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A message from the General Secretary
 
One of the aspects of the union of which I am most proud is the Legal Scheme. Whilst every effort is made to resolve matters collectively and industrially you will be aware that on occasions that is simply not possible, and it is necessary for members to seek legal advice.
 
We have an experienced internal legal team and a dedicated group of agent solicitors who provide high quality advice on matters arising out of or in connection with your employment or trade union duties and activities.
 
The scheme is open to all who meet the qualifying criteria and once initial advice on merits has been provided consideration is given to further assistance, including representation at an Employment Tribunal or court.
 
Whilst a significant part of the union's budget is dedicated to the union's legal scheme it is necessary to ensure that those resources are spent appropriately. Accordingly, there are criteria which apply to members seeking further support. The most significant of these are legal merit and proportionality.
 
Decisions about further support are made regardless of any protected characteristic or whether the member agrees with the union's policy on a particular matter.
 
The nature of individuals' claims and the ways in which those claims are resolved mean that it is not always possible for us to publicise the outcomes, but we do try to do so when possible and will continue to do so.
 
More information about the scheme can be found below.
 
Jo Grady

UCU legal support

15 September 2006

Like all unions UCU tries to resolve members' employment related disputes through negotiations at local level.

Important If you have a problem at work please contact your branch or local association to avoid unnecessary delay.

However, sometimes disputes cannot be resolved locally. Consequently, the union offers legal services to members.

On this page, you will find information about the key points of our scheme, and how to apply under it. Please note that there are time limits applicable to claims which are to be brought in either the tribunals or the courts. More information on the time limits is available in the UCU Support Centre.

If you have any questions about UCU's legal scheme please check the UCU legal services FAQs.

Your regional office can also provide you with more information about the legal scheme and the regulations under which the scheme is operated. If you have any questions about the scheme you can also contact legalservices@ucu.org.uk.

UCU legal scheme: key points

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, where your interests are in conflict with UCU's, and to bring legal action against UCU.

You must be a member of UCU whose subscriptions are up to date. Unless you joined UCU at the earliest opportunity you may be asked to pay a year's subscription in order to receive legal services. Advice will not be provided about matters which occurred when you were not a member.

UCU will not meet legal costs it has not specifically authorised.

Below you will find some other useful UCU guides:


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 you must contact your branch or local association who can refer you to the regional office.


Police enquiries

Thompsons Solicitors logo 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, you must contact your regional office as soon as you are notified that the police wish to interview you.


Personal injury

Personal injury If you think you have a personal injury claim you should log into to 'My UCU'. Or you can  email us at injuredatwork@ucu.org.uk and one of our advisers will contact you to obtain the relevant information before making the referral to one of our panel firms.

Find more information here.


Immigration employment advice

Bindmans logo 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 please contact UCU's Legal Services team who will refer you to specialist immigration lawyers Bindmans LLP.

If you have a question about immigration and your right to work please also see the UCU Support Centre.


Last updated: 8 January 2025