If you are looking for free employment advice, there are many options available. These include the Acas helpline, EASS discrimination helpline and the employment tribunal customer contact centre. There are also many specialist solicitors who offer free consultations for employment law issues.
There are many laws that an employer can violate, so it is important to know what your rights are. This article will cover several ways to get free employment advice, including the Acas helpline and Citizen’s Advice.
Acas helpline
The Acas helpline provides information and guidance on employment rights, rules and best practice. It also offers training and support to resolve workplace disputes. It can be accessed online or by telephone.
Acas is a government-funded organisation that supports good working relationships, but when things go wrong they can offer conciliation services to help resolve disputes. It also has a range of publications to help employers and employees.
The Acas codes of practice provide initial guidance to employers, employees and their representatives on how they should handle grievances, disciplinary or capability issues. However, it is important to note that Acas cannot provide an opinion or legal advice on what your personal next steps in a dispute should be.
Acas website
The Acas website is a valuable resource for UK HR professionals. It explains complex employment laws in a practical way that is easy to understand and apply. It also offers a variety of free and paid services that help to resolve workplace disputes.
Acas stands for the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service and is an executive non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department of Business Innovation and governed by an independent council. Its aims are to improve organisations and working life.
The Acas early conciliation service allows employees to claim a disputed issue without having to go to an employment tribunal. This process takes about a month and involves speaking to both parties.
EASS helpline
The EASS helpline is a free service that provides advice on discrimination issues. It is run by an outsourcing company, G4S. It is a successor to the government’s equality helpline. Deighton Pierce Glynn is acting for the Law Centres Network (LCN) in a legal challenge to the contract to run this service.
It advises individuals on their rights and the laws of discrimination and human rights, and helps people to resolve their issues using alternative informal dispute resolution. It also supports those who cannot resolve their issue informally and works with other organisations which can provide further support. In addition, it can signpost individuals to specialist services.
EHRC helpline
Equality Advisory Support Service, or EASS, is a government-funded helpline that provides expert information, advice and support on discrimination and human rights issues and the law. It is designed for individuals who need more help than can be provided by advice agencies and other local organisations. It can also offer advice to organisations who can refer people to the service. The service can be contacted by calling 0800 028 4848 or online. Calls are free from landlines but may cost more from mobiles – check with your provider before you dial. It can also be accessed in British Sign Language. It also produces a free electronic newsletter providing updates on equality and human rights developments and case law.
Employment tribunal customer contact centre
If you have a disability or vulnerability, you can get help to prepare and represent you in an employment tribunal hearing. Depending on your financial situation, you may also be eligible for legal aid.
You can make a claim by completing the ET1 form and filing it with the tribunal office. You should try to do this as soon as possible – it can take months for a case to be heard. You should also check the deadline for submitting your claim. It can be found on the tribunal’s website. If you miss the deadline, you will not be able to bring your case.
Citizen’s Advice
Citizens Advice provides free, independent and confidential information and advice to people in England and Wales. It also helps resolve their legal, money and debt, benefit, housing, employment and consumer problems. Its services are delivered in bureaux, by phone and online. Its services are funded by the government and local authorities. Most of its staff are volunteers.
The organisation’s twin aims are to provide the advice that people need and improve policies that affect their lives. Its research and campaign agenda focuses on tackling poverty, inequality and discrimination. Its work is guided by a trustee board and its chief executive. It is supported by a network of over 360 charities, known as Citizens Advice Bureaux.