Employment and Discrimination Advice
The Law Centre provides free, independent advice on employment and discrimination matters. We cannot advise employers, landlords or service providers. We can advise on all areas of employment law including:
- Disability discrimination
- Race discrimination
- Sex/Gender discrimination
- Age discrimination
- Religious or faith discrimination
- Sexual orientation discrimination
- Equal pay
- Maternity rights
- Family-friendly rights
- Unfair Dismissal
- Contract problems
- Employment Tribunal procedure
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 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.
Our 'Draft Strategy for Taking on Cases Under EHRC Funding', shown at the bottom of this page, is how we decide what cases to take on.
How to contact us - Employment matters
- Our employment and discrimination line is open on Wednesday mornings between 10am and 12 noon on 0117 9167727. During this time you can call this number to get advice and help. Unfortunately, we cannot respond to voice mails so please do not leave messages. After discussing your case with an employment caseworker, we may be able to offer you an appointment.
- We also offer face-to-face appointments for 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 from us (they will continue to assist you but with our help).
How to contact us - Discrimination in goods, services, facilities and housing
- Our Goods and Services discrimination line is open on Tuesday mornings between 10am and 12 noon on 0117 9167704. During this time you can call this number to get advice and help. Unfortunately, we cannot respond to voice mails so please do not leave messages. After discussing your case with a discrimination caseworker, we may be able to offer you an appointment.
- You can also contact us by fax, e-mail or minicom for advice about discrimination relating to goods services and facilities and housing.
| Fax: | 0117 9248020 |
| Minicom: | 0117 9245573 |
| EMail: | mail@ablc.org.uk |
Other useful websites
Please note that we cannot vouch for the content of these external websites.
Equality and Human Rights Commission. This is the new commission set up on 1 October, 2007, which has merged the former Commission for Racial Equality (CRE), the Disability Rights Commission (DRC) and the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC). Includes information and help on human rights and all strands of discrimination law.
Liberty. Liberty seeks to protect civil liberties and promote human rights for everyone. There is a useful section on Human Rights
The Public Law Project. An independent, national legal charity which aims to improve access to public law remedies for those whose access is restricted by poverty, discrimination or other similar barriers. Has a section with information leaflets.
Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS). Offers advice on employment rights and best practice for employers.
Community Legal Advice. Previously called Community Legal Service Direct, this website provides details of advice centres and solicitors funded under the Community Legal Services scheme. You can search for agencies in your area that give legal advice. You should check in advance whether you will be charged for the advice and representation you receive.
Her Majesty's Courts Service. Information leaflets and court forms on making monetary and non-monetary claims. Monetary claims can be made online
Employment Tribunals. Contains information about how to take a case to a tribunal.
UK Government For Citizens website. The website of the UK government providing information and online services for the public including employment and non-employment matters.
Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (formerly the DTi). Includes a guide for employees on employment law and rights.
Avon & Bristol Law Centre Draft Strategy for Taking on Cases Under EHRC Funding
The Law Centre has been awarded funding from the EHRC (Equality and Human Rights Commission) to provide advice and assistance in the areas of employment and goods and services in South Gloucestershire, Bristol, Bath, BANES, North Somerset, Somerset, Devon*, Cornwall, Dorset and Wiltshire.
Due to limited resources, the Law Centre has drafted the following strategy for dealing with all discrimination cases in the southwest region:
- The Law Centre does not represent employers, landlords or service providers.
- To advise and represent complainants (claimants) who have not got the capacity and/or ability to represent themselves.
- The case justifies it on the legal merits, i.e. they have an arguable case with a prospect of success over 60%.
- The case is complex with difficult legal arguments.
- The case has a strategic significance, i.e. it is likely to benefit the wider public.
- The case is in an area of key significance, e.g. health care, transport, housing, benefits and/or access to justice.
We would welcome constructive feedback from all interested groups on our proposed strategy. To contribute please contact the Law Centre in one of the following ways:
| Fax: | 0117 9248020 |
| Minicom: | 0117 9245573 |
| EMail: | mail@ablc.org.uk |
* Devon Law Centre is funded to provide advice and assistance on the law on goods and services in Devon and Cornwall.