date: 2 July 2009

embargo: For immediate release

TUC welcomes new regulation of 'no-win, no-fee' tribunal cases

The TUC has welcomed the publication of a Government consultation document from Justice Secretary Jack Straw MP which will see the introduction of new regulations covering 'no-win, no-fee' solicitors who work on employment tribunal cases.

TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said: 'At the moment workers taking cases to employment tribunal with 'no-win, no-fee' solicitors wrongly assume they are getting legal advice and representation for free.

'But this is not the case. The current lack of regulation means that workers

often sign up to agreements with solicitors without being given clear information as to exactly how much will be deducted from their final award.

''No-win, no-fee' agreements can also be unclear over the nature of any extra charges that might be incurred, regardless of whether the case is won or lost. Nor do they alert individuals to the existence of alternative sources of legal advice such as union legal departments.

'Regulation will make a big difference as solicitors looking for 'no-win, no-fee' business in future will be forced to set out more clearly how they intend to handle any cases they take.'

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Press release (400 words) issued 2 Jul 2009