Solicitors’ jobs plea over legal-aid cuts

GOVERNMENT plans to cut legal aid could result in Oldham firms being forced to close.

Oldham Law Association vice-president Naila Akhter went to London this week for a meeting with the Lord Chancellor to voice the anger and frustration of local solicitors.

The leading criminal lawyer - a partner with Union Street-based Platt Halpern - said: “It is hard to see how most criminal lawyers will be able to survive.

“Dozens of dedicated lawyers turn out to the police station day or night, but will be stopped from doing this work in favour of the lowest bidder.”

Ms Akhter added: “The public should be angry about these proposals. If the Government dismantles the current system it is hard to see how it will ever be rebuilt.”

The controversial move will require lawyers to bid for contracts to deliver the service. The government believes the move could save up to £220 million a year.

Ms Akhter added: “If the Government gets its way, people will be forced to use the lawyer offering the lowest price, rather than one used and trusted for many years. This is a massive blow to access to justice for ordinary people.”

Barristers and solicitors from across the country were due to gather outside the Houses of Parliament today in protest against the proposed changes