Criminal barristers in England and Wales have voted to end strike action after accepting a government pay offer.
The Criminal Bar Association (CBA) announced the results of the ballot today (Monday) after members voted last week. 57 per cent voted in favour of the new offer.
In a statement on Twitter, the body said: "The Criminal Bar has voted to accept the proposal made by the Government. With 57 per cent voting to accept the offer made by Government, action is suspended from 18.00hrs this evening."
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The vote came after the CBA held talks with Justice Secretary Brandon Lewis and he proposed further reforms to government-set fees for legal aid advocacy work. The offer represents 'further investment of £54 million in the criminal bar and solicitors', according to the Ministry of Justice.
Barristers belonging to the CBA had been taking part in industrial action since June in protest over legal aid fees, the system used to pay them for representing people accused of crimes who can't afford to pay their legal fees. The CBA had demanded a 25 per cent increase to fees while the government had previously offered 15 per cent.
The industrial action led to many cases being adjourned for months because defendants have been left unrepresented. In a previous statement, the Justice Secretary said: "I greatly value the criminal bar and solicitors and the work they do every day in our crown and magistrates’ courts. They are crucial to reducing the backlog.
"My priority in these discussions has been to ensure that victims aren’t forced to wait longer to see justice done. These are generous proposals, and I would strongly urge all members of the Criminal Bar Association to consider carefully, end their strike and work with me to deliver better outcomes for victims of crime."
CBA chairman Kirsty Brimelow KC said: "The offer from Government has resulted from constructive talks between the MoJ and the leadership of the CBA. This offer represents substantial positive movement from Government. As a result the offer will be put to a ballot."
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