Union legal services cheapest and best

Union legal services are substantially cheaper than any other legal expenses insurance, according to a TUC survey, Focus on union legal services. For an average cost to each member of £3 a year, union members got a total compensation of £308 million last year. The survey, produced annually, found that last year:

* the total compensation figure was up nearly 10% on the previous year and was the second highest figure ever reported;

* unions win almost all the personal injury cases taken (96%); and

* over 50,000 personal injury cases were settled with the help of trade unions during the year - one case every two minutes - while another 850 were taken through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme.

Unions are responsible for breaking boundaries on occupational illness. In 1998 they won test cases on chronic bronchitis, emphysema and vibration white finger and are setting the pace for call-centre workers winning cases on acoustic shock and voice loss.

Union legal services are now expanding beyond the workplace, with 94% of union members and their families now covered by free legal assistance for road traffic accidents, for example.

Focus on union legal services is available from the TUC, Congress House, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3LS, price £10.00.