Strikes Spread Across Country as MOJ Remain in Denial
Solicitors across the UK have this week gone on Strike over another Draconian 8.75% cut on legal aid rates which have already been slashed over the last 10 years and by a further 8.75% cut last year .
This amounts to a 17.5% cut which is unsustainable for Solicitors to operate under . As a result Solicitors having tried to engage over the consequences have been left with no alternative but to withdraw from legal aid until a resolution can be found . Solicitors in South Yorkshire have met and firms in Sheffield , Rotherham and Barnsley have joined the protest . Doncaster Solicitors are still discussing the action with most supportive of the action . Further announcements are expected to follow . In the meantime individual firms will need to make their own decisions .
Across the country a pattern of major disruption is emerging with many courts and police stations already at breaking point . Solicitors are also being supported by individual barristers and chambers although a national vote by barristers on strike action is yet to be completed .
Those taking action are ready for the long haul in order to save justice .