Government at odds with voters over refugee policy change
Today's Family Lawyer reports Law Society polling showing a clear majority of people in the UK reject the rationale underpinning the government's Nationality and Borders Bill which singles out those who have to take a clandestine route to safety.
Law Society president I. Stephanie Boyce said: "We're really concerned that if Lords amendments are rejected by the Commons the Nationality and Borders Bill may not comply with international law or uphold access to justice for refugees. More than two thirds of people (65%) said refugees who have to take clandestine routes to reach safety in the UK should have the same rights as refugees who are brought here by the government (just 33% said they should have fewer rights).
"When parliament votes on the Bill on 22 March MPs should follow the will of the people and support the Lords' amendment. Punishing refugees who arrive in the UK without prior permission would also almost certainly put the UK in breach of the United Nations (UN) Refugee Convention, which the UK helped form."
Changing demographics of the profession
The Gazette reports the findings from our Annual Statistics Report 2020, which found the profession is majority female and the proportion of people from a minority ethnic background exceeds that of the general population in most of the country. However the statistics indicate that the more senior and higher paying ranks of the profession remain a disproportionately white male preserve.
The SRA will encourage large law firms to start reporting their ethnicity pay gap alongside their gender pay gap. Legal Futures picks up the story.
Low pay for trainee solicitors
The Gazette and Legal Cheek report research showing one in five trainee solicitors in London are being paid less than the Law Society's recommended minimum salary. This rate is due to be updated in the summer.
Read our recommendations for training contract salaries
Russia's invasion of Ukraine
Legal Futures reports our response to Russia's invasions of Ukraine.
"We condemn the actions of the Russian Federation, which are in contravention of international law. There is no doubt that these actions are a direct threat to the rule of law," said Law Society president I. Stephanie Boyce.
Commercial News Media discusses sanctions on Russia, noting 'important and proportionate' guidance on UK sanctions from the Law Society, which you can read here.
P&O sackings
Paul Singh, a member of our employment law committee, was on Times Radio discussing the next steps for the 800 crew members at P&O Ferries who are now jobless.
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