While your own solicitor should be able to direct you to advice that will be charged for, the links here point towards some sources of information that are either free of charge or available as part of a membership package. In addition, a web search will reveal many sites that make a certain amount of advice freely available and then charge for more detailed questions. Employment law is highly complex and frequently changes, so care should be taken to ensure that any information obtained from a web site is current and up to date.

Get advice: 

• Direct Gov advice on employment rights - the Government's own portal
  
  
• BVA Employment Advice (Members Only)
  
  
  • BVA Legal Advice Line (Members Only)
    
    BVA provides a free legal advice line for its members. The advice line is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and is manned by a team of legal advisors, mainly lawyers, who have a range of expertise covering all aspects of the law. 
    
    Members are able to fax documents or agreements where they require advice, but advisers will not write on a member’s behalf.  All calls are treated as confidential and are recorded for future reference.
    
    The resource is for BVA members only – the phone number is available from the members section of the BVA website. A valid membership number is required in order to access the BVA legal advice line.
    
    
  • BVA Mediation Service (Members Only)
    
    The BVA free mediation service brings the parties in dispute together and helps them to reach agreement.  It is a voluntary process and issues discussed remain confidential.  The process requires compromise from both parties and often results in a better, less expensive and less stressful resolution than litigation.  
    
    
  • BVA Representation Service (Employee Members & Employee Associates Only)
    
    Legal representation is primarily to help resolve issues that arise in the workplace.  Often, issues arise through lack of communication and differences in expectation between the parties.  The representation team will be able to provide guidance and support with disciplinary and grievance issues and will attend hearings with members where required.  They will work throughout to achieve a sensible and amicable solution.  
    
    
• BVNA Industrial Relations Service (Members Only)
  
  If after speaking to the BVNA Legal Help Line you feel you need any further clarification, assistance with writing letters to your employer or even representation at hearings or tribunals, you can then telephone the Industrial Relations Service and the Legal Help Line will provide the number to you.
  
  The Industrial Relations Service is provided by a professional company who specialise in employment law. They are there to assist you Monday - Friday, 9.00am until 6.00pm every day. Often with the right advice, it is possible to avoid having to leave a job you like or take out a grievance procedure.
  
  Typical issues they deal with include changes to terms and conditions of employment; assistance where bullying is taking place; working hours – veterinary nurses are often asked to work more hours than legally allowed because of out of hours rotas and weekend work and may be asked to carry out procedures which are beyond their skills and competence.

Get emotional support:

• Vet Helpline
  
  If you would like to speak to someone with personal experience of the veterinary profession about the employment issues that are troubling you, Vet Helpline offers an empathetic listening service and can tell you where to get professional advice.
  Tel: 07659 811 118 (local call rates apply, 24hr rapid response answer phone).
  
  
• Veterinary Surgeons' Health Support Programme
  
  If your employment issues are causing you to rely heavily on drink or drugs or you think your problems at work might in some way be related to your drinking or drug use you might want to contact the National Co-ordinator of the Veterinary Surgeons’ Health Support Programme who is available to provide completely confidential professional help with alcohol, drug, addiction & mental health issues. 
  Tel: 07946 634220
  Email: VSHSP@vetlife.org.uk