No one ever wants to find themselves in hot water at work, however it is unfortunately quite common, even when you are not at fault. From bad employers and bullying to wage disputes and issues with contracts, we hear from Community members every single day that are experiencing legal issues at work.
As a Community member, if you ever find yourself in a situation where you believe your employer or colleague may have treated you unfairly, you have access to employment law advice, guidance, and representation.
We are proud to provide our members with bespoke legal advice, tailored to each and one of our members’ unique situations, and ensure you are kept informed throughout the whole process. We use the full weight of our legal expertise to ensure each and every one of our members’ cases is dealt with efficiently and to get the outcome you deserve.
How do I get employment rights support from Community?
If you have concerns about an employments rights issue at work, you should in the first instance, speak to your Branch Secretary (if you are in a recognised Community branch) or our Members Service Centre on 0800 389 6332, at help@community-tu.org, or by filling out this form. Please note that Community is unable to assist with any issue that pre-exists your membership with us.
Your matter will then be passed onto a Community Regional Officer or representative who will assist you in completing an application for legal assistance, and a relevant legal representative will be appointed to your case.
In addition, you can visit our advice centre which contains legal advice, guidance and employment rights booklets, which break down your rights when dealing with issues at work.
What employment rights matters does Community help with?
Common employment matters we support Community members with include:
- Bullying, harassment, and discrimination
- Breach of contract
- Collective consultation and protective awards
- Dismissal, including constructive, wrongful, and automatic
- Employment tribunal appeals
- Equal pay claims
- Flexible working
- Maternity, paternity, and adoption rights
- Trade union detriments
- TUPE breaches
- Wage disputes
- Whistleblowing and more
Frequently asked questions about employment matters
In most instances, no, you cannot as you weren’t covered by our membership at the time of the incident. There are however some exceptions, such as a collective issue in your workplace that we are currently supporting other Community members with.
If you are unsure as to whether you can get support or not, please contact us and we’ll be happy to advise.
Alternatively, you can contact ACAS who offer free advice over the phone, however, cannot represent you in the workplace like us.
As soon as possible as there are strict time limits for making a claim. Generally, we would recommend seeking legal advice and representation in under three months, less one day of the act, or the effective date of termination if you are dismissed from work.
You should not wait for the outcome of an appeal or grievance before seeking advice from Community.
Employment rights set out your legal entitlements and protections, such as equal pay, discrimination, health, and safety and much more.
As a member of Community, you can access employment law advice, guidance, and representation from your local Community representative at any time. They will involve Community’s legal department when necessary.
You should first speak with your Community Branch Secretary, or if you are unsure of who your Branch Secretary is, or don’t have one, contact our Members Service Centre on 0800 389 6332, at help@community-tu.org, or by filling out this form.
If you have any concerns about breaches of employment rights and law in your workplace, or have been treated unfairly by your employer, you should contact Community immediately for advice, support, and guidance.
Employment law protects the rights of both employees and workers.
Interim relief is when an employment tribunal instructs your employer to keep you in employment until your hearing takes place. This could mean you return to your previous role, a similar position, or are paid until the hearing takes place.
If you are complaining of unfair dismissal for a specific reason, such as being dismissed for being a member of a trade union, an employment tribunal may be able to order your employer to reinstate you, pending the hearing of your case. Typically, interim relief will only be granted if you are likely to succeed at the full hearing at showing your dismissal was on unfair grounds.
To apply for interim relief, you must submit your application within 7 days of being dismissed.
