Press Release: 80% of Brits don’t know their legal rights

 

• Over a third (34% I) of people have experienced a legal employment issue over the course of their career
• Almost half (46%) of Britons that have experienced an issue at work haven’t sought professional legal advice
• High earners are 78% more likely to consult legal experts than low earners

Four in five Brits (80%) lack knowledge when it comes to their legal rights at work, according to research by LegalShield, the legal services provider.

The news comes as National Work Life Week begins, an initiative aimed at promoting well being at work across the UK. The new research highlights the widespread lack of knowledge and understanding when it comes to legal rights in the workplace.  Millions of Brits - over a third of people questioned (34%) - had experienced an issue at work over the course of their career and nearly half (46%) didn’t to seek professional legal advice.

Many of us will experience an issue at work at some point – this could include anything from not being paid for overtime properly and harassment and discrimination, to wrongful termination, or even posting something on social media. Some might be inclined to complain to management but very few people have a clear understanding of when these issues at work actually become a legal matter.

LegalShield’s study also unveils a ‘justice gap’ when it comes to accessing legal assistance for employment issues. With only 36% of those earning up to £20,000 seeking professional legal support for workplace issues, compared to 64% of those earning £60,000 and above per annum.

Mike Roberts, Managing Director at LegalShield, commented: “It’s certainly difficult to predict when legal issues will arise in the workplace, but it’s clear from our research that many of us will encounter a problem that requires legal support throughout our careers. The knowledge gap we’ve uncovered can cause situations to become much more serious. If employees aren’t empowered to know when and how to take action, a simple issue can cause enormous worry and stress.

“Employers should look to assist their employees when it comes to legal rights, both raising awareness of employee rights and helping to foster positive, inclusive workplace cultures.”

For further advice and support on legal issues at work go to: https://legalshield.co.uk

 

ENDS

For legal support at an affordable price visit LegalShield and download the LegalDefence app, here: https://legalshield.co.uk/legaldefence. 

 

Notes to Editors:

iAll data, unless otherwise specified, is taken from a survey of 2,000 full-time and part-time employed adults conducted by research agency One Poll between 26/09/2019-30/09/2019

About LegalShield

LegalDefence is a new to market app which directly connects trusted solicitors and ordinary people who need access to legal services and support. It is a membership subscription service with a monthly fee. Membership also covers your entire household*, so your family also benefits from a single subscription.

* Children who are under the age of 18, who are dependent on the Lead Member and who primarily reside at the same address as the Lead Member;

Children who are over the age of 18 but under the age of 23, still in full-time education or training, and dependent on the Lead Member; and

Any dependent relatives residing at the same address as the Lead Members.

LegalDefence is available from just £19 per month and offers 24/7 access to legal advice from Slater and Gordon qualified professionals. This brings the cost of LegalDefence to £228 a year, which is roughly half the average cost of using traditional solicitors for only one month. There are lots of services included with the membership cost, such as 24/7 access to telephone and email support from our professional legal team, template legal documents for a range of issues including legal disputes within the workplace. Members also have access to representation in court, with 25% off Slater and Gordon’s standard rates.

 

About Slater and Gordon

Slater and Gordon has been a leading provider of expert consumer legal services in the UK since 2012. During that time, Slater and Gordon has earned a reputation for its determined pursuit of justice on behalf of tens of thousands of people every year who are faced with a range of legal needs.

The company has been responsible for a number of landmark legal victories which resulted in changes to the law, including winning a Court of Appeal judgement to extend bereavement damages for unmarried people (Smith v Lancashire Teaching Hospitals [2017] EWCA Civ 1916) and helping redefine vicarious liability after a Supreme Court win for a client severely injured during a school swimming lesson (Woodland v Essex County Council).

Lawyers from Slater and Gordon have also helped achieve successful outcomes for clients involved in many high-profile legal battles, such as securing victory for dozens of victims of rogue breast surgeon Ian Paterson and many survivors of sexual abuse – including victims of Jimmy Savile and the Rochdale grooming scandal.

It is a passionate advocate for extending people’s access to justice and has spearheaded a number of campaigns, including calling to introduce a mandatory reporting law to make it a criminal offence for people in positions of authority to turn a blind eye to allegations of sexual abuse.