Tuesday, 1 Oct 2024

Barristers call off strike for 15 percent rise

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Justice Secretary Brandon Lewis praised the decision so the courts can drive down a backlog of 60,000 cases.

But the Criminal Bar Association (CBA) warned the industrial dispute would resume if the Government went back on the 15 percent offer.

The CBA said there was “disappointment and bitterness” among some members and the “goodwill of criminal barristers is exhausted”.

It added that the strike would be called off from 6pm last night.

It came after the CBA, whose members originally requested a 25 percent increase, held talks with Mr Lewis who proposed further reforms to government-set fees for legal aid advocacy work.

The offer is “further investment of £54million in the criminal bar”, said the Ministry of Justice. Mr Lewis added: “My priority has been to end CBA strike action and reduce delays for victims and I’m glad barristers have agreed to return to work.”

“This is a result of coming together and restarting what I hope to be a constructive relationship as we drive down the backlog and ensure victims see justice done sooner.”

Many criminal barristers are poorly paid, in contrast to commercial law counsel.

In the first three years of practice, a junior advocate can expect to earn no more than £12,200 – below the minimum wage. Some 2,605 barristers took part in the ballot – with 1,488 (56.74 percent) voting yes and 1,117 (43.26 percent) no.

The CBA said: “The Criminal Bar Association has a long history of respecting and unifying around the majority vote.”

“The criminal justice system remains chronically underfunded. But we know you remain committed to a strong, sustainable, independent criminal bar.”

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