Workplace Representation Services (WRS) provides a unique and important service. One ordinarily available only to existing trade union members.
Not a union member?
Ask yourself this – isn’t your job too important to take the risk of not being professionally represented if you have a problem or concern at work?
Yet, according to the government’s latest figures (May 2018), there are 6.2 million trade union members in the UK. This means that 76.8% of all employees – and more than six out of seven in the private sector – are not union members. These people do not have a right to representation at work if they get into difficulties.
The reason why is because, at workplace meetings with your employer, you only have a legal right to be accompanied by one of two types of companion. Either a work colleague or a representative of a trade union. No-one else. Not a solicitor. Nor a friend or member of your family.
However, WRS can provide you with the full benefits of trade union representation even if, until now, you have not been a union member. We can guide and help you prepare for any meetings. And we can arrange for you to be accompanied at any Formal Meetings by a union representative.
‘Insurance policy’ or ‘pay when you need it’
Trade unions treat their membership like an insurance policy. You can only count on their support if you are already a member. In fact, you will often find that you must first be a member for 3 or 6 months, before you can count upon receiving any individual representation.
Whilst trade union membership is the best way of spreading the cost of workplace representation, many union members spend between £160 and £270 each year on subscriptions. Some even more. This is on the off-chance that they may one day need representation.
Below, is the typical annual cost (usually spread over monthly payments) of trade union membership (in 2018) for full-time workers with some of the UK’s leading trade unions:
- Unite (Public & private sector; 1.3 million members): £168.72 p.a.
- Unison (Public sector; 1.4 million members): £270.00 p.a.
- National Education Union (Teachers; 450,000 members): £210,00 p.a.
- GMB (General union; 414,000 members): £164.40 p.a.
- Prospect (White collar/professional; 142,000 members): £219.20 p.a.
WRS is different. With us you only pay for the representation you need … and only when you need it!
Why professional representation?
If you value your job, you will want to be sure that if a problem arises at work you will be treated fairly.
We all hope that we can breeze through our working lives without ever encountering a problem. But most people do, at least once or twice in their career, find themselves having to contend with a workplace concern.
- It could be that you want to raise a grievance because you have been treated unfairly. Perhaps you have been denied something you believe you should be entitled to. Asked to do something you don’t want to. Or maybe you have been bullied, harassed or discriminated against.
- Alternatively, you could face disciplinary proceedings after being accused of acting improperly. Criticised about your performance. Made redundant. Or told your job is at risk because of your sickness record, health or a disability.
Whatever your issue might be, you will want to be sure that you are treated fairly. And that you have the best chance of your perspective being understood and taken into account. A solicitor might be able to point you in the right direction. But only a representative of a trade union can provide you with the professional workplace representation that you really need.
If you are not already a union member, WRS can provide you with this professional support.
Highest quality support
You can have no greater knowledge and experience at your disposal than that provided by Workplace Representation Services.
We are led by an exceptional specialist, with 30 years experience working at a senior level of a trade union. He has a Masters Degree in Industrial Relations and has successfully represented many, many thousands of people both in collective negotiations and individual representation. He has dealt with organisations of all shapes and sizes; from FTSE 100 companies to small businesses. And he has effectively tackled just about every conceivable employee problem – including the most complex of casework.
With WRS you know that you will be in good hands.
How WRS can help
WRS can provide you with whatever workplace advice, support and representation you may need.
We can help prepare your case by:
- Providing you with a free initial consultation. Here, we evaluate your representation needs, discuss how to prepare your case, your prospects of success, and provide an estimated cost of WRS’s support.
- Drafting your initial complaint letter for grievance (or similar) cases.
- Preparing a detailed Written Statement, setting out your case and version of events. This is essential to maximising your chances of success.
Furthermore, WRS can arrange for you to be accompanied by a trade union specialist at any Formal Meetings.
Here, your representative will:
- Balance numbers at the hearing, act as a witness and provide you with moral support. You will no longer be at risk of being bullied, intimidated, misled or ignored.
- Present your Written Statement, in the most effective and persuasive way.
- Guide and support you throughout the hearing – if necessary requiring adjournments to brief you.
- Object to unfair lines of questioning.
- Ensure proceedings meet ACAS requirements.
- Present a closing statement, summing up your key points and arguments
Your representative can exercise significant influence and control over how your Formal Meeting is conducted and how your arguments are understood. Your case will be presented in the most persuasive and effective way.
Want to know more?
You can find out more here about WRS’s services.
Alternatively, get in touch with us by using the contact details below to find out more about the invaluable support WRS can provide you.