Barristers in England and Wales vote for strike action

Barristers in England and Wales have voted to go on an indefinite strike from next month.

The walkout by members of the Criminal Bar Association (CBA) will begin on 5 September.

Until now, members have been striking on alternate weeks in a dispute with the Government over pay, working conditions and legal aid funding.

The strikes are expected to delay thousands of cases, leaving victims and the accused waiting longer for justice.

The CBA is asking for a 25 per cent rise in pay for legal aid work, representing defendants who could not otherwise afford lawyers.

Members have rejected the Government's 15 per cent pay offer, saying it would not kick in immediately or apply to existing cases.

The current strike action means members are already scheduled to strike on 30 August, meaning members' last working day will be on Friday.

Out of 2,273 votes cast, 1,808 members (79.5 per cent) voted to escalate the strike, while 258 were in favour of continuing the current action, and 207 in favour of stopping all action.