Interpreters
If you need an interpreter to do official business, e.g. talking to the police or someone at a local council, or asking about jobs at Jobcentre Plus, then the organisation to whom you are talking will fi nd an interpreter. It is their responsibility to fi nd some way they can help you, in your own language.
Some organisations, like Leicestershire County Council, Leicestershire Constabulary and Jobcentre Plus (as well as many others) also subscribe to the interpreting and translation service, Language Line. This links them to a qualifi ed and validated interpreter. You can then have a 3-way phone conversation with the offi cial person and an interpreter. Other organisations can arrange for an interpreter to be present if you need one. They may need a few days to fi nd someone who speaks your language.
As there are over 85 languages spoken in Leicester and more than 50 in Leicestershire, organisations are increasingly looking to provide translated written information in a variety of languages. However, the costs of translation are high and with the vast number of languages to cater for, it may not always be possible to immediately get access to information in your particular language. However, organisations can arrange for translations to be done, though this may take a little while to happen.
