Employment and Discrimination Advice
The Law Centre provides free, independent advice on employment and discrimination. We can advise on:
- Disability discrimination
- Racial discrimination
- Sex discrimination
- Age discrimination
- Discrimination by religion, belief or sexual orientation
- Equal pay
- Maternity rights
- Family-friendly rights
- Unfair dismissal
- Contract problems
- Employment tribunal procedure
- All employment problems
We can also provide representation at court and tribunals in appropriate cases if resources allow.
Our service covers Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset. In cases of racial and disability discrimination we also cover Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Dorset and Wiltshire. We have a Legal Services Commission contract to provide specialist legal help in employment law.
If you live anywhere in the South West, and have a query about disability discrimination that relates to a non-employment matter, you may wish to consult our disability rights project worker, whose contact details are on the Disability Rights Project page – click here for details.
Latest News: Sales Executive wins pregnancy dismissal claim
A Sales Executive was sacked because she was pregnant, a Bristol Employment Tribunal has recently ruled, in a case brought by the Avon and Bristol Law Centre. The employer failed to satisfy the tribunal that the executive was redundant. This case highlights the continuing negative attitudes of employers towards women workers despite over 30 years of anti-discriminatory laws.
How to contact us
- Our employment and discrimination line is open on Wednesday mornings between 10am and 12 noon on 0117 9167727. You can call this number to get advice and help. After discussing your case with an employment caseworker, we may be able to offer you an appointment.
- We also offer face-to-face appointments during one session per week. These appointments must be booked in advance by contacting our Reception on 0117 9248662.
- We can also offer one-off evening appointments with employment solicitors from local law firms who attend the Law Centre on a voluntary basis. These appointments deal with non–discrimination matters. To book an appointment you should contact reception on 0117 9248662.
- In some cases another agency can refer your cases to us. The advice agency will discuss this with you. The advice agency that is helping you can also get consultancy help. They will continue to assist you but with our help.
| Fax: | 0117 9248020 |
| Minicom: | 0117 9245573 |
| EMail: | mail@ablc.org.uk |
Other useful websites
Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (formally the Department of Trade and Industry). Includes a guide for employees on employment law and rights.
Equality and Human Rights Commission. NB. This is the new commission set up on October 1, 2007, which has merged the former Commission for Racial Equality (CRE), the Disability Rights Commission (DRC) and the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC). Includes information on the Race Relations Act, sex discrimination issues and disability rights.
Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS). Has a section for workers having problems in employment and also information about a range of ACAS publications.
Community Legal Service Direct. Contact details of advice centres and solicitors funded under the Community Legal Services scheme. You can search for agencies in your area that give debt advice. But beware, make sure that they will provide you with free advice before seeing anyone, as solicitors may charge, depending on your income, savings, etc
Employment Tribunals. Has information about how to take a case to the tribunal.