Public and Commercial Services Union

The PCS Employment Law Scheme was launched in September 2002. The scheme provides arrangements, where it is considered necessary, for legal advice to be obtained to help deal with individual cases.

It is operated jointly with Thompsons Solicitors who are specialists in the field of employment law.

The scheme is an integral part of the services provided by the PCS legal and personal case department.

Other services include the Personal Injury Compensation Claim Scheme and general support on the handling of personal cases.

The vast majority of personal cases are dealt with by local PCS branch officials and representatives.

Most cases are relatively straightforward and do not require legal advice.

However a legal view may well be needed to deal with more complex cases, particularly those relating to dismissal and/or discrimination.

This guidance for representatives:

• describes the PCS Employment Law Scheme
• outlines how it works
• highlights the information and documentation representatives will
• need to provide with any request for legal advice to help deal with a case
• describes the criteria on which decisions about legal representation are made
• describes an appeals process if you are unhappy with advice given.

Day to day responsibility for administration of the PCS Employment Law Scheme rests with Graham Corbett who works at the PCS legal and personal case department in Leeds.

Contact details: Graham Corbett, PCS Legal and Personal Case department:

• telephone:0113 200 5300
• email: grahamec@pcs.org.uk