Why we all need friends like the union

This year, 66 Bectu and Prospect members received £3.8 million in total for personal injury claims through Prospect Legal Services.  After a road accident, bectu member Denise Kelly made a successful personal injury claim through the union. Here’s her story.

The background

I got into TV entertainment 33 years ago. After acting for many years and being part of the union Equity, I wanted a change. So, I moved from in front of the camera to behind it. As soon as I did, I joined Bectu.  

I’m really passionate about unions. My passion came from my father. He was an officer for the Furniture Trades Union, which is now called GMB. Throughout my childhood, I saw him help a lot of people through the union. I saw the power unions had and I believed they’d do the same for me. 

The incident

Recently I was in a car accident that was not my fault. It happened on my way back to work after a dentist appointment. I was waiting in a queue at a red traffic light. My handbrake was on and my engine was off. Suddenly, a car drove into me. My body propelled forwards with force and then backwards. 

The impact was so severe that my car sped into the one in front. The driver apologised immediately. He said he “pressed the wrong pedal.” He thought his foot was on the brake but it was on the accelerator. I’d only had my lovely little car for a short time. Now it had damages and I had severe whiplash. 

The union

After the incident, I spoke to Bectu who put me in touch with their lawyers. The lawyers, Thompsons, won me a settlement from the other driver’s insurers for my injuries. They also arranged for me to see a doctor and gave me emotional support. 

Dealing with the union was like dealing with a friend. A friend that goes to all lengths to help you.  We all need friends like the union. I recommend that everyone joins one. 

Bectu member Denise Kelly