Where Can I Get Independent Advice About a Problem at Work
You do not need to know whether you have a tribunal claim before asking for employment advice.
You do not need to know whether you have a tribunal claim before asking for employment advice.
Sometimes the most useful conversation happens earlier, when you are deciding how to respond to a grievance, whether treatment may be discriminatory, how to raise whistleblowing concerns, what a disciplinary process means or whether a dismissal needs urgent attention.
Different sources of help do different jobs.
Acas
Acas provides free and impartial information about workplace rights, rules and good practice.
It can help you understand processes such as grievances, disciplinary action, redundancy and employment rights.
If you are considering an Employment Tribunal claim, in most cases you must notify Acas first. Acas can then offer Early Conciliation, which is a legal process aimed at trying to resolve the dispute without a tribunal hearing.
Acas does not represent you, decide whether your case is strong or weak, or give individual legal advice.
A trade union
If you are a union member, contact the union early.
Depending on membership terms and the issue, a representative may help with meetings, grievances, disciplinary processes and legal support.
Do not assume legal assistance will automatically cover a dispute that began before membership or before a particular level of cover started; check the union’s rules.
An employment-law solicitor or qualified legal adviser
Individual legal advice becomes particularly useful where you need somebody to assess the facts and tell you what legal rights may apply.
That can include discrimination, whistleblowing, victimisation, dismissal, constructive dismissal, contractual disputes and tribunal limitation.
A solicitor can also advise on evidence, strategy, settlement agreements and the strengths and risks of possible legal action. That is different from general employment information.
Check whether you already have access to legal help
Employment legal expenses cover can sometimes be included within household insurance, packaged bank accounts or other policies.
Check the policy wording and notify the insurer promptly if cover might apply.
You may also have access to an employee assistance programme, professional association, law centre or other advice service. These services vary, so check what they actually provide.
Citizens Advice and other advice organisations
Citizens Advice can provide information and help across employment, benefits, debt and related problems.
That can be particularly useful where losing work is creating several connected pressures at once.
Specialist charities can also help with particular issues, for example Protect provides confidential advice about whistleblowing.
Know what Early Conciliation does, and does not do
During Early Conciliation, an Acas conciliator can discuss the issues, explain the process and explore whether an agreement can be reached.
Acas cannot represent either side, tell you whether to settle, prepare your tribunal case or decide how strong it is.
If agreement is reached, it can be recorded in a legally binding COT3. Because the consequences are binding, legal advice may be useful before agreeing important terms.
Do not let an internal process hide a deadline
This is one of the most important points in the whole section.
A grievance, disciplinary process or internal appeal does not itself extend an Employment Tribunal time limit.
As at 6 September 2026, most claims still use 3 months minus 1 day. From 1 October 2026, most move to 6 months minus 1 day where the time limit starts on or after that date.
If you think legal rights may be involved, check the deadline early even if you hope the workplace process will resolve matters.
Prepare for an advice conversation
You can make initial advice more useful by having:
a one-page chronology;
your contract or key employment terms;
the relevant grievance, disciplinary, redundancy or dismissal documents;
important emails or messages;
dates of any discrimination complaint or whistleblowing disclosure; and
the outcome you are hoping to achieve.
You do not need to produce a perfect legal bundle before asking for help.
Employment advice and mental-health support can sit side by side
A workplace dispute can affect sleep, confidence, relationships and the ability to make decisions.
Legal advice can reduce uncertainty about rights and options, but it is not counselling.
Mental-health support can help you cope with the experience, but it does not determine whether an employer acted lawfully. Using both where needed is entirely compatible.
Last reviewed
6 September 2026
Important informationThis guide provides general information only and does not constitute legal, medical or other professional advice. Employment rights depend on individual circumstances and the law can change. If you are concerned about your legal position, check current information and consider advice from Acas, a trade union, an appropriately qualified adviser or an employment-law professional.