Barristers in full wigs and gowns walked out of Bristol Crown Court this morning and went on strike, as part of a dispute with the Government over legal aid and cuts to the criminal justice system.
Lawyers formed a picket line outside Small Street courthouse as part of a co-ordinated action with colleagues in Birmingham, Cardiff, Leeds and Manchester, as well as at the Old Bailey in London.
They are all members of the Criminal Bar Association, and say that the Government's funding cuts to the criminal justice system has seen them being expected to work longer hours for less money, with many leaving the profession and moving to other legal jobs as a result.
