This Section gives the Secretary of State the power to provide legal assistance to persons who are or who may become party to civil proceedings – in England and Wales, and Scotland – relating to employment or trade union law or the law of labour relations.
	Subsection (2) sets out assistance can take the form of legal advice, representation or any other form of assistance. But subsection (3) provides that the power to offer assistance in subsection (2) does not permit the Secretary of State to provide or arrange for the provision of facilities for dispute settlement.
	Subsection (4) makes provision for situations where proceedings relate partly to employment or trade union law or the law of labour relations ("employment-related matters"), and partly to other matters. The Secretary of State may provide assistance under this Section to any aspect of the proceedings. The Secretary of State may continue to offer assistance if the proceedings cease to relate to be employment-related matters, but under subsection (4(b)(ii)) they are not required to do so.
	Subsection (5) provides that this power does not affect any restrictions that have been imposed either by enactment or the court or tribunal in relation to representation.
	Subsection (6) sets out that legislative provisions requiring insurance or an indemnity in respect of advice connected to a settlement agreement does not apply to advice provided by the Secretary of State under this Section.
Part 5: Enforcement of Labour Market Legislation Powers relating to civil proceedings Section 117 – Power to provide legal assistance