10 things you need to know about the law

1. If you have a small claim against a financial services professional:

Financial Ombudsman Service: www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk

Part XVI of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000: www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2000/ukpga_20000008_en_19#pt16

2. If your insurer refuses a claim unfairly:

Chapter 8 of the FSA’s Insurance Conduct of Business Sourcebook: www.fsahandbook.info/FSA/html/handbook/ICOBS/8/1

3. If you have a claim for less than £5,000:

The Small Claims Court: www.hrothgar.co.uk/YAWS/framecpr/part27.htm

4. If your employer has treated you unfairly:

Employment Tribunal: www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2004/20041861.htm#sch1

5. If you’ve bought something that doesn’t do what it says on the tin:

Unfair Contract Terms Act: www.opsi.gov.uk/RevisedStatutes/Acts/ukpga/1977/cukpga_19770050_en_1#pt1-ch1-pb4-l1g9

6. If you’re being strong-armed by someone who’s provided you with a poor service:

The Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts Regulations 1994: www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si1994/Uksi_19943159_en_1.htm

7. If you need free general advice:

Citizens’ Advice Bureau advice Guides: www.adviceguide.org.uk/

8. If they can’t help, try Delia Venables’ really useful website: www.venables.co.uk/individualorg.htm

9. If you want to find a solicitor to make a claim:

Professional negligence: www.fenchurchlaw.co.uk

Insurance: www.fenchurchlaw.co.uk

Commercial disputes: www.fenchurchlaw.co.uk

Employment: www.josephsuttonsolicitors.com

Personal injury & clinical negligence: www.priceandslater.co.uk

10. When all is lost and you just need a good laugh: www.buglear-bate.co.uk