Barristers will be asked whether they accept a new deal proposed by Government aimed at ending strike action which has crippled the courts. Lawyers will be balloted over new proposals for pay put forward following negotiations with the Justice Secretary Brandon Lewis.
The Ministry of Justice said the proposal represents 'further investment of £54 million in the criminal bar and solicitors'. But there are now concerns that the new deal could lead to a walkout by solicitors, after the Law Society of England and Wales described it as 'short sighted'.
The body, which represents solicitors, said it was considering advising members not to undertake criminal defence work. Law Society president Stephanie Boyce said: "If solicitors do not get parity on the bare minimum 15 per cent recommended by Lord Bellamy, the Ministry of Justice will have made it clear that there is no future in criminal defence practice and we will advise our members not to undertake this work.
