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Arena Magazine 2005 Issue 2 |
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Help when you need it most
Part-time Tesco cafe assistant Joanne Lloyd had her union reps, and the Legal Plus service, to thank when she was awarded £28,000 in compensation after she fell on ice in the company car park.
"I slipped and seriously injured my wrist when I left the store to go to my car at the end of my shift in December 2000," said 31 year-old Joanne. "The two in-store reps always kept us well informed about the help and assistance I could get from the union.
"My reps gave me the forms to fill in and it was plain sailing from then on. I get very annoyed when people say they don't need the union. I just tell them about what happened to me and the excellent free service I had. Accidents can happen to anyone, when they do, you need Usdaw."
Grandfather Ernie Austin was knocked unconscious when falling stock struck him on the head at the Tesco store in Amersham, Buckinghamshire.
The accident happened in April 2000, almost five years later the 60 year-old received £175,000 in compensation. As a union member he received free legal advice throughout his claim and kept every penny of his compensation.
"I don't know what I'd have done if I hadn't been with Usdaw," said Ernie. "There is no way I could have afforded the legal costs and the medical experts' fees. My injuries mean that I will never work again but thanks to Usdaw I have some financial security for the future.
"I can't remember very much about the incident because I blacked out and was taken to hospital. I've had all kinds of complaints since, such as headaches, dizziness, sleepless nights, memory loss and depression."
Ernie's union rep contacted him after the accident and advised him to put a claim in with Usdaw. Ernie took his advice and was assigned a union solicitor.
"It was a big relief once the union became involved," said Ernie. "I was in no fit state to deal with anything and had it been left to me and my wife there is no way I would have pursued a claim.
"Everything was taken care of for me, all my private specialists and consultants fees, and travelling expenses were all paid for. It didn't cost me a penny. I was kept fully up-to-date with what was happening. I can't praise the union enough," said Ernie.
"Take it from me, you never know what's round the corner. Usdaw gives you the peace of mind and expertise at a time when you need it most."
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