As a sole practitioner barrister who works from home, I was interested in your article about the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) 'firing sole practitioners' (see [2006] Gazette, 9 February, 1).

I too have received a letter confirming that, as from April, the CPS may not be able to use me any further, despite the fact that I am recognised by the Bar Council as a chambers and that my practice is split 60/40 between prosecution and defence. It appears I am an employee of the CPS and did not know this - interesting.


Does that mean I have been unfairly dismissed as an employee? What about all my rights as a CPS employee to annual paid leave, pension and paid sick leave that I have missed out on? Over the years, that is going to be quite a sum.


Can I claim back all my expenditure on professional fees for practising certificates, insurance, stationary, pension, law books and periodicals? Is there to be a class action for unfair dismissal or will common sense prevail?


Don Green, Cleveleys, Lancashire