Where to go for help

United Kingdom

• ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service)

  Free and confidential employment-law and workplace advice for employees and employers.

  • Helpline: 0300 123 1100 (Mon–Fri, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.)

• Protect (formerly Public Concern at Work)

  Whistleblowing charity offering free legal advice for raising concerns at work.

  • Line: 020 3117 2520

• Wider support networks (especially relevant to workplace stress or discrimination):

  • Mind – mental-health advice and peer support; Able Futures helpline (0800 321 3137).

  • Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS) – discrimination and human-rights advice: 0808 800 0082.

  • TUC and UNISON – trade union resources, legal representation and support.

  • Education Support – 24/7 helpline for education professionals.

• Mental-wellbeing crisis helplines (useful for workplace-related distress):

  • SANEline: 0300 304 7000 (daily, 4:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.).

  • CALM: 0800 58 58 58 (daily, 5 p.m. to midnight).

  • Shout: Text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258 (24/7).

  • Papyrus HOPELINEUK: For under-35s: 0800 068 4141 (days/hours vary).

Germany

• BAMF/‘Working and Living in Germany’

  Hotline/advice on job search, recognition of foreign credentials, residence, and language.

  • Phone: +49 30 1815-1111 (Mon–Fri, hours vary by topic).

• Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs hotline (Arbeitsrecht advice).

  • Legal advice on employment law (Arbeitsrecht): +49 30 2219 11004 (Mon–Thu 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.).

• Mental-health/emotional support helplines:

  • TelefonSeelsorge (24/7): 0800 111 0 111, 0800 111 0 222, or 116 123.

  • International Helpline Berlin (English): 030 4401 0607.

  • Krisenchat (text/WhatsApp, youth focus): +49 157 3599 8143.

  • Nummer gegen Kummer (youth and adult support): Adults – 0800 111 0 550; Youth – 116 111.

Iceland

• Directorate of Labour (Vinnumálastofnun)

  Central employment-support service across Iceland, including workplace-related queries.

  • Phone: 515 4800; also offers online chat and email.

• ‘Employment with support’ service

  Personalised job-seeking and workplace integration support for those with reduced work capacity.

  • Contact via same phone number: 515 4800.

Spain

• Inspección de Trabajo y Seguridad Social

  Government’s Labour Inspectorate – handle complaints about unfair dismissal, unpaid wages, health and safety, and workplace discrimination.

  Complaints (‘denuncia’) can be submitted online or at local provincial offices; process is free and can be anonymous.

• Citizens Advice Bureau Spain (CAB Spain)

  Offers guidance, especially beneficial for expatriates navigating Spain’s labour system.