Trade union support if you are injured at work

Updated: 4 Oct, 2025
By Chris Salmon

If you are injured at work, you may feel unsure about your rights and the next steps to take. If you are a member of a trade union, you can usually access additional support, guidance, and legal help. This page explains how unions can assist with work accident claims and why their backing can make a difference.

At a glance

• Trade unions provide advice, representation, and legal support after workplace accidents.
• Many unions cover legal costs for personal injury claims through their solicitors.
• Union members can often get free initial legal advice and support with benefits and sick pay claims.
• Support is not limited to employees as some unions also represent agency, contract, and self-employed workers.

How unions help after a work accident

Trade unions exist to protect the interests of workers. If you are injured at work, your union can:

• Offer immediate advice on what to do after the accident
• Provide representation in meetings with your employer
• Help you with accident reporting and evidence gathering
• Assist with Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) and other workplace benefits

Union legal services

Most major trade unions offer legal support for members making injury claims. Instead of appointing your own solicitor, the union will usually refer you to one of their panel solicitors. This arrangement can mean:

• No legal costs if the claim is unsuccessful
• No deduction of success fees from compensation in some cases
• Access to solicitors experienced in union-backed work injury claims

Financial support while off work

Some unions run hardship funds or offer financial assistance to members who cannot work due to injury. This support can help with living expenses while you recover and your compensation claim is ongoing.

Support for different types of workers

Unions are not just for full-time employees. Many also support:

• Agency and temporary workers
• Apprentices and trainees
• Contractors and self-employed workers in unionised industries

If you are not sure whether your membership covers you, check your union’s rules or speak to your local representative.

Real-world example

A construction worker fractured his leg after falling from scaffolding. As a union member, he contacted his branch immediately. The union provided a solicitor at no cost, represented him in meetings with his employer, and arranged interim financial support from the union’s hardship fund. His case settled for more than £40,000 in compensation without deductions for legal fees.

What if you are not a union member?

If you are not already a member, you cannot usually join after an accident and expect full legal cover for that incident. However, you can still make a claim independently with a personal injury solicitor. Union membership is generally a proactive benefit that offers peace of mind should an accident occur in future.

Making a claim

Whether through a trade union solicitor or independently, most work accident claims are made on a No Win, No Fee basis. This allows you to pursue compensation without financial risk. If you are a union member, speak to your local representative first to understand what support is available.

About the author

Chris Salmon is a legal commentator and co-founder of Quittance Legal Services. He has written extensively about workplace accidents, employment rights and the claims process. Chris's work has been cited in national media and he regularly contributes practical guidance to help injured workers understand their options.

More about Chris and WAAC

Last reviewed October 2025 by Chris Salmon

External references

• GOV.UK: Join a trade union - official government information on trade union membership.