Contrary to the TUC's understanding, there has actually been slow but steady growth in the number of people getting legal aid help with employment law in recent years (see [2008] Gazette, 8 May, 4). Indeed, there has also been growth in the number of providers with employment law contracts.


In 2006/07, the Legal Services Commission (LSC) funded 12,250 cases of face-to-face employment legal aid to people on low incomes.



The LSC agrees with the TUC that no community should go without employment advice, or indeed any civil law category. We also agree that it would be preferable for people to be able to get help with employment problems at the same time and in the same place that they seek help for related problems such as debt and housing. That is why we are urging all of our partners to work with us to help create integrated specialist legal advice provision for all communities, such as community legal advice centres and networks.



Research shows that people commonly have several linked problems. It has identified a clear need for access to a range of advice through one entry point. If someone has an employment problem, they are more likely to then also experience a problem with debt or housing.



Telephone advice can be a vital lifeline for those seeking advice - we know that those who feel embarrassed about seeking legal advice, or cannot travel, or do not wish to sit in a waiting room, often find using the phone a more accessible and preferable option. Our Community Legal Advice telephone helpline provided employment advice to 27,894 people in 2007/08.



Crispin Passmore, director, Community Legal Service, Legal Services Commission