May 8, 2006
A leading Norwich solicitor specialising in employment law is urging workers at all levels of seniority to help safeguard their jobs by checking their household policies for the valuable protection of legal expenses insurance.
Richard Cassel, a partner at Norwich law firm Hatch Brenner, says the complexity of modern employment law has made it vital for workers to insure against the possibility of workplace disputes which can lead to costly tribunal hearings for discrimination or unfair dismissal.
“All employees, whether they’re shop assistants, senior directors, or managers, should check their household insurance policies to see if they are already protected,” said Mr Cassel.
“Around 100,000 cases go to employment tribunals every year. Legal expenses insurance costs only £15 or £20, it covers a wide range of disputes and litigation, and is one of the most important and useful types of insurance you can have.
“Employment tribunals first began with the idea that they would dispense cheap, speedy and informal justice, but things have moved on a million miles since then. The rules have now become very complex and expert legal advice is needed as soon as a dispute arises.”
With legal aid in civil cases gradually being withdrawn by the state, Mr Cassel views legal expenses insurance as its natural successor in both employment and personal injury cases.
“I have seen cases of individuals who have suddenly lost their jobs, but having looked through their insurance policies they have been able to launch a claim against their employer at a tribunal and protect their position,” he said.
“On the other hand, I have also seen some very strong arguments fall by the wayside because people can’t afford representation.
“I know of a current case where the client has legal expenses insurance, he’s got a good claim, and his insurers are backing him with up to £50,000 worth of expenses which includes a really top-rate barrister from one of the leading chambers in London.
“On the other side of the coin, a woman with a superb case but no insurance is having to find £10,000 in legal costs, so it’s well worth thinking about.”
