Get advice:

• DirectGov, the Government portal, provides comprehensive guidance on discrimination:
  
  
  • Discrimination at Work
    
    
  • Sex Discrimination and Equal Pay
    
    
  • Racial Discrimination
    
    
  • Disability Discrimination
    
    
  • Religion or Belief Discrimination
    
    
  • Age Discrimination
    
    
  • Sexual Orientation Discrimination
    
    
    
• Equality & Human Rights Commission
  
  
  • Information for Employers
    
    
  • Guidance on Your Rights

• Age Positive Web Site  - a range of good Practice Standards are available from this Department of Works & Pensions web site 
  
   
• BVA Employment Advice (Members Only)
  
  
  • BVA Legal Advice Line (Members Only)
    
    BVA provides a free legal advice line for its members. The advice line is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and is manned by a team of legal advisors, mainly lawyers, who have a range of expertise covering all aspects of the law. 
    
    Members are able to fax documents or agreements where they require advice, but advisers will not write on a member’s behalf.  All calls are treated as confidential and are recorded for future reference.
    
    The resource is for BVA members only – the phone number is available from the members section of the BVA website. A valid membership number is required in order to access the BVA legal advice line.
    
    
  • BVA Mediation Service (Members Only)
    
    The BVA free mediation service brings the parties in dispute together and helps them to reach agreement.  It is a voluntary process and issues discussed remain confidential.  The process requires compromise from both parties and often results in a better, less expensive and less stressful resolution than litigation.  
    
    
  • BVA Representation Service (Employee Members & Employee Associates Only)
    
    Legal representation is primarily to help resolve issues that arise in the workplace.  Often, issues arise through lack of communication and differences in expectation between the parties.  The representation team will be able to provide guidance and support with disciplinary and grievance issues and will attend hearings with members where required.  They will work throughout to achieve a sensible and amicable solution.  
    
    
• BVNA Employment Law Factsheet Pack
  
  The pack includes factsheets on the Data Protection Act, equal opportunities, disciplinary procedures and how to hold informal and formal grievance meetings, categories of “worker” and “employee”, working time regulations, discrimination and part-time workers.  
  
  

Get emotional support:

• Vet Helpline
  
  If you feel distressed or depressed by the situation in which you find yourself you can ring Vet Helpline on 07659 811 118 (local call rates apply, 24hr rapid response answer phone). Friendly people with experience of the veterinary profession are there to talk to you in complete confidence.
  
  
• Veterinary Surgeons' Health Support Programme