EMPLOYEES across the York, North and East Yorkshire area are being offered free legal advice for work-related problems.

The College of Law in York, based in Bishopthorpe, has set up a free employment rights telephone advice line aimed at people, who may otherwise be unable to afford access to legal guidance.

Under the new scheme, employees or former employees with employment worries can phone the Employment Rights Line and leave a message.

A College student will return the call within 24 hours and carry out a fact-finding interview over the phone.

The student will then make an appointment for a fully-qualified employment lawyer to call the client and give free, confidential advice.

This is followed up by a letter summarising the advice drafted by the student under the close supervision of the solicitor.

David Sneath, Employment Judge for the Yorkshire region, said: “Since the start of the recession there has been an increase in applications to the Employment Tribunal.

“The availability of initial free specialist advice will be hugely beneficial to the local community in reducing conflict.”

Lindsay Ward, senior pro bono co-ordinator at The College of Law, said the scheme was an example of partnership work between students at the College and solicitors from local law firms, including Harrowells, Hethertons and Sykes Lee & Brydson.

She said: “We have launched the Employment Rights Line during National Pro Bono Week to attract more solicitor volunteers and to let members of the public know that the service is available to them.”

The College is also looking for more volunteer lawyers to advise clients.

Anyone interested should email lindsay.ward@lawcol.co.uk for more information.