BRIEFS TAKE LEGAL ACTION

Barristers to go on strike

BRITAIN’S justice system could grind to a halt after barristers announced a strike to start on Sunday.

They are angry at the Government’s cuts to the legal aid budget.

A massive 90% of barristers backed “direct action” to stop courts falling apart and allowing crooks off the hook.

The Criminal Bar Association claimed it was forced to take action.

Chairwoman Angela Rafferty said yesterday that the decision had been made ® with “heavy hearts”, adding: “The system is desperate – as are we.

“For years the criminal justice system has been held together by the professionalism and goodwill of judges, court staff and lawyers. But the supply of sticking plaster has run out.

“Meanwhile the poor and vulnerable in society are being denied access to justice.”

The strike is also over a new scheme, which will see lawyers not get paid for going through thousands of computer and phone messages. Already under the current system, some barristers earn less than the minimum wage.

The Ministry of Justice has also closed 258 courts since 2010.

A Ministry spokesman said: “Our reforms will reflect the actual work done in court, representing better value for the taxpayer, and will replace an archaic scheme under which barristers were able to bill by pages of evidence.”