Polish Claims

A sharp rise in the number of cases involving Polish workers has led a Leeds law firm to recruit a graduate who will offer specialist help to her countrymen.

Victoria Lech, who is from Tychy (Silesia), will give advice and guidance to Poles involved in personal injury cases.

It comes after Irwin Mitchell recorded a significant increase in the number of cases handled on behalf of Polish clients.

Ian Bailey, a partner and industrial law expert at Irwin Mitchell, said it was important Polish nationals were able to access the same protection at work afforded to Britons.

Mr Bailey said: "Victoria offers us a new perspective on advising our Polish clients and she will make a real difference in their cases.

"We think they will appreciate her expertise, as well as her knowledge of their language and culture, and she can become a valuable asset to Irwin Mitchell.

"The increase in cases we have taken on demonstrates the scale of the problem facing Polish workers and proves how vital Victoria's role will be."

Miss Lech, who graduated in law from Leeds University earlier this year, said she was pleased specific help was being made available to Poles.

"This is an exciting role for me and I'm really looking forward to offering my advice to clients," she said.

"Some workers from Poland are unsure about the level of protection the British legal system gives them and anything we can do to make it easier for them has to be welcomed.

"Often they find themselves in poorly-paid jobs without the backing of a union where they are more likely to be involved in accidents. Hopefully I can play an integral part in and advising them on what to do next."

Earlier this year Irwin Mitchell hosted a conference on Polish migrants in the UK where Mr Bailey highlighted the need for extra information to be given to workers about their rights at work.

Mr Bailey added: "As a firm we are aware that more must be done to help Polish workers and Victoria will help us achieve that."