It's said that the wheels of justice turn slowly. But across the UK this summer, the wheels have been turning more slowly than usual.
Barristers, not usually known as being a militant workforce, have spent the past few months on strike. Initially they voted to walk out for a few days a week, before it became full weeks of industrial action on a week-on-week off rotating basis.
Now, from September 5, the walk out will be indefinite. Crown courts up and down the land, including Crown Square and Minshull Street in Manchester, will grind to a halt.
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Defence barristers who are paid through the publicly funded legal aid budget will be absent from court, in a protest over pay. A 15 per cent increase in legal aid fees has been offered by the Government which would only apply to new cases. But barristers maintain an increase of 25 per cent is necessary, which should also apply to existing cases within the system.
Barristers' incomes have reduced in real terms by 28 per cent over the last two decades, the Criminal Bar Association says. They claim the median income for junior barristers is £12,200, which is below minimum wage.
Senior barristers say strike action is a last resort, but that it is necessary to preserve the profession and make it attractive to people from all backgrounds, not just those who can afford it, and to dissuade young talented lawyers from seeking better paid work elsewhere.
If there is no agreement and the escalating strike action goes ahead, the impact on Manchester's courts is set to be huge. Throughout the summer, cases have been adjourned and kicked into the long grass after those being accused of crimes have been left unrepresented.
The backlog of cases waiting to get to court, which currently stands at around 58,000, will only grow. But if this industrial action ends in the Government acceding to their demands, barristers will see it as a necessary evil.
Based on the Ministry of Justice's latest statement issued today, it does not seem as though any agreement is close. Responding to the escalating strike action, Justice Minister Sarah Dines said: "This is an irresponsible decision that will only see more victims face further delays and distress.
"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 more a year."
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