- your workplace's insurance, if it covers legal advice
- your workplace's legal service subscription, if you have one
- a solicitor (you might want to use one who specialises in employment law – search the Law Society website for solicitors in England and Wales or the Law Society of Scotland website)