In workSMART we stress the need to take further advice 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.
Federation of Independent Advice Services
FIAS provides a guide to various local advice agencies at www.fiac.org.uk/
The Community Legal Service – Just ask!
The is a government funded gateway to legal services including employment law. It is at www.justask.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.
The Department of Trade and Industry
The DTI is responsible for many employee rights issues. It has produced short guides to a number of areas including maternity rights, parental leave and time off for dependants. The orderline is 0870 1502 100. The main website is www.dti.gov.uk. To go straight to employment rights material use www.dti.gov.uk/er/index.htm
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 of the low pay unit website together with other useful resources.
Discrimination advice
There are three public agencies that provide advice respectively on sex, race and disability discrimination. They can not only provide detailed advice but are also prepared to help present individual cases,
Whistleblowing
Public Concern at Work can provide advice 020 7404 6609 www.pcaw.co.uk
Bullying
The Andrea Adams Trust runs a confidential helpline 01273 704900 which is open from 10am-4pm Monday-Friday. www.andreaadamstrust.org
The Department for Trade and Industry 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) 020 7323 4300 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.
Health and Safety
The Health and Safety Executive is the official agency that enforces health and safety law. It’s information line (08701 545500) can help with health and safety and working time issues. It has a wide range of free leaflets, not just dealing with specific hazards but also help and advice for groups such as homeworkers or pregnant women. Most can also be viewed at www.hse.gov.uk.
Working Time
The Department of Trade and Industry's has useful material on its web site www.dti.gov.uk/er/hours.htm
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 Alliance - advice to pregnant women and new parents - 020 7588 8582 www.maternityalliance.org.uk
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