Legal services restricted for new BVA members

Those within their first three months of membership of the British Veterinary Association (BVA) will soon no longer be eligible for legal services concerning pre-existing or current employment disputes.

The association made the decision to tighten its services offered to new members in order to prevent long-standing members being put at a disadvantage.

As of November 1, 2013, those who are still within their first three months of membership – whether brand new or rejoining – will only have access to the BVA's legal advice line.

After three months of joining, however, members will be eligible to access full legal services offered by the BVA, including mediation and legal representation for employees, and employment law and HR services for employers.

"Feedback from members has been that this benefit should not be accessible immediately on joining the BVA," said the association's president Peter Jones.

"We are keen to ensure that our long standing members are not disadvantaged by those joining the BVA for a limited period, solely to use these services."

Mr Jones added that non-members might want to use this notice-period as a chance to join the association before the implementation date.