claims assessors face clampdownby Jeremy FlemingThe Lord Chancellor, Lord Irvine, could crack down on claims assessors and employment advisers - to the extent of 'naming and shaming' rogue operators or banning the profession altogether - in the wake of a report out last week.The report, from a committee led by senior civil servant Brian Blackwell, concluded that the public needs more information on ways to seek help in pursuing a claim for personal injury, and of the costs involved.It found no 'measurable public concern about or widespread problems' with the activities of claims assessors, who negotiate out-of-court settlements and are unregulated and uninsured.But fears were raised for the future development of such claims assessors in the wake of the Access to Justice Act 1999 as potential public confusion over the new conditional fee agreement regime could encourage more people to use claims assessors.The committee has drawn up a list of measures for Lord Irvine to consider.

These include voluntary or statutory regulation, raising public awareness, or a ban.

He is 'giving very careful consideration' to various measures, and has invited comments from the public and other interested parties.The report also looked at the position of employment advisers, who offer a similar service in employment tribunal cases.

It proposed a code of practice for trade unions' advisers, and a 'naming and shaming' penalty for the chairmen of tribunals to use against advisers who mishandle cases.A Law Society spokeswoman said claims assessors are not needed.

'The public needs to be aware that there is no need to go down this route,' she said.

'Following the introduction of no win, no fee - which came into force on 1 April - the simplest route is to go straight to a solicitor who provides a specialist service.'The Law Society is set to report on the marketing of legal services at the end of May.

The report will examine non-legal claims assessors, and also the position of claims management companies, which act as middle-men between lawyers and the public.

It is against Society regulations to pay them a direct referral fee.Frances McCarthy, the new president of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL), said she is disappointed that Lord Irvine did not immediately respond in the strongest terms.

APIL will encourage him to take the firmest line, she said, 'in recognition of the public's vulnerability in this area'.

'The public do not know how bad the service they are getting might be; nor can they sue the assessors, who have no compulsory insurance schemes,' she added.

She welcomed proposals to raise the public's awareness of the issue, and said APIL would be happy to support the Lord Chancellor's Department in implementing them.