Solicitors who are on call at night put their health at risk

Criminal law solicitors who are 'on call' at night risk damaging their health, leaving their employers open to legal action, it was suggested this week.

Andrew Bishop, a partner at Brighton-based Bishop & Light, spoke out after research by Surrey University, which found that working irregular hours can lead to symptoms ranging from decreased mental alertness to reduced life expectancy.

The study focused on shift workers, but Mr Bishop said criminal lawyers are at an even bigger disadvantage because they often see clients during the night and then go on to do a full day's work in court or at the office.

'The concern as an employer is that we may be open to litigation from employees if they become ill as a result of these working practices,' Mr Bishop said.Paula Rohan