GLC 2011 conference and seminar programme

Full details of Govan Law Centre's new seminar and conference programme will be announced shortly.  The first event is a national conference in Glasgow on 9 February 2011 entitled 'Disability Discrimination Claims in the Additional Support Needs Tribunals'.

From 18 March 2011, certain disability discrimination claims will be heard by the Additional Support Needs Tribunals, rather than the Sheriff Court. Govan Law Centre’s Education Law Unit are hosting a conference in Glasgow on this topic, with a line-up of prestigious speakers, including our keynote speaker, the Minister for Children and Young People, Adam Ingram MSP.

Other events include a seminar on 10 June 2011 on the operation of the Private Rented Housing Panel, with Ms Aileen Devanny, President of the PRHP in Scotland, an event on the Property Factors (Scotland) Bill, and many more to be announced - for further details please click here.

Faulty goods? Visit the OFT's new Sale of Goods Act 'hub'

The Office of Fair Trading has developed an comprehensive 'online hub', which brings together up-to-date practical guides and information on UK consumer rights in relation to the purchase of faulty goods.   Although aimed at UK retailers and their staff, the 'hub' provides provides helpful customer guides, and useful materials.  So if you've purchased faulty goods and want to know if you can get a replacement or your money back, this is the site for you.

Scottish Parliament Committee hear evidence of employers who “take advantage” of migrant workers

Govanhill Law Centre’s submission to the Scottish Parliament’s Inquiry into Migration and Trafficking has been cited in the Parliament’s final report.

The Inquiry, held by the Equal Opportunities Committee last year, heard evidence from a large number of stakeholders including migrants, local authorities, the voluntary sector, police, academics, journalists, MSPs and the Crown Office. The innovative partnership working approach of the Hub in Govanhill was recognised by the Committee as an example of good practice.

The Inquiry heard evidence on the nature and extent of migration to Scotland and described the lack of migration data, public perceptions about migration and the influence of the media as “key overarching issues“.　 The Committee recognised key challenges in “improving awareness among migrants about public services, and their rights and entitlements“, “employment including exploitative employment practices“, health, education, housing, policing and enforcement.

Govanhill Law Centre Solicitor Lorraine Barrie said “we are pleased that the Committee have recognised the significant barriers many migrants experience when living and working in Scotland in terms of receiving advice and information about their rights and practical barriers to reporting exploitative employers. 　 We are also pleased that the partnership working approach of the Hub in Govanhill, which we are part of, has been recognised as an example of good practice“.  The full story can be read on Govanhill Law Centre's website here.