Bristol barristers showed their solidarity for a national walkout in a fight for more funds for the criminal justice system. The Criminal Bar Association (CBA) represents around 2,400 specialist criminal barristers.
From yesterday (September, 5, 2022) it has voted to undertake an indefinite strike and its members will not attend any form of crown court hearing until further notice. The CBA describes their decision to take action as a last resort in order to ensure the viability of the junior criminal bar and ensure the future sustainability of the justice system.
The body has clashed with the Government over its decision to apply a 15 per cent increase to the fee scheme for new cases only. The CBA argues that, in practice, this will delay any meaningful rise until 2023 or later and is demanding a 25 per cent pay rise.
