ERSA launches free legal helpline for members

In partnership with law firm, Bircham Dyson Bell, ERSA has today (2 December 2013) launched a new free legal helpline for ERSA members.

The hotline, unveiled at the ERSA national conference in London, is available to all ERSA members, but is envisaged as being of particular use to smaller voluntary sector members, who often do not have a permanent legal officer on call to answer queries.  All enquiries will be answered by a lawyer with knowledge of the employment related services sector and able to answer quick or minor issues straight away.  If a larger piece of legal work is necessary this will be charged at preferential rates. 

Bircham Dyson Bell (BDB) is a Top 100 law firm, which has worked in partnership with ERSA for over two years.  ERSA members have benefited in recent times from BDB workshops on issues such as understanding contract terms and changes to TUPE legislation.

Kirsty McHugh, Chief Executive, ERSA, said:

“Smaller providers, particularly those from the voluntary sector, can sometimes struggle to afford the legal support they need. This helpline will allow organisations to get a rapid understanding of where they stand legally and increase their confidence when tackling tricky issues.”

Paul Voller, Partner, Bircham Dyson Bell, said:

“Welfare to work is a complex environment and it is essential that organisations can access the advice they need, when they need it. We are very pleased to have been asked to support ERSA members in this way.”