Your workplace legal rights explained

The best employers recognise that proper health and safety is vital and do what they can to keep their employees as safe as possible. 

At Thompsons, we see first-hand the devastating impact on workers and their families when management, often under pressure to cut costs, skimp on safe systems of work. That is why, working as a proud partner of the CSP, we are there to support you and your family when things go wrong, and you may have a legal claim. 

We also work with the CSP to actively promote the benefits of union membership.

Since we were founded in 1921, we have as a matter of principle refused to act for employers or insurers, only ever acting for the injured and mistreated – we know whose side we are on. Every year, we secure millions of pounds in compensation for union members who have been injured or mistreated by their employer.

Making a personal injury legal claim

All employers have a legal responsibility to protect their employees from workplace accidents and injuries. 

Where employers fail, the CSP and Thompsons will support you in an injury claim. Using the CSP legal service is not only free, meaning you get 100 per cent of any compensation awarded, it also increases the chances you’ll win because Thompsons’ lawyers work with your local and national union representatives. Other law firms will make deductions from your compensation and won’t know your workplace.

Giving you the best chance of success

To try and make your compensation claim for an accident at work as strong as possible, we recommend that you should: 

• report the accident and your injuries to your employer.
• record the accident in your workplace accident book.
• take photographs of the place where the accident happened and your injuries.
• find out the names and contact details for any witnesses.
• keep a record of any visits to the doctors and treatments received, including receipts for any injury-related expenses. 

Support with employment issues

CSP members also get free support for employment matters. 

Members should contact their local steward for initial support and information. If you have no steward at your workplace, then call CSP enquiries on 020 7306 6666.

If the issue cannot be resolved within your workplace, the CSP can turn to Thompsons’ expert employment rights solicitors for support and guidance in employment tribunals for unfair dismissal claims, discrimination at work claims, equal pay claims, cases related to transfer of undertakings, collective redundancies and more, as well as (when necessary) regulatory forums.

Here’s how Thompsons’ specialist teams can help

CSP members’ comprehensive legal package covers:

• personal injury at or away from work, on holiday or on the roads.
• serious injury, including brain injuries and spinal cord injuries.
• industrial diseases, including asbestos-related diseases.
• work-related criminal law advice.
• employment law advice (accessed via your steward).
• settlement agreements.
• online wills service.
• special terms for medical negligence.
• special terms for conveyancing, probate and powers of attorney.

Members’ families are also covered for:

• personal injury away from work, on holiday or on the roads.
• special terms for medical negligence.
• special terms for conveyancing, probate and powers of attorney.