Q: Due to having pre-eclampsia I was hospitalised nine weeks before my baby was due to be born and doctors had to deliver her a month early. As a result of this, both my baby and I were very poorly and it meant I was off work before my maternity leave officially started. My baby is now eight weeks old and it was only last week that she was well enough for us to bring her home from hospital. Now I am wondering where all this leaves me regarding my maternity leave from work?

Lawyers at one of the region’s largest law firms are urging clients who have been charged Employment Tribunal fees during the past four years to put in an early claim for reimbursement, after the Supreme Court ruled the fees unlawful.

Q.  When I was driving a couple of weeks ago I was hit from behind by another car. My injuries are not that severe, but I have been suffering some back and neck pain and a friend says I could get compensation. How would you value my claim?

Q: Last year I was injured in a road traffic collision. I sustained injuries to my back and neck, and although I was not said to have broken anything, I am still struggling with the pain. My GP suspects that I am suffering from chronic pain, but says this is difficult to prove. What can I do?

Q: I was in a long term abusive relationship that I managed to end last year. Recently my ex has started appearing near my home, at places I frequent in town and even my place of work. I have panic attacks about him approaching me every time I see him. Friends say I should consider obtaining an injunction to prevent him contacting me. Could I do this?

Q: My boyfriend proposed to me when we were on holiday in January and I accepted. After we got home I left my job 120 miles away to move in with him, but within a few weeks I realised I had made a terrible mistake as he became controlling and jealous. His behaviour got worse and worse until my life became unbearable. I literally had to plan my escape and in May I moved out and have been staying with a friend ever since. I have no job and no money and now he is demanding that I return my engagement ring. My friend says I should keep it as it was a gift and then I can sell it and use the money to get back on my feet. Am I entitled to do this?

Q: I am a vet in an expanding practice and am considering taking on a trainee vet from overseas through a volunteer work experience programme. I have heard that the government has now introduced an immigration skills charge for employers. Does this apply to all skilled workers from overseas and under what terms?