External Caseworker (Maternity Cover)
Salary: £36,000
Contract: 10-month fixed-term maternity cover (with potential to become permanent)
Start date: 1 June 2026
Application deadline: 23 March 2026 at 13:59pm
The Cleaners and Allied Independent Workers Union (CAIWU) is seeking an enthusiastic and committed person to join its legal department as External Caseworker.
CAIWU is a grassroots, member-led trade union for cleaners. We organise workplaces, campaign for better conditions, and support members facing exploitation at work.
The Role:
The External Caseworker plays a key role in the union’s legal work. The role involves managing the Union’s Employment Tribunal caseload, overseeing our pool of volunteer representatives, and acting as members’ trade union representative in Employment Tribunal claims. This includes drafting tribunal documents, managing cases, and representing members at hearings.
The role offers substantial advocacy opportunities and responsibility for managing your own Employment Tribunal caseload.
This is a unique opportunity to gain hands-on litigation and advocacy experience representing low-paid workers. Many former CAIWU caseworkers have gone on to secure pupillage at top chambers.
The position is offered as a 10-month fixed-term contract to cover maternity leave, with the possibility of the role becoming permanent depending on organisational needs at the end of the contract.
Candidate Criteria:
Candidates will be assessed based on the following criteria:
Bar Course or equivalent legal training
Academic background
Relevant legal and advocacy experience
Ability to manage competing demands and work under pressure Commitment to the trade union ethos
We particularly welcome applications from candidates with Spanish or Portuguese language skills.
Application Process:
To apply, please send:
A CV (maximum two pages)
A cover letter (maximum one page) explaining your suitability for and commitment to the role
Applications should be sent to cases@caiwu.org.uk
Application deadline: 23 March 2026 – 23:59pm
Candidates who pass the paper sift will receive a written legal problem on 30 March 2026. Candidates will have one week to complete the exercise, which we expect to take no more than a few hours.
Candidates selected for interview will be notified on 10 April 2026. Interviews are expected to take place during the week commencing 13 April 2026.
If you require any reasonable adjustments, or would like mitigating circumstances to be considered, please contact cases@caiwu.org.uk.