Norrona, you are obviously confused over the meaning of the word 'caseworker.'

The caseworker is the UKBA staff member dealing with his case. Just as your wife had a caseworker in any UK visa or leave to remain applications she may have made.

If an overstayer or any other person liable for removal wants legal advice, other than the initial free consultation mentioned earlier, or help from a professional adviser they will have to seek it and pay for it themselves; although I must admit I do not know if legal aid would be available in such cases.

Thanks everybody for the insight and opinions offered here. After my initial candour I thought it wiser to maintain a dignified silence until his case played out in order not to potentially predujice his chances. The comment from 7by7 is correct he was offered an initial free consultation and then knew he would had to pay for any further casework. He was then given the option to throw in the towel by last night and face a 1 year ban from re-applying for any visa or delaying past last night which would result in a 5 year ban. He took the former and I saw him just before he left.

I along with others am surprised that the system seems so sluggish in resolving cases it almost seems like a disconnect between the seize teams and the detention facilities which makes for a potentially lengthy and costly option for UK taxpayers. The staff in the 'good wing' (i.e only good and well behaved detainees get to stay there - there are some crazies and criminals apparently in other wings of the centre ) seemed to be quite friendly and courteous and the whole place had a feeling of being well run and humane.

There are art classes , language classes (more than just English) - a garden and chance to do gardening a well stocked library and gym - the list goes on. As I said to him in my final chat the moral of this tale is ALWAYS ENSURE YOU HANDLE AND DEAL WITH ANY IMMIGRATION ISSUES IN TIME AND WITHOUT DELAY - even if the telephone number is £1 a minute and often on long hold.

The OP's question has been answered and I think this thread is in danger of going wildly off topic. so I'm going to close it.