After 1 July, barristers would operate an indefinite no returns policy for both defence and prosecution work. The Criminal Bar Association (CBA), which balloted its members last week on the proposed action, also promised ‘action will escalate in due course’ if there is no progress on barristers’ demands.
Barristers have until 5pm on 4 June to voice their opinion. However, some 95% of criminal barristers surveyed by the CBA last month said they were prepared to take direct action.
In a message to members, CBA chair Chris Henley QC and vice-chair Caroline Goodwin QC said: ‘We are paid less than the minimum wage in case after case, whether prosecuting or defending.
‘We work late into the night, and through weekends as a matter of routine. We gift huge numbers of hours, worth ten, twenty, thirty thousand pounds a year, if not more, to keep trials on track, and on time.
‘This is not proposed action to secure a complete overhaul of either Crown Prosecution
