Membership Benefits and Services

Legal Services

UNISON provides the widest range of legal help for union members in the UK. We offer advice and assistance not just with work issues, but for you and your family outside the workplace too.

Employment problems

UNISON boasts the largest number of local union reps, branches and officers in the UK. They're your first port of call for advice and support with problems at work. Where necessary they can refer your case on to the regional office or UNISON's specialist in-house lawyers and team of trade union solicitors.

Injury and accidents at work

UNISON has won more than £350 million in compensation for members involved in work-related personal injuries. This includes assaults, industrial diseases and accidents at work, on the way to or from work or on union business.Contact UNISON's accident helpline on 0800 5 97 97 50 for more details.

Accidents outside work

UNISON's personal injury service covers any accident which happens to you and your family outside the workplace, including:

• Road traffic accidents
• Accidents in the street
• Disease cases
• Slipping and tripping accidents

Free initial legal advice

UNISON members can get free legal advice on any matter not related to work from UNISON's solicitors. This service entitles you to receive a 30-minute telephone interview with a solicitor. Phone UNISON Direct on 0800 5 97 97 50 for more details.

Work tenancy problems

You may be eligible for advice from UNISON's solicitors if you need to live in particular accommodation as part of your job or your employer has given you accommodation as part of the job.

Wills and conveyancing

Members can use our free wills service and are eligible for cut price conveyancing. Phone UNISON Direct on 0800 5 97 97 50 for more details.

Criminal cases

Members get free legal represention if they face criminal charges arising out of their work. We can also represent members for road traffic offences if your job is at risk should you be convicted. You must contact your UNISON branch if you need to use this service. If you have any problem phone UNISON Direct on 0800 5 97 97 50.

Immigration

UNISON can provide advice or represent members who experience immigration problems that threaten their employment.

Medical negligence

UNISON offers a free initial screening service for members who have been affected by medical negligence.

Online accident form

If you've had an accident on the job or outside work during the last three years you may be entitled to compensation. Your family may also qualify for injuries outside work.

In case of accident or injury you can also email us at: direct@unison.co.uk

Eligibility

In order to qualify for legal help you need to:

• Have been a UNISON member at least 13 weeks before realising you need legal help
• Be up-to-date with your membership subscriptions

Legal information for UNISON reps

If you are a UNISON steward looking for legal briefings and other information for activists go to the Resources section of the national site

Online solicitors' library

Thompsons solicitors' online library offers advice on all sorts of issues from problems with neighbours or goods to trade union rights, discrimination against lesbians and gays at work and clinical negligence: www.thompsons.law.co.uk