RMT Legal Services

R.M.T. provides a wide range of legal services for its members. All legal services are subject to members' eligibility under Rule and the Rules applying to legal assistance. Please click on the links below for detailed information. You can contact RMT's Legal Officer Jessica Webb by clicking on the link to e-mail J.Webb@rmt.org.uk.

Investigatory hearings: You have the legal right to be accompanied if you are the subject of an Investigatory hearing by your employer. If your employer refuses you the right to be accompanied by a union representative/work colleague of your choice, you should complete this pro forma and submit it to the manager conducting the Investigatory hearing, keeping a copy for yourself and a copy for your Branch Secretary. You have the right to be accompanied at Investigatory hearings!

For advice on all work related and Union matters, members can phone the RMT Helpline. The lines are open Monday to Friday, 08.00 to 18.00 and 09.30 to 16.00 on Saturdays.

RMT HELPLINE - 0800 376 3706

* For members who have non-work related legal queries, an advice line is open between 08.00 and 19.00 Monday to Friday and 09.00 to 17.00 Saturday and Sunday.

LEGAL HELPLINE - 0800 587 7516

In Scotland - 0800 328 1014

* Members and their family, if arrested by the police or questioned under caution, can call our criminal helpline number. Lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. General criminal queries can also be dealt with on this number.

CRIMINAL HELPLINE - 0800 587 7530

In Scotland - 0800 328 1014

The service will remain the same as before ie. the telephone number can be rung 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The number is available for all members to call with queries relating to their own criminal legal issues.

The service is extended in the event that a Member or someone in a Member's family be arrested and taken to a police station.

Should a Member have a court summons and requests the Union provide a solicitor, a copy of the summons and a letter from the Branch Secretary to the General Secretary setting out the reasons why the Member should be provided legal representation, should be faxed to Head Office on 020 7529 8808. Members are reminded that representation is discretionary and according to Rule.

Members should have membership details ready when calling.

Investigatory hearings: You have the legal right to be accompanied if subjected to an Investigatory hearing by your employer. Should your employer refuse you the right to be accompanied by a union representative/work colleague of your choice, you should complete this pro forma and submit it to the manager conducting the Investigatory hearing.

Police Charges:
Legal assistance may be provided to members in respect of police charges arising out of their employment. Any member requiring such assistance should contact their Branch Secretary.

Bristol Rail Branch Secretary: Glen Burrows, 1 Blake Place, Bridgwater, Somerset TA6
Email: bristolrail@rmt.org.uk
Mob: 07764 994 541

Assaults at Work:
Members who suffer an injury as the result of a violent crime or injured whilst trying to apprehend criminals or prevent a crime, may be entitled to an award under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme.

Accidents and Industrial Diseases:
Legal assistance is provided to members in the event of them being injured when at work or proceeding to or from home to work.

RMT Legal Services - Conveyancing: service provided by Thompsons Solicitors for members in England and Wales

Thompsons Solicitors have introduced new rates in respect of conveyancing for members in England and Wales. The rates are as follows:

1. £270 plus VAT plus disbursements per transaction for a freehold property up to £300,000 in value.

2. £320 plus VAT plus disbursements per transaction for a leasehold property up to £300,000 in value (recognising the extra work required in leasehold matters).

3. A rate of 1% of the property price plus VAT and disbursements for properties over £300,000.

Property law in Scotland and in Northern Ireland is different and, involving unregistered land, requires extra work. In those jurisdictions our charging rates, which are again competitive, have been value related for some time but have also been unchanged for many years. We propose that they should become:

Property valued up to £100k - £400.00 plus VAT and outlay
Property valued between £100k and £200k - £500.00 plus VAT and outlay
£200k and £300k - £600.00 plus VAT and outlay
£300k and £400k - £700.00 plus VAT and outlay
£400k and £500k - £800.00 plus VAT and outlay
Property valued over £500k - £900.00 plus VAT and outlay

Members wishing to use this service can access it by telephoning the Legal Helpline on 0800 587 7516.

Members should have membership details ready when calling.