Saunders Law stands with criminal barristers on strike
Saunders Law stands in solidarity with all members of the Criminal Bar joining strike ‘days of action’ this week and in the coming weeks.
Dire pay and conditions have led to criminal barristers leaving the sector in droves. We firmly believe they deserve to work in dignified conditions which reflect their professionalism and expertise. A sustainable level of pay is also essential in ensuring a socially diverse criminal bar.
However the dispute has wider reaching implications that extend beyond barristers’ pay. The criminal justice system has been starved of funds and resources since deep cuts by the coalition government in 2010. The current situation is untenable and can only result in injustice for those before the courts, including defendants, victims and witnesses alike. Without proper legal representation for both the defence and prosecution, fair trials cannot be achieved and justice cannot be done.
The chronic underfunding of the criminal justice system is an issue which affects us all. We call on the government to heed the warnings of the very professionals who are working within the system and know the extent to which it is broken, and immediately restore proper levels of funding.