Stephensons Solicitors LLP has partnered with The Growth Company and Citizens Advice Manchester to ensure that Greater Manchester’s workers who have been hit hardest by the pandemic can access free legal advice.
During this period of uncertainty, many people across Greater Manchester are worried about their employment, from their employment rights, redundancy, pay cuts, to terms or disputes. Employment Legal Advice is a new service to help individuals across Greater Manchester to access free employment-related legal support. The service is designed to help individuals access the right advice at the right time as quickly as possible.
The service is completely free, with legal experts giving something back and donating their time on a Pro Bono basis.
Enquiries to the service will be passed on to a dedicated triage advisor who will review the case and decide on the correct pathway for the user, including whether to refer them to an expert from the network of legal partners.
Commenting on the initiative, Philip Richardson, Partner and Head of Employment Law at Stephensons said: “Coronavirus has had a considerable impact on lives and livelihoods, with many people finding themselves out of work or being made redundant. Since the start of the pandemic the Stephensons employment team has been helping people navigate these uncertain times and we’re delighted to be able to offer our assistance alongside The Growth Company through their employment advice surgeries.”
Mark Hughes MBE, Chief Executive of the Growth Company, said: “At a time of increased redundancy and unstable employment having a service like Employment Legal Advice available for the people of Greater Manchester is more important than ever.
“By working closely with Citizens Advice Manchester and legal firms we are able to offer free legal advice to those in need. This sits alongside EmployGM which is a gateway service to help individuals with support, training and advice on securing new employment.”
Andy Brown, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice Manchester, added: “We’ve had a huge increase of enquiries during Covid-19 from people who need to know where they stand on employment law, whether that’s with issues relating to furlough, redundancy or cuts to their salary. Understandably, these queries lead to additional stress and worry about keeping up with crucial bills, feeding families and the security of homes, so we are delighted to be working with the Growth Company and legal partners to deliver this vital service and help to put the minds of Manchester residents at rest.”
People who think they might benefit from the help of the Employment Legal Advice service can provide details of their issue on the service’s website. They can also email info@employmentlegaladvice.org, or call 0808 164 5541.