In workSMART we stress the need to promptly take further advice - especially before you do anything drastic about a problem at work. On our free advice page we provide details of TUC information, the free ACAS help lines and services provided by National Association of Citizens' Advice Bureaux.
We have also provided links and references to other agencies, services and sources of information at appropriate points in this faq system, but we have drawn these all together on this page as well.
Pay & Work Rights Helpline
The government helpline provides information on your pay and employment rights. Phone 0800 917 2368 or visit the website at www.direct.gov.uk/payandworkrights
Federation of Independent Advice Services
FIAS provides a guide to various local advice agencies at www.adviceuk.org.uk/
Community Legal Advice
This is a government-funded gateway to legal services including employment law. It is at www.communitylegaladvice.org.uk
The Employment Tribunal Service
If you need information about making a claim or Tribunal procedures you should call the Employment Tribunal Service Enquiry Line on 0845 795 9775, or visit the Employment Tribunal Service web pages.
The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS)
BIS is responsible for many employee rights issues. The main website is www.bis.gov.uk. To go straight to employment rights material use www.bis.gov.uk/employment. Guidance on employment rights can be found on the Directgov website .
The National Minimum Wage help line number is 0845 6000 678. All complaints about underpayment of the national minimum wage will be treated in strictest confidence (local call rates apply). Alternatively you can write to them at: National Minimum Wage Enquiries, FREEPOST PHQ 1, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE98 1ZH
Low Pay Units can help with minimum wage and related problems. Low Pay Unit (national) - help line 0207 431 7385 between 2 and 5pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. There are also local low pay units in some parts of the country. They are listed on the links section of the low pay unit website together with other useful resources.
Discrimination advice
The Equality and Human Rights Commission covers all aspects of unlawful discrimination.
Whistleblowing
Public Concern at Work can provide advice 020 7404 6609 www.pcaw.co.uk.
The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills regulates employment agencies. It runs the Employment Agency Standards Line on 0845 955 5105. This helpline takes up complaints against agencies from agency workers on matters including non-payment of wages and dangerous working conditions. Complaints to this line can result in prosecution of errant agencies and even their closure.
The Federation of Recruitment and Employment Services (FRES) is the trade association for employment agencies. It sets standards for its members. If your agency has a FRES symbol on its premises or notepaper and you have a serious complaint about their behaviour, you can contact FRES and they will investigate it on your behalf. Contact them on 020 7009 2100, or visit www.rec.uk.com.
Health and Safety
The Health and Safety Executive is the official agency that enforces health and safety law. Its information line (0845 345 0055) can help with health and safety (including working time) issues. It has a wide range of free leaflets dealing with specific hazards and help and advice for particular groups such as homeworkers or pregnant women. Most can also be viewed at www.hse.gov.uk.
Working Time
The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills has useful material on its web site
The Health and Safety Executive (see above) and the Environmental Health Department of your local council may be able to help and provide advice on your specific circumstances.
Family-friendly employment
Maternity Action provides advice to pregnant women and new parents - 020 7253 2288. www.maternityaction.org.uk
