Public and Commercial Services Union

Most cases can be dealt with through representation provided by full time and lay officials.

However cases do emerge where PCS agrees to provide legal representation.

The PCS legal and personal case department decides on any requests made by bargaining units for legal representation.

Representatives should be aware that legal representation is only likely to be authorised where the case:

• may set a legal precedent and/or
• is of strategic importance to PCS and/or
• has a possible impact on a large number of members and/or 
• is of a complexity or scale such as to warrant legal representation.

There is also a general expectation that the case has "reasonable prospects of success", and that the cost of pursuing the case does not outweigh the value of the claim but these factors will not automatically overide supporting a case that fulfills the other criteria set out above.

Telephone advice from Thompsons

It is also worth noting that bargaining unit officers and nominated PCS lay officials are able to telephone Thompsons solicitors directly. This can be beneficial for initial advice on a case and to help settle tribunals.

Please contact your PCS bargaining unit or telephone the legal and personal case department on 0113 200 5300 for details of the nominated officers and representatives who can obtain telephone legal advice.