Free or cheap legal advice on a disability discrimination (employment) claim?

[Metabigot]

My employer discriminated against me in denying me a role I applied for, for reasons clearly linked to my disability, which they put in writing on the candidate summary (I accessed via a SAR).

They were well aware of my disability and there is no objective justification for the decision as the role was similar to one I was already doing on a contract basis with no performance issues at all. The contract has now ended.

I've raised grievance etc and they are stalling on the outcome but if I want to take it further, does anyone know of any charities or organisations who provide free or reduced cost legal advice for people with disabilities. I need proper legal advice from a solicitor, not just a helpine. I'm HR trained myself so know the basics and think I've a strong case but I don't want to go it alone at tribunal, although if necessary I will. So just wondering if there are any resources out there to support people with disabilities who need legal help.

try www.acas.org.uk/contact

ACAS don't provide legal advice, but thank you for posting.

I'm looking for any charitable organisations who may do this for someone like myself who has been discriminated against and wishes to take legal action.

Can you access a no win no fee firm to assist you?

Are you in a union, or do you have legal insurance as part of your home insurance?

Going through similar. Last grievance upheld, another huge one raised yesterday. After the way they've treated me including a huge data breach of my personal information, I'll be speaking to a no win, no fee solicitor that's been recommended to me.

I don't really want to give them any award...

I have contacts in the HR industry but probably need more specialised advice.

All my HR pals have raised massive eyebrows at how I've been treated. It's very much don't practice what you preach in this industry

I have MS and the MS society will help with things like this. Does your disability have a society ?

Try the Disabilities Justice Project

Have you tried the Discussion Forum section on the CIPD website (if you’re not a member there’s some sections you can access still)? It might be worth seeing if you can get help through the National Pro Bono Centre. Link here

Possibly. It's a neurodiverse condition (don't want to give further details in case outing)

Thanks for the suggestions all

Why not? Surely it would be taken into account as part of the settlement

If you're sure you will win can you not borrow the money for a lawyer?

LawWorks Org, are a charity and their lawyers offer pro bono free legal advice for people who cannot pay and are not entitled to legal aid.

I thought No Win No Fee solicitors built their fees into any claim amount? I.e the amount you are awarded is increased to include your costs, their fee?

Check your home contents insurance. If you ticked for legal cover they cover employment and personal injury claims.

I received excellent advice and a fantastic settlement from a big firm on a no win no fee arrangement. Plenty of free advice before I hade to commit. So don't rule it out.
But remember that your financial losses will need to be substantial for it to be worth pursuing.

Are you not part of a union?

No win no fee take massive chunks out of settlements. 40% was taken from a claim my df had.
I have home insurance with legal cover, specifically just in case my employer tries to outdo me. Check your home insurance.

I got legal advice and support through the Equalities and Human Rights Commission when I was discriminated against because of my disability. Although in my case it wasn't an employment issue, I was told to leave a venue open to the public because of my disability and 'health and safety'. I don't know if they'd be able to help you.

www.equalityhumanrights.com/en/advice-and-guidance

Thanks. My former employer is denying the reasons relating to my disability were a factor in not appointing me despite the functional effects of my condition being clearly stated on the candidate scoring matrix next to my score and linked to opinions of how I'd perform.

They've admitted I narrowly missed out to another candidate and if there had been another position available I'd have been appointed, ie I was the second choice. Not that I was completely incompetent/unappointable.

I think there's clear evidence my condition/effects pushed me out in favour of another candidate as they have never said I was incapable of doing the job just that other candidates were better.

The other candidates did not have my limitations so I consider that to be unfavourable treatment based on my disability.

I've raised a case with ACAS as I genuinely feel my disability has counted against me