Like all unions, we always try to resolve any disputes through local negotiation, mediation and support. However, sometimes this is not enough, and the UCU legal scheme provides services to members with employment-related issues.
The scheme covers employment rights, personal injury (including workplace stress), police enquiries and immigration employment advice. It excludes defamation, representation by your own legal advisers, cases where your interests are in conflict with UCU’s, and cases bringing legal action against UCU.
Employment rights
If you are involved in a dispute with your employer arising from your work, the union can offer you advice on your rights and remedies. In some cases, the union will also provide legal representation.
To apply for assistance, please contact the branch administrator, who will refer you to the regional office.
Police enquiries
If you are asked by the police to attend an interview in connection with an investigation arising from your work, the union can arrange for a lawyer to accompany you to that interview. If you are charged with an offence, the union also offers a full criminal defence service utilising Thompsons Solicitors LLP Criminal Law Unit.
To apply for assistance, please contact the regional office as soon as you are notified that the police wish to interview you.
Personal injury
If you think you have a personal injury claim, the union’s specialist personal injury lawyers can advise and represent you to recover compensation.
Claims covered include work-related accidents and disease (including workplace stress and traffic accidents to and from work), and clinical negligence arising from medical treatment after a work-related accident or disease.
To apply for assistance, please contact injuredatwork@ucu.org.uk so that one of our advisers can collect all the relevant information before making the referral to one of our panel firms.
Immigration employment advice
If you require assistance with a matter concerning your ability to live (or continue to live) and work in qualifying employment in the United Kingdom, the union’s specialist immigration lawyers Bindmans LLP can advise and represent you.
To apply for assistance, please contact legalservices@ucu.org.uk so that one of our advisers can refer you.
More information
For more information, visit the national UCU legal support website.