A LONG running barristers strike, that caused months of disruption at Worcester's highest court, is over.
Criminal barristers in England and Wales have voted to accept a pay offer from the government, ending their strike action.
The Criminal Bar Association (CBA) ballot saw 57 per cent of members who took part vote in favour of the deal.
Barristers who had been absent in various cases will be back in court from Tuesday, (October 11).
Justice Secretary Brandon Lewis said he is “glad that barristers have now agreed to return to work” and described the development as a “breakthrough”.
But the CBA warned the criminal justice system still “sits on a cliff edge” and threatened to walk out again if the government does not stick to its pledge.
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The strike action over fees and conditions intensified into a continuous walkout in recent weeks.
We have reported on various Worcester Crown Court cases, including trials and pre-trial preparation hearings, that were forced to be rescheduled due to the strike action.
Many hearings went ahead but often it became apparent early on the barrister who had been set to represent the defendant was not present, forcing the judge to have to adjourn.
Worcester judge mentions strike action ending in court
The first mention of the end of the legal action at Worcester Crown Court came in Court 1 on Monday morning, (October 10), as Judge Martin Jackson mentioned it to defendants who appeared unrepresented.
Explaining the situation, in one hearing the judge told a defendant who had no legal representation: "People like yourself have often been appearing unrepresented, after having a solicitor at the magistrates court.
"That strike action is going to be coming to an end today."
The Ministry of Justice says the agreed fee increase will apply to the “vast majority of cases currently in the crown court” as well as provide a pay rise for solicitors, with further measures due to be announced.
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