Law firms from around the UK are lobbying in a last ditch attempt to save the legal industry by warning Prime Minister David Cameron that 100,000 jobs are set to fall as a result of the civil justice reforms.
The ‘Save the Legal Industry’ campaign is looking to drum up support against the wholesale changes which has already seen law firms having to lay off staff or close their doors to business, in the run up to the 1st of April implementation date.
This only stands to get worse if plans to increase the small claims limit from £1,000 to £5,000 and that is why some of the leading named firms within the industry have set up and agreed to support the petition which highlights these concerns.
What the campaign needs to invoke an intervention from the government is 10,000 names to be signed on the petition, which is to be delivered next Thursday to the Prime Minister at Number 10 Downing Street.
If this is achieved then the government is obliged to respond to the petition as 10,000 is the number that triggers a consideration of parliamentary debate.
Martin Coyne, who is the Managing Partner of Manchester based firm Ralli, has headed up the petition. He said: “The ultimate aim of the reforms, according to the government is to reduce car insurance premiums. But the likes of Direct Line have already admitted that they will make no difference. What’s left is an attack on the economy at a time when the country can afford it least.”
“Where do David Cameron and Chris Grayling think this many people will be able to find new jobs? In pandering to the wishes of the insurance lobby, this government will imperil many families and only end up increasing the welfare bill.”
To help the legal industry, and in many ways the genuine personal injury victim’s access to justice, you can sign the petition here.
Image source(s)
1. Pexels; energepic.com; https://www.pexels.com/photo/business-signing-writing-writer-24193/