Criminals barristers in England and Wales are to vote over a national walkout on 1 July in protest at low fees, which they say can be as low as £46.50 for a day in court. The Criminal Bar Association’s (CBA) announcement of a ballot, among thousands of lawyers who carry out defence and prosecution work, marks a sharp escalation in the long-running dispute over payment for legal work. The CBA has pointed out that prosecution work can often earn as little as £46.50 for a day’s court attendance. “There may be criticism of the impact of action on innocent victims, witnesses and defendants,” he added. The state of things shames us all.”Henley said some CBA members were arguing for a full-time stoppage.

Source: The Guardian May 24, 2019 07:00 UTC