HGV driver, Dale Elliott, has been awarded compensation after suffering from depression following workplace harassment and bullying by senior members of staff.
Dale put in grievances and made complaints to his human resources department about his experiences, which failed to resolve the problem as his concerns were not taken seriously.
As a Unite member, Dale was able to contact a specialist personal injury solicitor through Unite Legal Services to assist him with his case.
Unite Legal Services funded a medical report and organised for statements to be taken from Dale’s colleagues in order to assist his case.
Due to the specialist knowledge of the solicitor, a settlement was negotiated with Dale’s employer.
Dale said: “Through Unite Legal Services, I was able to speak to specialist solicitors who agreed to take on my case. Everyone involved with my case worked really hard to get the best outcome for me and I am so grateful for the support I received.
“I am really pleased that the company was forced to look at its work practices and I am more than satisfied with the outcome of my case.
“As a result of my positive experience, I am now seeking to become more actively involved myself with Unite and am in the process of applying to become a union representative.”
Karen Reay, Unite regional secretary for the North East, Yorkshire and Humberside, commented: “This has been a very difficult case for all involved, it has taken a significant amount of work before the member received any compensation. Unite Legal Services is a crucial feature of our membership benefits and is of particular value to our members when they find themselves in difficult circumstances.”
