Pro Bono Week: Helping Melissa Overcome Employment Legal Challenges

• The Employment Legal Advice Service (ELAS) offers free employment-related legal support to Greater Manchester residents.
• The service is a joint initiative between the Growth Company, Citizens Advice Manchester, Citizens Advice Bolton, Citizens Advice Salford, and a network of local legal partners.
• To mark Pro Bono Week, Melissa told us how the service helped her overcome legal issues with her employer.

Today marks the beginning of Pro Bono Week, an opportunity to recognise and support the voluntary contribution made by the legal profession in giving free legal help to those in need across the UK. 

To celebrate the occasion, we’re sharing the story of how the Employment Legal Advice Service helped Melissa overcome a difficult period in her life after facing employment-related legal challenges.

Melissa came to the Employment Legal Advice Service after experiencing issues with her employer, which resulted in her taking sick leave in October 2023.

Facing financial struggles due to the loss of her salary, Melissa found herself increasingly stressed. She reached out to several charities for support but discovered there was little help available to her.

Soon after, Melissa contacted the Employment Legal Advice Service and was put in touch with triage coordinator Mark, who offered a listening ear and a safe space for Melissa to share her experiences.

Mark gave advice and guidance, referring Melissa for a pro bono appointment with one of the service’s partner solicitors. The support provided by Mark gave Melissa the courage to challenge her employer and allowed her to move forward with her life.

Reflecting on her experience with ELAS, Melissa said: “This service saved my life. I had been searching for help for weeks. I sent the Employment Legal Advice Service an email explaining my situation and they called me the same day. Mark was extremely helpful and took his time with me as I was very anxious, but his calm manner and professional approach left me at ease.

“He also referred me for 30-minute appointment with a solicitor to discuss my issue further. Because I am currently experiencing financial hardship, I was so happy there was some guidance available without incurring any fees.”

Employment Legal Advice Service

Whether you are worried about your rights, redundancy proceedings, pay issues, contractual terms, or ongoing disputes, Employment Legal Advice can set you on the right track.

The service is a joint venture by the Growth Company, Citizens Advice Manchester, Citizens Advice Bolton, Citizens Advice Salford, and a network of local legal partners. It aims to help people across Greater Manchester to access free and timely employment-related support provided by experts in the field.

The Growth Company

The Growth Company is an award-winning social enterprise with a 30-year history of enabling growth, creating jobs, and improving lives. We help people and businesses to develop, grow, and succeed through a range of employment, skills, and business support services. We provide employment, justice, and health services across the North of England and beyond.

Contact us today to find out more.