New figures from FirstAssist reveal that one in four people calling its legal advice helpline want help on understanding employment law. The number one reason for calling was terms of employment and contractual information highlighting the struggle employers have keeping up to date with new laws. FirstAssistís 24 hour legal advice line received over 200,000 calls in 2003, confirming it is an invaluable service for businesses seeking advice.
The complexity of employment law, such as changes in minimum wage and working hours coming from Europe, makes it vital for people to have access to the right advice. Statutory Rights was the second most popular reason to call FirstAssist, which reflects an increase in tribunal cases recorded in recent years. FirstAssist callers also needed advice on disciplinary issues and redundancy. Several million people within the UK workplace have access to FirstAssistís telephone support 24/7 all year round.
John Lee, Legal Advice & Consultancy Services Manager of FirstAssist comments, ìThere are five grounds for a potential employee to sue a potential employer in the recruitment stage alone. Once employed, there are 95 grounds for an employee to sue, which increases after 12 months when staff become ìprotectedî. Employment law is a minefield and changes all the time, so it is little wonder that employers are seeking advice.
ì50 new employment laws were introduced in the 1990s compared with 10 in the 1970s, putting a huge strain on businesses. FirstAssistís legal advice line provides a valuable service for companies and especially SMEs who donít have the resources to deal with increasingly complex legislation and regulations affecting their business. Our figures suggest that there is a real need for quality legal support for businesses, which is why FirstAssist continue to be one of the leading providers of 24 hour professional advice.î
One in four seek advice on employment law
FirstAssist figures reveal top reasons why businesses and their employees seek legal advice