Striking solicitors fuel protest over criminal contracting

A 24-hour strike by duty solicitors next week is spreading across the country, as discontent over criminal contracting gathers pace.

Solicitors in King's Lynn, Worthing, Haywards Heath and Eastbourne have joined those in Brighton who voted for industrial action last week, while those in Birkenhead and Chester are also thought to be among those joining in.

The solicitors will refuse any new cases referred through duty solicitor schemes for 24 hours from 9am on 14 November.

Alan Connolly of Starling & Bartlam in King's Lynn told the Gazette that for the action to be truly effective, criminal solicitors across the country need to act together.

The action is aimed at securing a three-month consultation period after payment rates under the contract are finally published.

Neil Rose