Public and Commercial Services Union

PCS and other trade unions make many successful legal challenges and win significant gains for members.

However, it is wrong to think there is a legal remedy for all cases. In a nutshell, just because something is wrong it does not make it illegal.

Employment tribunals

Similarly, running a case through the employment tribunals may cost far more than you could expect to win, and you won't always get an acceptable outcome. Most importantly the outcome will be out of your hands.

Once the matter goes to a tribunal hearing the tribunal will make the decision.

The tribunal is also restricted in what it can order. For example, it cannot require an employer to give a member promotion, flexible working hours or training. It can only award monetary compensation.

Nevertheless, there are often occasions where PCS has no alternative but to progress a case using relevant legislation.

Representative's guide to the employment law scheme

PCS has a clearly defined policy for access to legal advice and representation which is called the employment law scheme.

Further useful sources of advice are the dissemination of advice bulletins - these set out extracts of advice obtained from Thompsons Solicitors on previous cases and which have general applicability.

It is worth looking at these bulletins before seeking telephone or written advice on specific points.