A new online legal service is proving popular with printers seeking legal protection without exorbitant solicitors fees.


The Business Legal Plan (BLP) website was launched two weeks ago by Judicium, which runs several sites offering legal advice to workers. About one-quarter to one-third of BLPs 100 members are printers.


Last year a record 150,000 legal claims were lodged against employers, with the print industry fending off claims for unfair dismissal and breaches of health and safety regulations.


Judicium co-founder Leon de Costa said printers were feeling the pinch. "Margins are becoming smaller, and I think printers are feeling under pressure from strong competition people cant afford this uncertainty."


Companies joining the plan pay 295 per year if they have 19 employees or less, or 375 if they have between 20 and 49 employees.


This fee provides them with legal advice, documents, representation, debt collection and employment compensation awards.


Joe Brim, managing director of design and print firm Laserbureau, said he welcomed the scheme.


"If you run your business with the most up-to-date employment contracts, which are available on the site, then you shouldnt have any legal problems."


Story by Fay Schopen