Slow pace of criminal legal aid reform
The Gazette reports on this week's gathering of the all-party parliamentary group on legal aid. Justice minister James Cartlidge told the meeting: "We cannot go any faster. I appreciate that it is frustrating but public law principles limit what we can do in that regard. Legal challenges would delay things worst of all."
Meanwhile, Law Society president I. Stephanie Boyce pointed out that the independent criminal legal aid review conducted by Sir Christopher Bellamy QC painted "a dismal picture" – but rapidly implementing his recommendations could make a significant difference".
Gender pay gap
Our gender pay gap report for 2021 is covered by City AM, Law360 and Today's Conveyancer.
"Around 61% of our workforce is female, with women continuing to be well represented across all pay quartiles," said a Law Society of England and Wales spokesperson.
"There is, however, still work to be done to ensure the gender balance in the upper middle and top quartiles better reflects the gender split in the rest of the group."
Dilemmas for employers post-Covid restrictions
Max Winthrop, a member of our employment law committee, was on Times Radio discussing some of the challenges brought by the end of Covid restrictions as trailed by Boris Johnson.
Also worth a read:
- Suella Braverman's take on the rule of law – Independent
- Under-pressure Met chief is out – BBC
- Black QC urges ditching of wigs – Times (£)