Criminal barristers in England, Wales launch indefinite strike over low pay

Criminal barristers in England and Wales launched an indefinite strike on Monday over low pay and cuts to legal aid.

The unprecedented strikes by the Criminal Bar Association will bring criminal courts in England and Wales to a standstill.

This will only add to the growing backlog of cases waiting to be heard by courts, which stood at 58,973 in June 2022.

Though the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the backlog, it initially swelled due to persistent cuts in funding to the justice system during the fiscal austerity that began in 2010 when the ruling Conservative Party came back into power.

Discontent among barristers, who are self-employed, has been rumbling for some time now, with walkouts having previously been staged in July and August.

The government has offered a 15% increase in legal aid fees for new cases, but the barristers are asking for 25%.

Barristers only get paid once a case is finished, so cases that are already booked will be paid at the lower rate under the government’s plans, meaning it could take two or three years until barristers feel the impact of the proposed increase in rates. Low pay is forcing junior barristers out of the profession, they claim.

“This is an irresponsible decision that will only see more victims face further delays and distress,” Justice Minister Sarah Dines said.

“The escalation of strike action is wholly unjustified considering we are increasing criminal barristers’ fees by 15%, which will see the typical barrister earn around £7,000 ($8,000) more a year,” she added.

An escalating cost-of-living crisis has triggered a wave of industrial action in the UK, with the transport sector being particularly restive.

Britain’s new prime minister will be announced on Monday and invited by the queen to form a new government on Tuesday, following a vote by Conservative party members.