castleassociates.org.uk Reviews 

I recently found myself in an unexpected and unpleasant situation with my Employer, and needed a Trade Union representative to accompany me to a meeting. Trevor Knowles-Oluwu from Employees United Union very kindly agreed to attend with me at extremely short notice. From his initial introduction he gave me confidence and clearly demonstrated a wealth of experience and knowledge and was able to negotiate a positive outcome for me which I know wouldn't have been achieved without him being there. I would definitely recommend Trevor and the Team at Castle Associates, and am extremely grateful to have had such help and support when I really needed it.

Thank you so much Brain Lashley at Employees United Union and the team at Castle Associates

Brian Lashley at Employees United Union is without question one of the most professional and compassionate individuals I have had the pleasure of meeting and working with. Brain always has time for you whilst supplying speedy responses to boot! Whether you need to have a quick conversation over the phone or simply responding to messages or emails, Brain will make every effort to communicate with you and not leave you waiting undue time pondering.

Whilst on the subject of interacting with Brian, I would also hold him to the highest regard of his supportive nature and allowing you to be rest assured emotionally on subjects that can be extremely stressful and someone who always follows through on requests with the nature of dealings. Personally, Brain certainly put what was the most stressful time of my life into a manageable situation and allowed me to regroup, whilst guiding me through every step.

Brain time after time delivers high quality work and holds a wealth of knowledge leaving you with utter confidence in the steps that he may be taking and ensures you are armed with the information you need and enabling the best possible outcome for you.

I would whole heartly recommend Brain to family and friends and to the wider space that is in need of a strong Trade Union representative!

After speaking to a solicitor and barrister they advised that the employment advice they had given me was not legally sound and they would never give this advice to a client. Castle Associates over charge for their services and their union reps are often "ill" before important meetings. AVOID!

Response: In response to Castle Associates - you reduced the invoice because my concerns raised were both 'warrented and accurate'. After receiving legal advice from an independent solicitor, who advised the legal advice provided by yourselves was unsound, I wanted to cancel your legal advice subscription, to which you immediately started Small Claims Court proceedings against me.

very helpful, very knowledgeable

Genuinely can’t recommend Castle Associates enough! They have been so helpful, knowledgeable and supportive since I reached out needing some advice. I wish I knew about them sooner before I tackled a huge problem at work. They’ve been nothing but professional and down to earth. I hope I’m not in a situation again like I have been, but if I ever was I’d be reaching out to Castle Associates 😊

I want to say how amazing this company are. I have been going through a really difficult time at work. I felt like I didn't know where to turn. Then I found Castle Associates. I had an initial consultation which put me at ease. I was then placed with a brilliant associate. I honestly don't know what I would have done without him. My case is still ongoing, but with my associates amazing knowledge and support I'm in a much better place. I really can't thank him enough 😊

Sadly, I've recently been very let down by this company. My trade union representative turned out to be demonstrably and extremely disorganised overall, and ended up seemingly winging it through my hearing, as well as failing to prepare the written statement until approximately 30 minutes before the meeting! This is evidential, despite my provably briefing him for months on end and providing lots of detail in more than good time. Even then most of what he had written was wrong! I found myself making corrections 10 minutes before my hearing and was left feeling very stressed as a result just before my hearing. Now I'm being charged for it! I tried to talk to my representative reasonably, who then ended up more or less shouting at me. I then complained and was bluntly rebuffed. This is completely unacceptable behaviour from a company I thought would support me. When I complained, it felt like my vulnerability was being unfairly played upon. I would advise to avoid this company. This is a truthful account of the situation, which I can substantiate with written and factual evidence. You're better off using Google yourself because that's all they seem to do to be honest. I stand by this as the truth and as a heartfelt warning for other vulnerable people.

Lindsey was amazing help with my situation.
Lindsey went thoroughly into my contract, my clauses and was very personable.
She gave me all the right tools to address this correctly and the matter was dropped.
Service was very quick at responding and very great with approach. Their knowledge allows you to feel empowered.

Castle associates were very helpful in arranging support through Saq for informative and professional advice and support.

I cannot thank Castle Associates enough for their support and guidance through a particularly stressful work related issue. With a thorough knowledge of Legislation and Union matters not only did they provide calm, supportive, excellent advice they deliver a top class back up service by putting you in contact with experienced, knowledgeable and confident representatives who will fight your every corner.
One such representative is Brian Lashley who represented me in a work place dispute. When things looked like they couldn't get worse he completely turned it around for me. He was just brilliant. I felt that at last there was someone there for you, who had to be listened to and just would not be fobbed off!
When management think they have the upper hand he is the sort of person you want on your side. He was so understanding and supportive.
Very, very highly recommended

This time last year I paid £90 for a discounted year long access to specialist advice from Castle Associates. My contract is due for renewal 1 October 2021.

I have used the service TWICE in these 12 months simply because Castle Associates telephone lines are always busy.

I suggested that Castle Associates give me a six moths extention because of this contact problem.

Castle Associated have refused ( I have the email).

Great service when it works. Castle Associates have just not kept up to contact demand.

Shame on you Castle Associates!!!

Great Help from Knowledgeable Team. I contacted Castle Associates back in May to help me with a disciplinary. I had to that point never seen why union representation would be helpful. I was given 15 minutes (thereabouts) of initial guidance which prompted me in my initial data gathering and writing a response. I later instructed Castle formally to help when I had my notification of the disciplinary. Brian provided a service more than I expected, picking up the legal and employment law issues surrounding my case and presenting these in a clear manner. He also helped by reviewing my pre-prepared statement and the method for approaching the disciplinary. Calls and discussions took place at times to suit me which was brilliant. Finally I think it offered great value for money. Obviously I would have preferred not to go through a disciplinary, but I think for what I got in terms of technical input and support it was well worth it. And the hourly rate ultimately worked out less than other competitors I looked at. I thought it a bit unusual and uncomfortable to pay upfront for services, but there does seem to be a good method for managing funds in the account.
Overall I hope I never need to use the support of a trade union representative again, but if I do, Castle will be top of my list. Thank you.

Great help for me during a disciplinary meeting my rep Trevor very helpful and manage to make my employee think bout their decision.

I have received excellent service and support from Trade Union representative Saqib Hussain assigned to my case by Castle Associates. I contacted Castle Associates one day before an unfair disciplinary hearing at work. Through well articulated written statements, summarising my case at the disciplinary and raising crucial points at the hearing Saqib helped in ensuring firstly that the hearing manager be changed from the line manager who raised the allegations against me to an impartial line manager, second and most importantly that the disciplinary outcome is changed from the potential Final written warning to “No formal action” being taken and thirdly, mediation with the line manager who raised the allegations on me. Saqib’s support was crucial in reaching a fair and just outcome with my employer.

My Trade Union representative Saq Hussain appointed through Castle Associates provided an outstanding service. From the outset, Saq provided excellent advice, guidance and support throughout the process. Saq has a wealth of knowledge and experience in all aspects of Employment Law. I am so pleased that I had Saq to represent me and he worked very hard to achieve a great result. Highly recommend.

Really helpful advice given. Would highly recommend!

Had Brian defend my wife in her case very thorough throughout would recommend to anyone

Brilliant service, really informative and professional.

Really helpful and informative company!

Thanks guys!