Castle Associates - www.castleassociates.org.uk

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.

Up until recent I have enjoyed Castle Associates for their service. Unfortunately after the last meeting with one of their Trade Union representative on the 28th November 2019, this view has changed for me.

- The meeting was extended for my disadvantage due to that I had to pay an extra fee

- The Trade Union Representative assures me that he can help me to prepare a Claim to the Employment Tribunal; However the task was not finish during that meeting and I Castle Associate had confirmed that they do not specialise in Employment Tribunal.

" It is correct we do not specialise in Employment Tribunals and to my understanding " - this is a comment that the Operations Director at Castle Associates made when I have sent my compliments.

At the end of the email she requested to settling the balance of my account.

I was mislead by Castle Associates and I have received an email requesting to clear out outstanding balance on my personal account for the service their Trade Union Representative provided. This mean I was charged for the service I have not received.

Please search more about the company before use the service.

KB

Pay Castle Associates on a private basis ( very costly ) you will get the expected standard of service . However, should you then decide to become a member the standard will dramatically drop to 0...

The information presented is very misconstruing should you want to join an become a member . The different level of cover is not worth anything as you have to go An do all the leg work yourself. The staff including the M.D are unhelpful and unsupportive and defensive in nature should you raise any queries.

If you were like me going through a highly stressful situation at work and rely upon Castle then I recommend you go elsewhere and look for another firm who will genuinely care about your concerns at work!

After a long period of being off work after having a Bipolar Relapse I was not getting anywhere with my employer and was suspended. I was not given a clear reason why I had been suspended and I didn't know where to turn. After a friend recommended Castle Associates, I requested for a Trade Union Rep to represent my case. My case was dealt with in a professional manner and in a very short time reached an amicable settlement for both parties. My Trade Union Rep negotiated an secured a very good settlement for me. He supported me throughout and was very understanding through a very stressful period, especially because I suffered with Bipolar. I was shown respect and my case was treated with great care. I would not have been able to defend my own case and he spoke strongly on my behalf and fought my case, protecting me and always having my best interests in mind. I would highly recommend Castle Associates for anyone who has a workplace dispute. A Company you can truly rely on.

She represented me after I was dismissed from the council and got my job back after an 18 month suspension and dismissal process. Best thing to ever happen to me and I cannot stress the appreciation I have to her and the castle associates team. She went above and beyond to ensure I got my job back which I fairly deserved. Thank you so much.

From the moment I met the person I dealt with from Castle Associates I felt at ease and confident that she would ensure that I would be well represented. Until that point the whole situation felt very one sided, with me feeling as if I would never get the chance to properly present my side of the argument. She made sure that I had my say and I would not hesitate in recommending her and the services offered by Castle Associates.

After working for the same company for many years my Daughter was made redundant. Before we looked into any legal aspect of the way the selection process was managed we felt that the whole process had been unfair and discriminatory. An appeal seemed appropriate but if you’re not in a union where do you go for the support and guidance you need? Without any hesitation I would say the answer is Castle Associates. From the first telephone call they were there when you needed them. the person I dealt with dealt with our case and from the beginning his approach makes you feel you are in safe hands, which you are.

After a very distressing time in my employment caused by bullying and discrimation I finally found Castle Associates. I was very impressed by the speed and service provided by Castle Associates. I would strongly recommend this company and know from my own experience they are genuine. He is a patient and thorough individual who showed great care and empathy when dealing with my case. He is calm and knowledgeable and I would not hesitate to contact him again in the future with work related issues. He was there to support me when I most needed that support and I will never forget the difficult time that he helped make easier for me. So much time has passed and I am still very grateful. A big thank-you once again.

When I was suspended without warning from my position after 25 years service I was in complete shock. I had no idea what was happening to me and starting to panic. Castle Associates came highly recommended and guided me through a very difficult time calmly and professionally. I ended up with a very good outcome after initially thinking and feeling my world had come to an end. I would recommend Castle Associates to anyone needing support during an employment dispute of any kind.

Excellent service from start to finish and great service