Group Litigation Orders (GLOs) are vital to the UK legal system. By consolidating multiple claims into one legal action, GLOs streamline the legal process, making it easier for everyone involved. In this guide, you’ll learn how GLOs work, what types of cases they cover, and how they can benefit you. Whether you’re considering joining an existing claim or just want to understand your options, we give you the clarity you need. 

How GLOs work in the UK  

A GLO is a court order that brings similar claims together into a single legal action. For example, after the British Airways data breach, a GLO let affected passengers combine their claims against the airline into one unified case. Unlike class actions in the US, where individuals are automatically included unless they opt out, you must actively opt-in to participate in a GLO. 

Here’s a closer look at how the process works:  

Applying for a GLO 

A court must approve a GLO before a group action can proceed. Typically, a solicitor will make an application, and the court will decide if the claims are suitable for a GLO based on factors such as: 

• The number of people affected 

• The similarity of their claims 

• Whether grouping the claims improves efficiency and fairness. 

If the court approves the application, it formally authorises the GLO. 

Establishing the GLO 

Once a GLO is authorised, the court sets out the framework for managing the claims. This includes: 

• Creating a group register: This is a list of all the individuals included under the GLO.  

• Appointing a managing court: A single court oversees the litigation, ensuring consistency across all claims and avoiding conflicting decisions. 

• Identifying common issues: These are the shared legal or factual matters that affect all claims in the group. Resolving these issues forms the foundation of the case. 

• Setting deadlines: The court establishes a timeline for registering claims and completing other critical steps in the litigation process. 

Managing a GLO  

Once a Group Litigation Order is in place, the managing court oversees the litigation. Its role is to ensure the claims are handled efficiently and fairly, avoiding unnecessary duplication while addressing the common issues central to the group’s case. Here’s how the process works: 

• Setting procedural rules:  The court lays out clear guidelines for filing documents, sharing evidence, and scheduling hearings. 

• Selecting lead cases: In some cases, the court will choose one or more lead cases to address the common issues shared by the group. These cases set a precedent and help guide decisions for the other claims in the GLO. 

• Sharing evidence: The court consolidates evidence so everyone benefits from the same materials, like expert reports and witness statements.  

This structured approach ensures all claims in the GLO are handled fairly while avoiding unnecessary delays. 

Compensation and group litigation orders UK  

While a single GLO can manage hundreds, thousands, or even millions of cases, not every claimant will get the same level of compensation if the case is successful. Instead, compensation is usually tailored to each individual’s circumstances. Factors that influence compensation under a GLO include: 

• Impact of the wrongdoing: The extent of harm or damage you’ve suffered will play a key role in determining your payout. 

• Strength of the case: If you have strong evidence to support your claim, you may receive a higher award. 

• Use of test cases: The outcome of these cases often influences the compensation awarded to other participants. 

Types of cases commonly managed by GLOs 

GLOs can cover a wide range of legal issues. Here are some of the most common: 

1. Consumer claims 

If you’ve been harmed by a defective product or misleading advertising, you’re not alone. GLOs are frequently used in cases involving: 

• Faulty household appliances 

• Defective cars or safety equipment 

• Misleading advertising or unfair sales practices. 

2. Environmental damage 

When pollution or land contamination affects entire communities, GLOs provide a way for residents to seek justice collectively.  

3. Product liability 

From harmful medications to faulty medical devices, product liability cases are often handled under GLOs. High-profile examples include: 

• Pharmaceutical litigation, such as claims related to harmful side effects of medication 

• Faulty medical devices, like hip implants or pacemakers 

• Contaminated food products. 

4. Financial mis-selling 

If you were mis-sold a pension, investment, or insurance policy, a GLO can consolidate similar claims to strengthen your case. 

5. Data breaches 

GLOs have become a vital tool in addressing mass data breaches. These cases typically involve companies failing to protect customer or employee data, resulting in widespread harm. 

Benefits and limitations of GLOs for claimants 

GLOs offer several advantages, but they also come with some drawbacks. Here’s what you need to know: 

GLOs and no-win-no fee agreements  

Group Litigation Orders often involve complex legal claims that can take years to resolve, making the cost of pursuing a claim a significant concern for many individuals. To address this, solicitors handling GLOs often offer no-win-no-fee (also known as Conditional Fee Agreements). No-win, no-fee lets you participate in group claims without any financial risk.  

Here’s how it works: 

• No upfront costs: You won’t pay anything unless your case is successful. 

• Success fees: If the claim succeeds, your solicitor’s fees are deducted from your compensation. Some agreements cap the success fee at a percentage of the compensation, but it’s important to confirm this before joining. 

• Insurance protection: Many solicitors take out After the Event (ATE) insurance to cover the costs of losing the case. This insurance means there is no financial risk to you. 

How to join an existing GLO 

If you think you have a valid claim and want to join an ongoing GLO, here’s how to get started: 

1. Research existing GLOs 

The first step is to find GLOs that are relevant to your situation. Information on active GLOs is available through: 

• The UK government’s official list of GLOs (although this doesn’t provide details on how to join a claim). 

• News outlets and social media (including platforms like TikTok and Facebook)  

• Solicitors specialising in group litigation 
• Join the Claim