Pancreatitis Support Forum

I have finally finished with my appeal at work for my initial allegation of bullying against a former colleague - it took them 12 months to agree that the colleague's (now ex since my redundancy) behaviour was totally unacceptable and he would be subject to internal disciplinary procedures and I received a complete apology from the organisation that it should have been dealt with at the time by our joint line manager who did nowt.

I had been to see a solicitor in the meantime whilst unemployed and they wanted to wait and see what the outcome of the internal investigation threw up - so I considered that now was a good time to contact the solicitor to tell them the outcome and to ask if I should take if further to an industrial tribunal (and a HUGE thanks to Amanda for giving me some food for thought on this and persuading me to DO something).

I hasten to add that the industrial tribunal is for the extra stress created by this situation on top of the redundancy and the stress it caused me which has undoubtedly worsened my depression.

I received an email from the solicitor today saying "Do come in and see me to discuss further, my charges are £130 per hour".

Of course I was entitled to legal aid when unemployed but obviously not now.

How can this be right? In no way shape or form can I afford even an hour's worth of his time. And once he starts writing letters etc on my behalf, what is the bill going to be? And I have no guarantee of any decent outcome.

I could borrow the money from my poor long-suffering mother but I can't justify this if I lose.

Ain't the law just marvellous?

Jane xx

Oh Jane, that is ridiculous. Oh to be able to earn that kind of money. Can you shop around? Might you be entitled to part legal aid or something?

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Marilyn

That sucks!
As a thought - do you get any kind of legal benefits either through work or with any home insurance? My old company used to give an hours free consultation (not much but might be enough to see whether it's worth paying owt), while our house insurance has legal cover thrown in as standard with the contents cover and covers things like claims against employers.

Take care,
Lou
-x-

Do you actually need a solicitor to take it further Jane, in view of the apology and admittance of guilt by your previous employe by the content of the notification.

Stu

Do you know -you guys are GREAT! I knew if I posted this on here people would come up with some answers!

Firstly, Marilyn, you have made me realise I can ask for a fixed fee interview - I'd forgotten about those.

Lou, I will look into whether I have legal protection through one of my insurance policies, although I suspect I have said no to that in order to keep the premiums down but worth a try.

Stuart, of course, I could try for an Industrial Tribunal without a solicitor! Why didn't I think of that?

Can I just say I love you all and want to have your babies?

Hugs

Jane xx