Arena Magazine 2005 Issue 4

Legal Plus - protecting you inside and outside of work

Read how these Usdaw members benefited from our Legal Plus service.

Forklift truck driver Alex Dack was awarded £5,000 in compensation after he was knocked off his bike on his way to work.

The accident happened in 2002 when Alex, 51, worked for One stop in Southampton. He sustained multiple injuries and severe bruising to his lower back.

"I knew I was covered for accidents outside of work so I contacted my union rep and filled in the Legal Plus forms," said Alex. "I had a union solicitor in no time who dealt with me in a very professional way.

"I'd recommend the union to anyone. It's a 24/7 insurance policy. I never leave home without it."

Sound advice and a first-class service helped warehouseman Henry Delooze win £5,000 in compensation after an accident at work.

Henry injured his knee in 2003 when he was hit by a forklift truck. He contacted his local union office and was provided with free legal assistance under the Legal Plus scheme.

"It couldn't have been easier," said Henry, 63, who works for AAH Pharmaceuticals in Warrington. "Usdaw kept me fully up-to-date with how things were progressing. "I wouldn't be without my union membership," he said. "I had a comprehensive service for literally pennies, now that's what I call value for money."

If it hadn't been for Usdaw taking on my case I wouldn't have got a penny, said Kenny Smith, 64, from Winsford, who was awarded £1,500 after he sprained his wrist following an accident at work.

"Most high street solicitors wouldn't have entertained such a small case. Those so called 'no win, no fee' solicitors would have left me with next to nothing by the time they'd taken out their cut. My union solicitors were fantastic and completely free. So when people say to me 'why do I need the union' I just tell them about the help I received."

Senior sales assistant John Brundrett was shocked when told his services were no longer required. He was even more astounded when he was refused trade union representation.

"I'd worked for Slaters menswear in Manchester for eight months," said John, 58. "My manager refused to give me a reason for my sacking because I'd worked for the company for less than a year.

"I asked for my union rep to be present, but this was turned down because the company didn't recognise Usdaw. I was appalled. I'd worked in retail all my life and always been an Usdaw member. I knew this wasn't right so I contacted my area organiser Gary Lord.

"He said the company had broken new employment legislation introduced in October 2004. This allows an employee representation from a trade union rep from day one of his or her employment.

"Gary dealt with everything for me. Although I wasn't offered my job back, I received my outstanding salary plus some compensation. "I was extremely grateful for the help I had from Gary. Employers should not be allowed to treat staff like this. Thankfully the law can help, so make sure you use it."

Legal Plus provided Tesco cashier Pat Smith with round-the-clock cover after she was knocked down by a car on her way to work.

The 51 year-old was awarded £4,700 in compensation after sustaining multiple injuries as she walked to her metro store in Manchester.

"I was in no fit state for work after the accident, so it was a real comfort to know I had a professional team behind me when I made my claim," she said.

Ask yourself these questions ...

• Could you afford to fund it yourself?

• Could you trust the so called 'no win no fee' firms who may want you to take out an insurance policy in case you lose the case?

• Would you be able to pay money up front before and during the case?

• Have you ever dealt with a solicitor before?

• Do you have any idea of how much taking legal action costs?

If you answered 'No' to one or more of these questions you need to be a member of Usdaw and make full use of the union's Legal Plus service.

You won't be at the mercy of the 'no win no fee' merchants and as a union member you will receive professional advice and support. You will also have the full backing of Usdaw which specialises in employment-related cases including personal injury, unfair dismissal and all forms of discrimination.

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© 2003 (USDAW) Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers
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