Since 1921, we have supported trade union members and their families who have suffered injuries or injustice at work, by providing expert legal advice on making a compensation claim. As the UK’s leading trade union solicitors, we only ever represent injured people and never the employer or insurance company.

To celebrate our ongoing commitment to the trade union movement, our trade union solicitors have been giving us an insight into the work they do to stand with unions.

Sharon Tavengwa, a litigation executive from Thompsons Solicitors’ Oxford office, tells us how she helps union members with their compensation claims in the office, and the work she does to support trade unions and their campaigns outside of work:

"Standing with unions means fighting for the clients to get the maximum compensation they deserve in the shortest possible time. As an executive, I understand how important it is to keep in touch with the unions as they entrust us with their members’ cases and can help us with insights into the workplace practices. The cases we deal with are not just for union members - their families can be represented by Thompsons too.

"For most clients, the idea of a legal action can be daunting because this might be their first time pursuing a claim, or they might be worried about the legal fees they will incur. From the initial telephone conversation with a union client explaining the legal procedure, you can feel their relief in knowing that they will receive 100% of the compensation we secure, their legal fees will be covered and that we have decades of experience of dealing with similar cases.

"My work is not limited to supporting union members and their families to make a claim. It also includes supporting the trade unions with their campaigning and getting involved in events.

"Recently I attended a UNISON recruitment event, which also happened to be when they were celebrating their 25th anniversary. The people there were happy to see Thompsons and the leaflets we brought with us that explained the services we offer. Some people were intrigued to know about the total legal package offered by Thompsons. It was frustrating for some members who had used other firms and paid a lot of money when they could have been represented by Thompsons via their trade union for free. Hearing these stories made me feel proud of the work we do at Thompsons and to work for a firm that stands with unions."

For more information on the work we do to support trade unions, visit our Standing with Unions campaign page.