Social exclusion : pathways or roadblocks? An analysis of advisory agencies

This article investigates the work of advisory agencies in a region of the UK and how these agencies aid individuals in accessing their employment rights. Organisations, including the Department of Constitutional Affairs, have identified the intrinsic link between access to justice and the role of not-for-profit and trades unions advice agencies, and how workers in particular require assistance to enforce and secure their employment rights. An empirical study was undertaken to establish the roles performed by these agencies in the areas of employment and European Union rights, and the factors which may influence the agencies’ opportunities to advise in these dynamic areas. The article concludes that the advisers and the agencies provide a valuable service for workers in ensuring workers have access to their employment rights; they are however restricted due to lack of funding and opportunities for research. This ultimately results in many workers being excluded from important employment protections and therefore a mechanism to ensure access is required to facilitate inclusion in rights’ protection.