StreetLaw is a global project aimed at secondary school students, which concentrates on sharing practical legal knowledge, but also facilitates discussions of democratic principles.

As part of its StreetLaw programme, the Law Clinic provide presentations on areas of law to deliver access to justice and the greater promulgation of legal information within Bristol’s community.

During their visit to Cheltenham Bourneside School on 9 March, Law Clinic volunteers introduced issues which may arise in particular for part-time employees who are under the age of 18, such as problems with holiday pay.

The students were introduced to informal and formal ways in which they could try to resolve disputes with their employers if they feel they have been treated unfairly. For example, speaking and writing to employers, raising a grievance, and bringing an issue to a tribunal. The students were encouraged to keep a record of the hours they have worked, in order to avoid discrepancies in their wages.

Cheltenham Bournside School’s Deputy Head of Sixth Form commented:

‘Thank you SO much to you, Molly, Laura and Anisha for coming all the way to speak to our students. It really was such a valuable talk.’

In April, Law Clinic volunteers will be speaking to students at Chipping Sodbury School, Bristol, about their work futures, again as part of its StreetLaw scheme.