BARRISTERS went on strike yesterday seeking a 25 per cent hike in fees — as doctors threatened a walkout unless they get a 30 per cent rise.
Crown courts in England and Wales all but ground to halt as wigged lawyers protested about the terms of a proposed 15 per cent rise in their fees — insisting on 25 per cent.
Some gathered outside the Old Bailey while a barrister got emotional hearing speeches outside Manchester crown court.
Justice Secretary Dominic Raab said their planned 14 days of strikes will “delay justice”
Courts are already facing a backlog of 58,000 cases.
Doctors claim a 30 per cent pay hike would reverse real-term pay cuts suffered since 2008.
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Their union, the British Medical Association, yesterday passed a motion seeking “pay restoration” within five years.
Meanwhile, Post Office workers are to stage a fresh one-day strike over pay — hitting larger branches on July 11.
It follows last week’s rail strikes, which closed down much of the network on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
