The Criminal Bar Association, which represents thousands of barristers in England and Wales, said around 80% of its members backed escalation of industrial action that has run since the end of June. From Sept. 5 the lawyers will begin the open-ended strike until the government improves on its 15% fee increase offer.
It’s the latest setback for the incoming prime minister who will have to face up to a growing list of problems from a cost-of-living-crisis to a discontented workforce striking over pay. This week thousands of dockers at the country’s busiest container port, Felixstowe, walked out in a pay dispute while train companies and network operators have caused travel chaos in a series of walkouts over the summer
Earnings from legal aid fell by 23% in one year over the coronavirus pandemic with over 80% of their members forced into personal debt with government support, according to the union. Junior barristers earn a median income of £12,220 ($14,403) a year -- below minimum wage, the CBA said.
Legal aid is means-tested government funding available to defendants to help pay for their case and lawyers. Thousands of criminal court hearings have already been disrupted as a result of the action.
The Ministry of Justice previously argued that the 15% hike in fees would mean the average criminal lawyer will earn £7,000 more a year. The CBA rejected that offer on the basis it didn’t apply to existing cases or start immediately.
 "Illustration: Ajay Mohanty")