Workplace issues can be stressful, confusing, and financially damaging. Whether you're facing unfair dismissal, discrimination, unpaid wages, or unsafe working conditions, understanding your employment rights and knowing where to get help locally can make all the difference to your case outcome.
This comprehensive guide explains your key employment rights and maps out the support services available across different regions of the UK, from free advice centres to specialist legal representation.
Understanding Your Employment Rights
Day One Rights
Some rights apply from your first day of employment:
- National Minimum Wage: Currently £10.42 per hour for workers 23+ (2025 rates)
- Working Time Regulations: Maximum 48-hour working week (unless opted out)
- Rest breaks: 20 minutes for shifts over 6 hours
- Paid holiday: Minimum 5.6 weeks per year (28 days for full-time workers)
- Equality protection: Freedom from discrimination on protected characteristics
- Health and safety: Safe working environment and equipment
- Payslip rights: Written breakdown of pay and deductions
- Whistleblowing protection: Protection when reporting wrongdoing
Rights After Two Years' Service
Additional protections apply after 24 months of continuous employment:
- Unfair dismissal protection: Right not to be dismissed without fair reason
- Statutory redundancy pay: Payment when made redundant
- Right to return after maternity/paternity leave: Job protection during family leave
- Request flexible working: Right to request (not guarantee) flexible arrangements
Family and Medical Rights
- Maternity leave: Up to 52 weeks (39 weeks paid)
- Paternity leave: 2 weeks paid leave for partners
- Shared parental leave: Sharing leave between parents
- Adoption leave: Same rights as maternity leave
- Time off for dependants: Emergency leave for family crises
- Sick pay: Statutory Sick Pay for qualifying employees
Free Employment Advice Services by Region
National Services (Available Everywhere)
Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS):
- Free helpline: 0300 123 1100 (Monday-Friday, 8am-6pm)
- Online resources: Comprehensive guides and template letters
- Early conciliation: Free mediation service before tribunal claims
- Workplace training: Seminars and workshops for employees and employers
Citizens Advice:
- Local offices: Over 2,500 locations across England and Wales
- Online chat: Real-time advice via website
- Telephone helpline: 03444 111 444
- Specialist employment advisers: Trained volunteers and paid staff
Equality and Human Rights Commission:
- Discrimination helpline: 0808 800 0082
- Legal support: Funding for strategic discrimination cases
- Guidance materials: Codes of practice and guidance notes
London and South East
London:
- Working Families: Helpline for flexible working and family rights (0300 012 0312)
- Employment Law Centre: Free advice clinics in various London boroughs
- Tower Hamlets Law Centre: Employment advice for East London residents
- Southwark Law Centre: Employment and discrimination specialists
- London Councils: Borough-specific employment support services
South East counties:
- Surrey Coalition of Disabled People: Disability discrimination advice
- Kent Law Clinic: University of Kent free legal advice
- Brighton Unemployed Centre: Employment rights and benefit advice
- Oxford Citizens Advice: Specialist employment advisers
Midlands
West Midlands:
- Birmingham Settlement: Employment advice and advocacy
- Coventry Law Centre: Free employment law advice
- Wolverhampton Citizens Advice: Employment specialists
- Sandwell Advocacy: Support for vulnerable workers
East Midlands:
- Nottingham Law Centre: Employment and discrimination advice
- Leicester Advice Centre: Multi-lingual employment support
- Derby Citizens Advice: Specialist employment team
Northern England
North West:
- Manchester Law Centre: Employment discrimination specialists
- Liverpool Law Centre: Free employment advice and representation
- Blackpool Citizens Advice: Tourism industry employment specialists
- Preston Citizens Advice: Manufacturing sector expertise
North East:
- Newcastle Law Centre: Employment and welfare rights
- Sunderland Citizens Advice: Industrial sector employment issues
- Middlesbrough Citizens Advice: Chemical industry specialists
Yorkshire and Humber:
- Leeds Law Centre: Employment and immigration specialists
- Sheffield Advice Centre: Manufacturing and steel industry expertise
- Hull and East Yorkshire Citizens Advice: Port and logistics workers
- Bradford Community Law Centre: Multi-cultural employment advice
Wales
- Shelter Cymru: Housing and employment rights (Welsh/English)
- Cardiff Law Clinic: Cardiff University free legal advice
- Swansea Citizens Advice: Bilingual employment support
- North Wales Citizens Advice: Rural employment issues
- Working Wales: Welsh Government employment support programme
South West
- Bristol Law Centre: Employment and discrimination specialists
- Devon and Cornwall Citizens Advice: Tourism industry focus
- Plymouth Citizens Advice: Maritime industry specialists
- Exeter Law Clinic: University of Exeter free advice service
Trade Union Support
Major Trade Unions and Their Sectors
Unite the Union:
- Sectors: Manufacturing, construction, transport, hospitality
- Legal services: Free legal representation for members
- Regional offices: Comprehensive UK coverage
- Helpline: 0800 414 8424
Unison:
- Sectors: Public services, healthcare, local government
- Legal services: Employment law specialists
- Regional structure: England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland
- ULaw service: Free legal advice for members
GMB:
- Sectors: Manufacturing, utilities, retail, security
- Legal support: Employment tribunal representation
- Regional offices: Throughout England, Wales, and Scotland
USDAW:
- Sectors: Retail, distribution, warehousing
- Legal helpline: Free advice for members
- Specialist services: Retail-specific employment issues
Professional associations:
- BMA: British Medical Association (doctors)
- RCN: Royal College of Nursing
- NUT: National Education Union (teachers)
- PCS: Public and Commercial Services Union
- Prospect: Specialists, managers, and professionals
Benefits of Union Membership
- Free legal representation: Employment tribunal cases
- 24/7 helplines: Immediate advice and support
- Workplace representatives: Local support and advocacy
- Collective bargaining: Better pay and conditions
- Training and education: Know your rights programmes
- Insurance benefits: Legal expenses and income protection
Employment Tribunal Process and Support
Employment Tribunal Locations
England and Wales tribunal centres:
- London Central: Victory House, 30-34 Kingsway
- London East: 3rd Floor, 11 Belgrave Road
- London South: Montague Court, 101 London Road, West Croydon
- Birmingham: Centre City Tower, 5-7 Hill Street
- Manchester: Alexandra House, 14-22 The Parsonage
- Leeds: 3rd Floor, City Exchange, 11 Albion Street
- Bristol: 2nd Floor, The Crescent Centre, Temple Back
- Cardiff: Caradog House, 1-6 St Andrews Place
- Newcastle: Quayside House, 110 Quayside
- Nottingham: Byron House, 2A Maid Marian Way
Employment Tribunal Support Services
Free Representation Unit (FRU):
- Services: Divorce, children matters, financial remedies
Barnet Family Court:
- Address: St Mary's Court, Regents Park Road, London N3 1BQ
- Coverage: North London boroughs
- Specialties: Care proceedings, adoption, private children cases
Regional Family Court Centres
Birmingham Family Court:
- Address: Priory Courts, 33 Bull Street, Birmingham B4 6DS
- Coverage: West Midlands region
- Services: Full range of family proceedings including High Court cases
- Specialist facilities: Video link for remote hearings
Manchester Family Court:
- Address: 1 Bridge Street West, Manchester M60 9DJ
- Coverage: Greater Manchester and surrounding areas
- Services: County Court and High Court family jurisdiction
- Features: Separate entrances for parties in domestic violence cases
Leeds Family Court:
- Address: The Courthouse, 1 Oxford Row, Leeds LS1 3BG
- Coverage: West Yorkshire and surrounding areas
- Services: Financial remedy specialists, complex children cases
Bristol Family Court:
- Address: The Law Courts, Small Street, Bristol BS1 1DA
- Coverage: South West England
- Services: County and High Court family jurisdiction
- Specialties: International child abduction cases
Newcastle Family Court:
- Address: The Law Courts, Quayside, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3LA
- Coverage: North East England
- Services: Full family court services including urgent applications
Wales Family Courts
Cardiff Family Court:
- Address: Cardiff Civil Justice Centre, 2 Park Street, Cardiff CF10 1ET
- Coverage: South Wales
- Services: Bilingual proceedings available
- Specialties: High-value financial cases, complex children matters
Swansea Family Court:
- Address: Swansea Civil Justice Centre, Quay West, Quay Parade, Swansea SA1 1SP
- Coverage: West Wales
- Language services: Welsh language proceedings available
Newport Family Court:
- Address: Newport (South Wales) County Court, Clarence House, Clarence Place, Newport NP19 7AA
- Coverage: Gwent and surrounding areas
Local Family Courts by Region
East Midlands:
- Nottingham Family Court: 60 Canal Street, Nottingham NG1 7EJ
- Leicester Family Court: 90 Wellington Street, Leicester LE1 6HG
- Derby Family Court: The Courthouse, The Morledge, Derby DE1 2XE
East of England:
- Cambridge Family Court: 197 East Road, Cambridge CB1 1BA
- Norwich Family Court: The Law Courts, Bishopgate, Norwich NR3 1UR
- Luton Family Court: Arndale House, Arndale Centre, Luton LU1 2TS
South East:
- Brighton Family Court: Edward Street, Brighton BN2 0LG
- Canterbury Family Court: Chaucer House, Ivy Lane, Canterbury CT1 1TU
- Reading Family Court: 160-163 Friar Street, Reading RG1 1HE
South West:
- Exeter Family Court: Heavitree Road, Exeter EX1 2LU
- Plymouth Family Court: The Law Courts, Armada Way, Plymouth PL1 2ER
- Gloucester Family Court: Kimbrose Way, Gloucester GL1 2DG
North West:
- Liverpool Family Court: 35 Vernon Street, Liverpool L2 2BX
- Preston Family Court: The Law Courts, Preston PR1 2LL
- Blackpool Family Court: Blackpool Magistrates' Court, 48-50 Boothroyden, Blackpool FY1 3AQ
Yorkshire and Humber:
- Sheffield Family Court: 50 West Bar, Sheffield S3 8PT
- Hull Family Court: The Guildhall, Alfred Gelder Street, Hull HU1 2AA
- Bradford Family Court: The Courthouse, Exchange Square, Bradford BD1 1JA
Family Court Procedures and Timescales
Divorce and Dissolution Process
Online divorce process:
- Application submission: Online application with £593 court fee
- Service on respondent: Court serves papers on other party
- Acknowledgment: Respondent confirms receipt (20 days)
- Conditional order: Court grants provisional divorce (20 weeks minimum from application)
- Final order: Divorce finalised (6 weeks and 1 day after conditional order)
Typical timescales:
- Uncontested divorce: 6-8 months total
- Contested proceedings: 12-18 months
- Complex cases: 18-24 months
- Emergency applications: Same day or within 48 hours
Financial Remedy Proceedings
Standard directions process:
- Application: Form A application with £275 fee
- First Appointment: 12-16 weeks after application
- Financial Dispute Resolution (FDR): 4-6 weeks after First Appointment
- Final hearing: 8-12 weeks after FDR if case doesn't settle
Court expectations:
- Full financial disclosure: Form E and supporting documents
- Expert valuations: Property, business, pension valuations where needed
- Settlement negotiations: Genuine attempts to resolve before final hearing
- Proportionality: Costs should not exceed the amount in dispute
Children Proceedings
Child Arrangements Programme (CAP):
- Application: Form C100 with £232 fee
- Safeguarding checks: CAFCASS safety assessment
- First Hearing Dispute Resolution Appointment (FHDRA): 4-6 weeks after application
- Further hearings: If case doesn't resolve at FHDRA
- Final hearing: Evidence and determination by judge
CAFCASS involvement:
- Safeguarding letter: Initial risk assessment sent to court
- Court reports: Detailed welfare reports for complex cases
- Direct work with children: Age-appropriate consultation with children
- Guardian representation: Separate representation for children in some cases
Support Services at Family Courts
Personal Support Units (PSUs)
Services provided:
- Emotional support: Practical and emotional assistance during hearings
- Court familiarisation: Explaining court layout and procedures
- Accompaniment: Support person to accompany you to hearings
- Practical help: Assistance with forms and court processes
- Information: General guidance about court procedures
PSU locations:
- Available at most major family court centres
- Staffed by trained volunteers
- Free and confidential service
- No appointment necessary
- Available on court sitting days
Domestic Violence Support
In-court support:
- Separate entrances and exits: Avoiding contact with alleged perpetrator
- Separate waiting areas: Safe spaces while waiting for hearings
- Video link evidence: Giving evidence remotely where appropriate
- Special measures: Screens or other protection during hearings
- Domestic violence advisors: Specialist support workers
Local domestic violence services:
- National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (24/7 free helpline)
- Women's Aid: Local refuge and support services
- Refuge: Emergency accommodation and legal support
- Men's Advice Line: 0808 801 0327 (support for male victims)
- Galop: LGBTQ+ domestic abuse helpline
McKenzie Friends
What McKenzie Friends do:
- Court support: Accompanying litigants in person to hearings
- Note taking: Helping with written records of proceedings
- Moral support: Emotional support during stressful court hearings
- Case organisation: Helping organise documents and evidence
- Legal research: Assistance with legal research and preparation
Limitations:
- Cannot give legal advice or represent you
- Cannot speak on your behalf in court (without permission)
- Not legally qualified or regulated
- Court has discretion to exclude inappropriate McKenzie Friends
Finding McKenzie Friends
- Personal Support Units: May provide McKenzie Friend services
- Local law centres: Some offer McKenzie Friend support
- Citizens Advice: May provide court support services
- Online directories: Various online McKenzie Friend services
- Family and friends: Anyone can act as a McKenzie Friend
Alternative Dispute Resolution in Family Cases
Family Mediation Services
How mediation works:
- Neutral mediator: Trained professional helps couples reach agreement
- Confidential process: Discussions cannot be used in court later
- Both parties participate: Voluntary process requiring both parties' consent
- Legally binding agreements: Agreements can be made into court orders
- Child-focused: Priority given to children's welfare and best interests
Types of mediation:
- All Issues Mediation (AIM): Financial and children matters together
- Property and Finance Mediation: Financial matters only
- Child Inclusive Mediation: Direct consultation with children
- Shuttle mediation: Parties in separate rooms with mediator moving between
Regional mediation services:
- Family Mediation Council: National standards and directory
- National Family Mediation: Nationwide network of services
- Resolution: Directory of lawyer-mediators
- Local mediation services: Community-based mediation providers
Mediation Costs and Legal Aid
Private mediation costs:
- Initial meetings: £100-£150 per person
- Joint sessions: £150-£300 per hour (shared between parties)
- Total costs: £1,000-£3,000 for straightforward cases
- Complex cases: £3,000-£8,000 for high-value or complex matters
Legal aid for mediation:
- Eligibility: Means and merits tested
- Domestic abuse: Automatic qualification with evidence
- Child welfare concerns: Priority for cases involving children at risk
- Free sessions: Full legal aid covers all mediation costs
- Voucher schemes: Government vouchers for mediation costs
Collaborative Law
How collaborative law works:
- Both parties have lawyers: Specially trained collaborative lawyers
- No court threat: Lawyers commit not to represent clients in court
- Four-way meetings: Both parties and both lawyers meet together
- Expert input: Financial advisers, child specialists, coaches involved
- Interest-based negotiation: Focus on underlying needs rather than positions
Benefits and limitations:
- Benefits: More control, privacy, often quicker than court
- Costs: Two lawyers required, can be expensive
- Suitability: Both parties must commit to process voluntarily
- Domestic abuse: Not suitable where there's been domestic abuse
Representing Yourself in Family Court
Litigants in Person (LiPs)
Why people self-represent:
- Legal aid cuts: Reduced availability of public funding
- High legal costs: Inability to afford private representation
- Simple cases: Straightforward matters not requiring legal expertise
- Personal choice: Preference to maintain control over case
Challenges for LiPs:
- Complex procedures: Difficulty navigating court rules and processes
- Legal knowledge: Understanding law and legal precedents
- Emotional stress: Representing yourself in emotional family cases
- Evidence gathering: Knowing what evidence to present and how
- Court etiquette: Understanding appropriate behaviour and language
Support for Litigants in Person
Court-based support:
- Personal Support Units: Emotional and practical support
- Court staff: Limited procedural guidance (not legal advice)
- LiP coordinators: Specialist court staff in some locations
- Court leaflets: Information about procedures and processes
External support services:
- Citizens Advice: General legal guidance and court preparation
- Law centres: Free legal advice in some areas
- University law clinics: Student-led advice services
- Online resources: Government guidance and template forms
Essential Tips for Self-Representation
Before your hearing:
- Understand the law: Research relevant legal principles
- Organise documents: Prepare chronological bundles of evidence
- Visit the court: Familiarise yourself with the building and procedures
- Practice your presentation: Rehearse what you want to say
- Consider mediation: Explore settlement options before court
During the hearing:
- Arrive early: Allow extra time for security and finding the right courtroom
- Dress appropriately: Business attire shows respect for the court
- Address the judge properly: "Your Honour" or "Sir/Madam"
- Stick to facts: Avoid emotional outbursts or personal attacks
- Listen carefully: Pay attention to judge's questions and directions
Family Court Costs and Funding
Court Fees
Application fees:
- Divorce application: £593
- Financial remedy application: £275
- Children applications (C100): £232
- Non-molestation order: No fee
- Occupation order: No fee
- Consent order: £53
Hearing fees:
- Financial remedy hearings: No additional fee
- Children hearings: No additional fee
- Appeal hearings: £154-£770 depending on court level
Fee remissions:
- Full remission: If receiving certain benefits or low income
- Partial remission: Sliding scale based on income and capital
- Exceptional circumstances: Hardship applications considered
- Domestic abuse: Evidence of domestic abuse may qualify for remission
Legal Aid Availability
Legal aid is available for:
- Domestic abuse cases: With qualifying evidence
- Child abduction: International and domestic child abduction
- Public law children cases: Care proceedings involving local authorities
- Mental capacity: Court of Protection proceedings
- Forced marriage: Protection from forced marriage
Evidence required for domestic abuse legal aid:
- Police reports or charges
- Court orders (injunctions, restraining orders)
- Medical evidence of injuries
- Social services records
- GP or health professional letters
- Independent domestic violence adviser letters
- Refuge admission records
Private Funding Options
Hourly rates by region:
- London: £300-£800+ per hour
- Major cities: £200-£500 per hour
- Regional centres: £150-£350 per hour
- Rural areas: £120-£250 per hour
Alternative funding arrangements:
- Fixed fees: Set price for specific services
- Staged payments: Paying in instalments
- Limited scope representation: Lawyer handles specific parts only
- Legal expenses insurance: May cover family law costs
- Litigation loans: Borrowing to fund legal costs
Regional Variations and Considerations
London Considerations
Advantages:
- Specialist expertise: Access to top family law barristers and solicitors
- High Court availability: Complex cases heard quickly
- International expertise: Specialists in cross-border family cases
- Support services: Comprehensive support and advice services
Challenges:
- High costs: Premium pricing for legal services
- Court congestion: Longer waiting times for hearings
- Travel and parking: Difficult and expensive access to courts
- Housing costs: High property values affect financial settlements
Regional Centres
Benefits:
- Lower costs: More affordable legal representation
- Local expertise: Knowledge of regional property values and practices
- Accessible courts: Easier access and parking
- Community support: Strong local support networks
Considerations:
- Limited specialist expertise: Fewer specialists for complex cases
- Transfer possibilities: Complex cases may be transferred to London
- Judicial resources: Fewer specialist family judges
Rural Areas
Specific challenges:
- Distance to courts: Long travel times to nearest family court
- Limited legal services: Fewer family law specialists available
- Property valuation: Specialist rural property expertise needed
- Agricultural assets: Complex farming business valuations
Solutions:
- Video hearings: Remote attendance for some hearings
- Regional specialists: Travel to access specialist expertise
- Online services: Digital divorce and application processes
- Telephone advice: Remote consultation services
Special Circumstances and Support
International Family Cases
Types of international cases:
- Child abduction: Hague Convention and non-convention cases
- International divorce: Jurisdiction and recognition issues
- Cross-border maintenance: International child and spousal support
- Immigration consequences: Impact of family proceedings on visa status
Specialist support:
- International Family Law Group: Specialist practitioners
- Reunite: Child abduction charity and advice service
- Foreign and Commonwealth Office: Consular assistance
- Central Authority: Official channel for Hague Convention cases
Cultural and Religious Considerations
Cultural sensitivity:
- Interpreters: Professional interpretation services available
- Cultural advisers: Expert witnesses on cultural practices
- Religious marriages: Understanding of different marriage customs
- Family structures: Recognition of extended family arrangements
Religious law interfaces:
- Islamic family law: Sharia-compliant financial arrangements
- Jewish religious divorce: Get proceedings and Beth Din involvement
- Hindu and Sikh customs: Cultural considerations in arrangements
- Christian denominations: Church annulment and marriage support
Vulnerable Parties Support
Mental health considerations:
- Litigation capacity: Assessment of ability to conduct proceedings
- Official Solicitor: Representation for those lacking capacity
- Mental health support: Liaison with psychiatric services
- Reasonable adjustments: Court accommodations for mental health needs
Learning difficulties support:
- Intermediaries: Communication support during proceedings
- Simplified procedures: Adjusted court processes
- Advocacy services: Independent advocacy support
- Family involvement: Appropriate family member involvement
How SolicitorConnect Can Help with Family Law
Family law proceedings are among the most emotionally challenging legal experiences you'll face. SolicitorConnect connects you with specialist family lawyers who understand both the legal complexities and emotional sensitivities involved:
- Local court expertise: Solicitors familiar with your local family court and its procedures
- Specialist knowledge: Family law experts who handle similar cases daily
- Transparent pricing: Clear fee information and funding options including legal aid
- Comprehensive services: From divorce and financial settlements to children matters and domestic violence
- Alternative dispute resolution: Lawyers trained in mediation and collaborative law
- Court representation: Experienced advocates for family court hearings
- Sensitive approach: Understanding of the emotional impact on families
Whether you're starting divorce proceedings in Cardiff, dealing with child arrangements in Manchester, seeking protection from domestic violence in Birmingham, or navigating complex financial settlements anywhere across England and Wales, we can connect you with the right family law expertise to guide you through this difficult time with skill, compassion, and local knowledge.
This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal advice tailored to your situation, please consult with a qualified solicitor.