Don’t Overlook Legal Expenses Cover in Your Existing Policies
The cost of legal action can discourage people from standing up for their rights after experiencing workplace discrimination, unfair dismissal, or unequal pay. Legal Expenses Insurance (LEI) can help cover these costs.
For Muslims who may face a higher risk of workplace discrimination, taking out LEI could be worth considering. However, you might already have this cover included in existing insurance policies or memberships without realising it—so it’s important to check.
• Legal expenses cover may be included in:
• Trade union membership
• Professional association membership
• Household, buildings, or car insurance (sometimes available as a low-cost optional extra)
• Certain bank account benefits
Always review your policy or membership documents carefully and contact your provider directly to confirm whether LEI is included.
Costs of Employment Discrimination Claims
There is no fee to submit a claim to an employment tribunal. However, pursuing a discrimination case may involve certain costs, such as:
• Hiring legal representation from a solicitor or barrister.
• Potentially paying your employer’s legal costs if the tribunal finds your claim to be unreasonable.
You can reduce costs by:
• Using ACAS, which provides free early conciliation services to help resolve disputes (mandatory in most cases before a claim can proceed to tribunal).
• Settling the case early, depending on the strength of your claim.
• Representing yourself.
Given the costs involved it is worth taking out legal expenses insurance if not already included in existing insurance policies / membership benefts.
