Journal editorial December 2022

Some are undeniably still doing very well. Many remain comparatively well off in relation to a large proportion of the population. But from the responses to the Journal Employment Survey 2022, there is no doubt that the cost of living crisis is having a significant impact on many practising lawyers.

I am not thinking only of those who have long been struggling on legal aid rates, or trainees finding it hard to make their salary last the month. We have business owners facing huge increases in both interest rates and energy costs, and concerned at the same time about how to support their staff. We have breadwinners feeling the stress of supporting their families; parents working part time who know that extra hours will feed straight through into childcare bills; and parents at a later stage trying to support student children. We have homeowners facing hundreds of pounds extra outlay each month as mortgage deals come up for renewal. People working from home are trying hard to manage without the heating.

Some have found decent looking salary rises swallowed up, or more, by rising costs; many, especially in the public and third sectors, have already been finding their earnings declining in real terms for years.

One upshot is that financial worries are liable to add to what is often already experienced as a stressful occupation. The recent increased attention being paid to wellbeing issues has in any event been overdue, and those who now offer support can expect their facilities to be put to the test in the coming months. Any practice managers who are not yet taking such issues seriously – and on the survey responses they are out there – really need to stop and think again about what their staff might be going through.

As respects the money side, clearly for many businesses and organisations there will be no ready solutions. However a little creative thinking may provide some means of at least blunting the impact of rising costs: our November employment briefing, for example, carried some suggestions. 

At times like this, it is when people feel supported that they are likely to respond positively and continue to give of their best. It seems to me that the Scottish profession does indeed retain a considerable collegiate spirit: like charity, it is something that should begin at home, with renewed efforts to encourage team bonding and mutual support within our own workplaces, whatever the type of organisation.

So we enter the festive period, when outlays typically multiply even without an economic crisis. Perhaps the best Christmas gift this year – and one that can last – is to demonstrate that supportive commitment to our colleagues as well as to those in need. I wish each of you the best of the season.