Independent trade union Community has appointed Watkins & Gunn Solicitors as its legal partner for members in Wales and the South West.

The regional law firm, which has offices in Newport, Pontypool and Cardiff, will provide personal legal services Community’s members in the area.

With roots in the steel community of South Wales, Community now represents members and their families in a wide range of industries and sectors including steel, textiles, social care, betting shops, privatised justice and custodial services, the NSPCC, the National League of Blind & Disabled and the Football League.

Watkins & Gunn Solicitors joins three other law firms appointed to provide UK-wide access to services, including personal injury, conveyancing, will writing and family law support, under the banner Union Lawyers.

Due to recent changes in the law, which have affected the way personal legal services can be delivered by unions, Community has simplified the way members and their families can access its new panel of solicitors through a dedicated website (www.unionlawyers.co.uk) and freephone number 0800 077 8841.

Community's general secretary Roy Rickhuss said: "Community, as a responsive union, is leading the way in reacting to the changing legal world and the needs of our members. I would like to welcome on board our new legal services providers. I am confident Community will continue to provide excellent personal legal services for our members. We are committed to ensuring that our members have access to, and benefit from a full range of legal services. Through Union Lawyers, Community has made it easier for members and their families to access these services.”

Community’s decision to take on Watkins & Gunn Solicitors follows the firm’s recruitment of Michael Imperato, a distinguished lawyer who has a strong connection with the union having previously acted for Community for almost 15 years.

He said: “It is great to be working with Community and its members once again. It is a dynamic, forward-thinking union, which unlike other trade unions who may specialise in specific industries or sectors, welcomes all people as members regardless of the sector they work in, or the community they live in.”

Watkins & Gunn Solicitors has a long established reputation for advising trade unions and has acted for the Bakers Food and Allied Workers Union for the last 25 years.