Barristers Strike: Bolton barristers join all-out action

Picketers, ranging from veterans of many years to those who have only just joined the profession, gathered at Manchester Crown Court today to make their voices heard.

In full gowns and wigs, they stood on the steps of a ‘crumbling’ court building that they say symbolises their plight, having faced years of poor pay for those starting out and cuts to legal aid budgets.

Nneka Akudolu QC said: “I was called to the bar in 2002 and sworn in as Queens Counsel in March 2022, and in those 20 years I have seen many, many colleagues either leave the bar completely or seek out more lucrative areas of work.”

She added: “If junior members cannot afford to make a living, they will leave and this branch of the profession will return to the preserve of the wealth and privilege.”

This comes amid a long running dispute fought by barristers on the ground, those who both defend and prosecute day-in, day-out in some cases making less than the minimum wage, and the ministry of justice.

Video by Heidi McGovern 

Newly qualified barrister Jennifer Devass-Tamakloe,  who can frequently be found fighting cases at Bolton Crown Court, warned that the legal profession all over the UK was ‘crumbling.’

She said: “Why is it crumbling? Speak to any criminal barrister around the country supporting this action, speak to the solicitors who support us, and to the court staff who welcome us in.”

Jennifer Devass-Tamakloe addressing her colleagues (Image: Newsquest)

Ms Devass-Tamakloe said that long running budget and wage cuts had devastated the profession.

She said: “Our commitment, our dedication and our relentless service to those who need us has been ignored, unappreciated and undervalued by those with the power to make the changes our society so desparately needs.

"As criminal barristers we don't ask for much and certainly no more than is necessary.

"An indepdent review body to try and ensure that this diabolical situation never happens again, 25 per cent increases to legal aid fees, which is to be considered as against the 28 per cent cuts we have already suffered.

"Payment for the hours and hours of written work which is demanded of us and is required for basic rates."

The barristers say the 'crumbling' state of Manchester Crown Court symbolises their plight (Image: Staff)

She warned further damage to the profession would mean more victims of crime stuck in limbo, more people protesting their innocence struggling to find barristers to defend them and even those who have committed crime left without the representation they are entitled to.

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Barristers have already launched a serious of rolling strikes in recent months but the action that began this months marks a significant step up in the dispute with action now set to go on indefinitely until a resolution is found.

But Justice Secretary Dominic Raab MP claims strikes will only worsen the situation.

He said: “My message to the CBA is simple.”

“We are increasing your pay.

“Now your actions are only harming victims, increasing the court backlog, and hampering our efforts to make our streets safer.”