Applications are encouraged from people who are under-represented in the union. We actively encourage Women, Ethnically Diverse/Global Majority Heritage, Disabled and LGBT+ people to apply.

JOB DESCRIPTION

GMB is one of the UK and Ireland’s largest trade unions: we’re proud to represent members from across the professional spectrum and put the needs of our members at the forefront of everything we do.

About the Role

Are you a passionate legal professional committed to social justice and workers’ rights? At GMB, we are rooted in our values of solidarity, equality, democracy, and collective strength. As part of our continued commitment to ensuring fairness and justice in the workplace, we are seeking a dedicated and experienced Legal Officer to be responsible for the management and delivery of the Region’s legal services in GMB Scotland.

This is more than a legal job - it’s an opportunity to use your legal skills to support working people, help shape GMB Scotland's industrial policy, and defend trade union rights. At GMB, we believe in the power of collective action to transform lives. We fight for better pay, safer workplaces, and dignity for all workers. 

As Regional Legal Officer you will use your knowledge of employment law and your ability to deliver legal advice and representation to support our members, activists and full-time officers in professional regulatory proceedings, and in employment law issues more generally. You’ll lead on the provision of legal advice and support on a broad range of matters, including:

• Unfair dismissal
• Redundancy
• Discrimination
• Equal pay
• Employment Tribunal procedures

and will bear primary responsibility for the management and overview of all employment law related matters being pursued by Panel solicitors and UnionLine on behalf of the Region.

We are looking for the successful applicant to able to demonstrate sound analytical and problem-solving skills, coupled with proven influencing and advocacy skills. You will need to have the ability to explain technical legal concepts to a non-legal audience through your excellent written, spoken communication skills and presentation skills. 

To be successful in this role, you’ll need to possess the ability to work well under pressure and demonstrate strong organisational ability, together with the ability to manage confidential concerns with sensitivity, which is essential.

What We’re Looking For

• Deep knowledge of employment and industrial relations law.
• A strong understanding of trade union values and the role of collective organisation in enforcing legal rights would be highly desirable.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex legal issues into practical advice.
• Experience working with or within trade unions is highly desirable.
• A commitment to the principles of equality, fairness, and solidarity.

This is an extremely varied but highly rewarding role, and a commitment to putting the needs of working people first is absolutely essential.

In return, we offer excellent terms and benefits, including:

• Final Salary Pension Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Childcare Assistance Scheme
• Season Ticket Loan
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Generous holiday allowance
• Eye Care claim back Scheme
• Annual Leave Purchase Scheme
• Annual Health Check

Further Information about the role: 

• The successful post-holder will be expected to attend regional or national meetings/events, so a willingness to travel is a must. 
• The hours of work for this post are designated as ‘unspecified’, and there will therefore be a requirement for the successful candidate to work some unsocial hours, which may include some weekend and/or evening work, when required by the role. 

If you think this sounds like you, and you’d like to know more about either the role or us as an organisation and what we can offer you, we’d like to hear from you.

Please note:

Late or incomplete applications will not be considered, so please ensure you have completed all sections of the application form (including referee details) and submitted no later than the specified deadline.