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A two-day strike broke out in England and Wales on Monday. Not government employees, railway employees or nursing staff, but criminal lawyers are demanding a pay rise for pro bono cases.
jvhSource: Belga
In London, dozens of lawyers, many in their gowns and fitted wigs, demonstrated in front of the courthouse, the Old Bailey. Similar actions took place in other cities including Birmingham, Manchester and Cardiff.
Lawyers are complaining about their working conditions as compensation from the government increases through legal aid. They are threatening to turn down new cases as the backlog from the coronavirus has risen to around 58,000 cases. “If we don’t act now, in five years there won’t be a criminal justice system. There won’t be anyone to prosecute and defend,” said attorney Sarah Jones.
In response, Justice Minister Dominic Raab said the “regrettable action will delay justice for victims”.
A loss of purchasing power in the UK could spread dissatisfaction with wages to other sectors such as postmen and teachers.
